Birla Mandir (Birla Temple) Refers To Different: Hindu Mandirs Birla Family

Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir (Birla Temple) refers to different Hindu temples or Mandirs built by the Birla

family, in different cities. All these temples are magnificently built, some of them in white
marble or in sandstone. The temples are generally located in a prominent location, carefully
designed to accommodate a large number of visitors. The worship and discourses are well
organized. The first one was built in 1939 in Delhi collectively by Ghanshyamdas Birla and his
brothers, as well his father. Later temples have been built by, and are managed by different
branches of the family.
History and Design[edit]

The Birla temples in Delhi and Bhopal were intended to fill a void. Delhi, even though it was the
capital of India, did not have any notable temples. During the Mughal period, temples with
shikharas were prohibited until the late Mughal period. The Delhi temple, located at a prominent
spot[1] was designed to be lofty and spacious, suitable for congregational worship or discourses.
Although built using modern technology, it confirmed with the Nagar style. The Delhi, Banaras
and the Bhopal temple use a modern style.
The later temples are built of marble or sandstone and are constructed in the classical
(Chandela or Chaulukya) style of 10-12th century. The Saraswati temple, in the BITS Pilani
campus is one of the very few Sarasvati temples built in modern times (see Sharda Temple,
Maihar). It is said to be a replica of the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple temple of Khajuraho;
however it is built of white marble and adorned with not only images of gods, but also
philosophers and scientists.[2] The Gwalior Sun temple is a replica of the famous Sun Temple
of Konark,[3] as it would have appeared before the collapse of the main tower. Anne Hardgrove
states:
A national chain of the "Birla temples," temples of grandiose scale and design, have
become major landmarks and part of the cityscapes of Indian urban life in the late
twentieth century. The Birla temples exist in conjunction with other large industrial and
philanthropic ventures of the wealthy Birla family, including major institutions of
technology, medicine, and education. Birla temples have redefined religion to conform to
modern ideals of philanthropy and humanitarianism, combining the worship of a deity
with a public institution that contributes to civil society. The architectural forms of the
two newest Birla temples (Jaipur and Kolkata) incorporate innovative, dual-purpose
structures into the temple design that alter temple practices to reflect the concerns of
modern public culture in a religious site
Charminar
The Charminar (four minarates), constructed in 1591, is a monument and mosque located
in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The landmark has become known globally as a symbol of
Hyderabad and is listed among the most recognized structures in India. The Charminar's long
history includes the existence of a mosque on its top floor for more than 400 years. While both
historically and religiously significant, it is also known for the popular and busy local markets
surrounding the structure, and has become one of the most frequented tourist attractions in
Hyderabad. Charminar is also a site of numerous festival celebrations, such as Eid-ul-adha and
Eid-ul-fitr.[3]
The Charminar is situated on the east bank of Musi river.[4] To the west lies the Laad Bazaar, and
to the southwest lies the richly ornamented granite Makkah Masjid.[5] It is listed as an
archaeological and architectural treasure on the official "List of Monuments" prepared by
the Archaeological Survey of India.[6] The English name is a translation and combination of
the Urdu words chār and minar or meenar, translating to "Four Pillars"; the eponymous towers
are ornate minarets attached and supported by four grand arches
History
The fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, built the Charminar in
1591 after shifting his capital from Golkondato the newly formed city of Hyderabad.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the current caretaker of the structure, mentions in its
records, "There are various theories regarding the purpose for which Charminar was constructed.
However, it is widely accepted that Charminar was built at the center of the city, to
commemorate the eradication of Cholera", a deadly disease which was wide spread at that time.
[7]
Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah had prayed for the end of the plague that was ravaging his city
and vowed to build a Mosque at the very place where he prayed.[8] According to Jean de
Thévenot, a French traveller of the 17th century whose narration was complemented with the
available Persian texts, the Charminar was constructed in the year 1591 CE, to commemorate the
beginning of the second Islamic millennium year (1000 AH). The event was celebrated far and
wide in the Islamic world, thus Qutb Shah founded the city of Hyderabad to celebrate the event
and commemorate it with the construction of this building.[9][10]:17–19Due to its architecture it is
also called as Arc de Triomphe of the east.[11]
The Charminar was constructed at the intersection of the historical trade route that connects the
markets of Golkonda with the port city of Machilipatnam.[12]:195 The Old City of Hyderabad was
designed with Charminar as its centerpiece.[13] The city was spread around the Charminar in four
different quadrants and chambers, segregated according to the established settlements. Towards
the north of Charminar is the Char Kaman, or four gateways, constructed in the cardinal
direction.[9][12][14][15]:170 Additional eminent architects from Persia were also invited to develop the
city plan. The structure itself was intended to serve as a Mosque and Madarsa. It is of Indo-
Islamic architecture style, incorporating Persian architectural elements.
Historian Masud Hussain Khan says that the construction of Charminar was completed in the
year 1592, and that it is the city of Hyderabad which was actually founded in the year 1591.
[16]:4
According to the book "Days of the Beloved", Qutb shah constructed the Charminar in the
year 1589, on the very spot where he first glimpsed his future queen Bhagmati, and after her
conversion to Islam, Qutb Shah renamed the city as "Hyderabad". Though the story was rejected
by the historians and scholars, it became popular folklore among the locals
Golkonda
Golkonda, also known as Golconda, Gol konda ("Round shaped hill"), or Golla konda,
(meaning Shepherd's Hill in the regional language Telugu) is a citadel and fort in Southern India
and was the capital of the medieval sultanate of the Qutb Shahi dynasty(c.1512–1687), is situated
11 km (6.8 mi) west of Hyderabad. It is also a tehsil of Hyderabad district, Telangana, India. The
region is known for the diamond trade that has produced some of the world's most famous gems,
including the Koh-i-Noor, the Hope Diamond, Nassak Diamond and the Noor-ul-Ain.
History[edit]
Ruins of the Fort
Golkonda was originally known as Mankal.[1] Golkonda Fort was first built by the Kakatiyas as
part of their western defenses along the lines of the Kondapalli Fort. The city and the fortress
were built on a granite hill that is 120 meters (390 ft) high, surrounded by massive battlements.
The fort was rebuilt and strengthened by Rani Rudrama Devi and her successor Prataparudra.[2]
[3]
Later, the fort came under the control of the Musunuri Nayaks, who defeated
the Tughlaqi army occupying Warangal.[4] It was ceded by the Musunuri Kapaya Bhupathito
the Bahmani Sultanate as part of a treaty in 1364.[5][6]
Under the Bahmani Sultanate, Golkonda slowly rose to prominence. Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-
Mulk (r. 1487–1543), sent as a governor of Telangana, established it as the seat of his
government around 1501. Bahmani rule gradually weakened during this period, and Sultan Quli
formally became independent in 1538, establishing the Qutb Shahi dynasty based in Golkonda.[7]
[8]
Over a period of 62 years, the mud fort was expanded by the first three Qutb Shahi sultans into
the present structure, a massive fortification of granite extending around 5 km (3.1 mi)
in circumference. It remained the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty until 1590 when the capital
was shifted to Hyderabad. The Qutb Shahis expanded the fort, whose 7 km (4.3 mi) outer wall
enclosed the city.
The fort finally fell into ruin in 1687, after an eight-month-long siege led to its fall at the hands
of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb
Nehru Zoological Park
Nehru Zoological Park (also known as Hyderabad Zoo or Zoo Park) is a zoo located near Mir
Alam Tank in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It is one of the most visited destinations in
Hyderabad.[2] Zoo hours vary by season, and the zoo is closed on Mondays
History[edit]
Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad was established in vide G.O.Ms. No.247, dated 26 October
1959 and opened to the public on 6 October 1963. The Park is run by forest
department, Government of Telangana, and is named after the first Prime Minister of
India, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Animals and exhibits[edit]

The zoo occupies 380 acres (150 ha) and is adjacent to the 600-acre (240 ha) Mir Alam Tank.
Nearly 100 species of birds, animals and reptiles are housed at the zoo, including indigenous
animals like the Indian rhino, Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, panther, gaur, Indian elephant, slender
loris, python, as well as deer, antelopes and birds. The 600-acre (240 ha) Mir Alam Tank with its
unique multiple arched bund (embankment), attracts hundreds of migratory birds, providing yet
another attraction for the zoo.[3]
The nocturnal house at the zoo artificially reverses night and day for the animals so that
nocturnal animals are active while visitors are at the zoo. This exhibit
includes chimpanzee, giraffe,[4] fruit bats, slender loris, slow loris, civets, leopard
cats, hedgehogs, barn owls, mottled wood owls, fishing owls, and great horned owls.[5] There is
also an aquarium, dino park, butterfly park and tortoise house.
Hussain Sagar
Hussain Sagar is a necklace-shaped lake in Hyderabad built by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, and
named after Hussain Shah Wali. It is spread across an area of 5.7 square kilometers and is fed
by River Musi. A large monolithic statue of the Gautama Buddha, erected in 1992, stands on
Gibraltar Rock in the middle of the lake. It also separates Hyderabad from its twin
city Secunderabad.[1] The maximum depth of the lake is 32 feet.
History
Hussain Sagar was built across a tributary of the river Musi river in 1563 by n,t,r. The lake was
named after ajink
, who helped to design it. It is an artificial lake that holds water perennially fed by canals from
Musi river. Hussain Sagar was the main source of water supply to Hyderabad before Himayat
Sagar and Osman Sagar were built on river Musi. And then the great buddha
'Heart Of The World' Recognition by UNWTO[edit]

Hussain Sagar, a heritage site of India was declared as the 'Heart of the World' by UNWTO on
27 September 2012, on the occasion of World Tourism Day, for being the World's Largest Heart
Shaped Mark, the World's Heritage Heart shaped Mark, and the World's Wonderful Heart
Shaped Mark on the face of the earth among the heart shaped marks formed by the heart shaped
lakes and islands that exist in the world. Logo for the 'Heart of the World' was inaugurated by
H.E. Mr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, United Nations World Tourism Organisation
(UNWTO), Madrid-Spain, in the year 2013.[2]
World's Largest Heart Shaped Mark: Hussain sagar lake is the largest heart shaped mark
among the marks formed by 78 heart shaped lakes and 9 heart shaped islands on the face of the
earth
Thousand Pillar Temple
The Thousand Pillar Temple or Rudreshwara Swamy Temple[1] is a
historic Hindu temple located in the town of Hanamakonda, Telangana State, India.[2] It is
dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya.
Thousand Pillar Temple, along with Warangal Fort, Kakatiya Kala Thoranam and Ramappa
Temple are added to the tentative list of World Heritage sites recognised by UNESCO
History[edit]
Many Hindu temples were developed under the patronage of Ganapati Deva, Rudrama
Devi and Prataparudra who were of Kakatiya dynasty. The Thousand Pillar Temple was believed
to be constructed during the period between 1175–1324 CE by order of the king, Rudra Deva. It
stands out to be a masterpiece and achieved major heights in terms of architectural skills by the
ancient Kakatiya Vishwakarma Sthapathis.[4]
It was desecrated by the Tughlaq dynasty during their invasion of the Deccan. On the other hand,
the Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan donated a grant of 1 Lakh INR towards this
temple
Architecture[edit]
The Thousand Pillar Temple with its ruins lies near the Hanamkonda-Warangal Highway in
Telangana State, about 150 kilometres (93 mi) from the city of Hyderabad.
Rudreswara Temple locally known as Veyisthambala Gudi (Thousand pillars temple) is one of
the fine and earliest available examples of Kakatiya art, architecture and sculpture. It was built
by Rudra Deva, and named after him as ‘Sri Rudreswara Swamy temple with the presiding deity
as Rudreswara, in 1163 AD in the style of later Chalukyan and early Kakatiyan Architecture,
star-shaped and triple shrined (Trikutalaya). The temple is a fine specimen of architecture and
sculpture with One thousand pillars. There are richly carved pillars, perforated screens, exquisite
icons; rock cut elephants and the monolithic dolerite Nandi as components of the temple.
Strengthening of foundations like sandbox technique, the skill of Kakatiya sculptors is manifest
in adroit craftsmanship and flawless ivory carving technique in their art. The ingenuity of
Kakatiya sculptors is visible in likes of lathe turned, and shiny polish in dolerite and granite
stone sculpture and craft work of Nava Rangamandapa

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Birla Mandir

Birla Mandir (Birla Temple) refers to different Hindu temples or Mandirs built by the Birla

History and Design[edit]

Animals and exhibits[edit]

'Heart Of The World' Recognition by UNWTO[edit]

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