Growing Excitement Among People to Visit Birla Temple
Since its inauguration, there has been an increasing eagerness among people to visit Birla Temple, and this excitement continues to grow daily. The temple was inaugurated on May 3, 2023, and since then, not only locals from Goa but also tourists have been visiting in unprecedented numbers. Interestingly, the temple attracts visitors from various religions, not just Hindus.
Best Time to Visit Birla Temple is at Night
Birla Temple is breathtakingly beautiful at night. Therefore, we decided to visit it in the evening instead of during the day. Although we couldn’t visit the temple immediately after its opening, we planned our visit during the December holidays. One evening, as planned, we set out to see Birla Temple.
Location, Visiting Hours, and Route to Birla Temple
Birla Temple is located in Vasco, within the BITS Pilani College campus. It is approximately 25 kilometers from Panaji, and tourists can take a taxi from there. Additionally, the Dabolim airport is nearby. This beautiful temple in Goa opens at 6 AM and closes at noon, then reopens from 3 PM to 10 PM.
Magnificent Marble Architecture
We reached the temple around 7 PM. The number of cars parked along the road hinted at the crowd inside. The view of the entire temple and its surroundings from the road was captivating. After parking our car, we entered the temple. The archway at the entrance gives a glimpse of the temple’s inner beauty, adorned with intricate carvings that enhance the overall splendor. After climbing a few steps, there are exquisite statues of Shri Basant Kumar Birla and Smt. Saraladevi Birla on both sides. The entire temple, including the statues, the entrance arch, and the surroundings, is made of marble. From the entrance arch to the temple, it is a stunning example of modern architecture.
Birla Temple Primarily Dedicated to Radha Krishna
Although mainly dedicated to Radha Krishna, Birla Temple also houses idols of Ganapati, Nandi with Shiva Parvati, Hanuman with Ram, Lakshman, Sita, and a separate idol of Hanuman. The pillars and ceilings inside are beautifully decorated, with intricate carvings of lotuses on the ceiling and motifs of lotuses, peacocks, elephants, and more throughout the temple. The idols and their adornments are particularly impressive and different from those typically seen in other temples.
Grand Hall with Beautifully Carved Pillars and Ceilings
Upon entering the temple, we joined the queue for Radha Krishna’s darshan. While waiting, we admired the surroundings. Many visitors were busy taking photos of the temple and themselves. When our turn came, we had a fulfilling darshan of Krishna, received prasad, and then visited the other deities. Perhaps because it was our first visit, my attempt to sit in the grand hall and connect spiritually was unsuccessful, as my eyes kept wandering to the temple’s stunning architecture and beautiful idols.
Neat and Picturesque Surroundings
After spending some time inside, we circled the temple, enjoying the beautifully landscaped surroundings. Melodious devotional music filled the air, creating a serene and devotional atmosphere. Visitors enjoyed humming along as they sat or circumambulated the temple. As we entered, the melodious “Madhurashtakam” played, followed by my favorite “Suryagayatri” and the enchanting “Hare Krishna” mantra by Kuldeep Pai’s choir, adding to the experience. We left with a heart full of the temple’s wondrous beauty.
A Must-Visit Place in Goa
At Birla Temple, all you need to bring is your devotion, as offerings like flowers, incense, or money are not accepted. This personal temple of the Birlas is free from the usual hustle and bustle of offerings, providing a peaceful atmosphere for worship. Even if you are not spiritually inclined, the temple’s stunning architecture, clean surroundings, beautiful gardens, and dancing fountains at the back make it a must-visit site.
Birla Temple in Goa is an excellent place to visit, offering a serene and blissful experience.
