Birla Mandir and Moti Doongri
Birla Mandir, the white-marble Lakshmi Narayan temple, and the Moti Doongri Ganesh temple beside it: two of the closest sights to our home, best at dusk.
Some pictures are illustrations. The real places may look a little different.
Why go
- From us
- About 4 km
- Time needed
- 45–60 minutes for both
- Best time
- Dusk
- Entry
- Free
Calm in white marble
The Birla family built the Lakshmi Narayan temple in white marble and finished it in 1988. Scenes from Hindu stories glow in its stained glass, and verses from the Gita and the Upanishads are carved into the stone. At dusk, when the marble holds the last light, it is one of the most peaceful places in the city.
Moti Doongri Ganesh
At the foot of the same hill is the Moti Doongri Ganesh temple, built in 1761 and dear to the whole city. Wednesday is Ganesh's day, and the temple is busiest then. Come for the evening aarti to see it at its liveliest.
What to see
Lakshmi Narayan temple
White marble, stained-glass stories and carved scripture, with Moti Doongri fort on the hill behind.
Moti Doongri Ganesh temple
A much-loved Ganesh temple from 1761, busiest on Wednesdays.
Plan your visit
- Entry
Free
- Darshan times
Morning and evening sessions
Times change through the day and on festivals. Ask us for today's.
- Dress
Shoulders and knees covered
Shoes off before you enter.
- Getting there
About 4 km from us
Checked on 2 November 2026. Hours, prices and rules change, so check before you set out, or ask us on the morning.
Sources
Tips from the family
- Remove shoes before entering
- Follow the signs and temple staff on photographs inside
