Birla
Mandir
Maharashtra
is home to several temples and shrines. There are many temples in the state
that have exclusive features and beautiful architecture. One such temple is the
Birla Mandir. The Birla Mandir is a beautiful temple located in Shahad about 60
Km from Mumbai. For anyone visiting Mumbai a short trip to the Birla Mandir in
Shahad is a must.
The
temple is dedicated to Vithoba and has been built by the Birla Family on a
small hill. The temple is a popular place for movie shooting.
The
temple is located on the national highway towards Titwala. Tourists can either
take cars, taxis or buses to reach the temple. Local trains also travel to
Shahad. Trains from Mumbai and Kalyan going towards Titwala, Asangao and Kasara
make a stop at Shahad. From the Shahad station visitors can auto rickshaws or shared auto rickshaws are available at cheap
rates .
The
Birla Mandir can be visited at any time of the day and year, however people
usually avoid the summer and monsoon months. The best time to visit the Birla
Mandir is between September and March when the temperature is pleasant and
favorable for visitors to visit the temple.
Architecture
And Surroundings of Birla Mandir Shahad:
The
temple has been designed beautifully and has numerous sculptures on the walls.
In front of the temple is a beautiful garden where kids can play and relax. In
the garden is a mini train which functions in the evening and is a prime
attraction of the temple. The garden is well-maintained and quite clean.
The
structure of the temple is quite beautiful and resembles southern style of
architecture. There are intricate carvings on the pillars and walls of the
temple. Visitors can observe structures of various deities and mythological
characters. The temple is century’s old but is maintained beautifully. There
are a few steps that lead to the temple. The temple hall is huge and can
accommodate many devotees. On both sides of the temple are stairs leading
outside the temple. Either side of the stairs has beautiful artwork carved from
stone. The walls of the temples feature beautiful bells carved on the stone.
The
temple is constructed from stone; the entrance has two huge elephants carved on
either of the walls. The gate is carved beautifully and on top of the gate is
the carving of Lord Garuda. The complex and stairs features white marble
flooring. Along the main stairs on either side are statues of elephants and
lions.
The
temple has idols of Vithoba, Rukmini, Lakshmi, Narayan and Lord Ganesha.
Throughout the walls of the temple visitors can see carved structures of
different gods in the Hindu scriptures. The most prominent idol in the temple
is of Lord Vishnu and his various avatars. The best view of the temple is from
behind the structure from where one can see beautiful carvings and the entire
beauty of the temple. Even the outlet for water from the temple has been carved
intricately and beautifully.
The
Birla Mandir is dedicated to Vithoba. He is believed to be an incarnation of
Lord Vishnu or his form of Lord Krishna. The idol of the deity is shaped in the
form of a young boy built from black stone. Along with the idol of Vithoba is
an idol of Rukmini .The temple celebrates all Hindu festivals with full fervor.
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