Statue of Jugal Kishore Birla at Birla Mandir, Delhi

The towering shikharas of Delhi’s Birla Mandir naturally attract attention. Visitors move towards the sanctum, admire the colourful walls and spend time in the prayer halls. In the garden near the entrance, however, sits a quieter figure.

It is the statue of Jugal Kishore Birla, the industrialist and philanthropist closely associated with the construction of the Laxminarayan Temple, popularly known as Birla Mandir.

The statue is easy to miss, especially when the temple is crowded. Yet it deserves a brief pause, for it remembers the man whose faith, resources and determination helped create one of Delhi’s best-known modern temples.

A Simple Statue in the Garden

The statue shows Jugal Kishore Birla standing with both hands joined in namaste. He wears a turban, a long buttoned coat, loose trousers and traditional footwear. A shawl falls neatly over one shoulder, adding a gentle formality to the figure.

His face is serious and composed. There is no dramatic gesture or attempt to make him look larger than life. The joined hands present him first as a devotee, which feels appropriate within the temple grounds.

The pale statue stands on a dark polished platform, with a small plaque placed near his feet. Trees and lawn form the background, while a simple shelter protects the figure from above.

It is a dignified portrait. The statue does not glorify wealth or industrial success. Instead, it remembers Jugal Kishore Birla through humility, devotion and respect.

Who Was Jugal Kishore Birla?

Born in 1883, Jugal Kishore Birla belonged to the early generation of the Birla industrial family. He was the elder brother of Ghanshyam Das Birla and played an important role in the family’s business activities.

His interests, however, went far beyond industry.

Jugal Kishore Birla supported the construction of temples, dharmashalas and educational institutions in different parts of India. His religious devotion was closely connected with philanthropy. For him, building a temple was not merely about creating a place of worship. It was also a way of serving the community and preserving cultural traditions.

His name is most strongly associated with the Laxminarayan Temple in Delhi.

Building the Laxminarayan Temple

The temple was constructed between 1933 and 1939. It was dedicated primarily to Vishnu as Laxminarayan, along with Lakshmi, and gradually became one of the most prominent temples in the capital.

Jugal Kishore Birla invited Mahatma Gandhi to inaugurate it. Gandhi agreed on the condition that the temple should remain open to people of all castes.

That condition gave the temple a larger social meaning.

At a time when access to many places of worship was still restricted by caste, opening the temple to everyone was an important decision. The building therefore came to represent not only devotion but also a more inclusive approach to public worship.

This part of its history is worth remembering while looking at the statue. Jugal Kishore Birla’s contribution was not limited to funding a large religious structure. He also accepted the responsibility that came with creating a temple for a changing society.

A Different Kind of Memorial

Delhi has many statues of emperors, political leaders, soldiers and freedom fighters. A statue dedicated to a temple patron offers a different story.

Jugal Kishore Birla did not rule a kingdom or command an army. His legacy came through institution building, religious patronage and public service.

The statue also recalls the long Indian tradition of patrons supporting temples. In earlier centuries, kings, queens, merchants, officials and local communities contributed land, money and materials for religious buildings. In the 20th century, industrial families such as the Birlas continued this tradition in a different social and political setting.

The Laxminarayan Temple is modern in date, but the idea behind its patronage is much older.

Visiting Information

Location: Laxminarayan Temple, Mandir Marg, New Delhi
Popular name: Birla Mandir
Entry: Free
Best time to visit: Early morning or evening
Nearest Metro stations: R K Ashram Marg and Shivaji Stadium
Photography: Generally permitted in the garden area, but restricted inside the temple

The statue of Jugal Kishore Birla may not be the most prominent feature of Birla Mandir. It does not demand attention, nor does it dominate the garden.

That restraint is precisely what makes it suitable.

It remembers a man who used wealth to build places of worship, education and public service. More importantly, it stands beside a temple that was opened to all sections of society from the time of its inauguration.

Before leaving Birla Mandir, spend a moment near this seated figure. The statue may be simple, but the story behind it adds another important layer to the temple visit.

Happy travelling.