The renowned Indian industrialist G.D. Birla built the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir or Birla Mandir, as it is popularly called. The Mandir stands on an empty stretch of land southwest of Connaught place. The Birla Mandir is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, popularly known as Narayan and his wife, Goddess Lakshmi. While Vishnu is revered in India as 'Preserver', Lakshmi is considered the 'Goddess of wealth and prosperity'. There are idols of other deities too, notably Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. The temple initially gained popularity due to its association with Mahatma Gandhi. The father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, inaugurated this temple. He himself supervised the working of this temple and opened the gate for people belonging to all the caste and creeds. This was truly a bold step in the then caste ridden India. He had a temporary residence in the inn situated in the premises of the temple. The place saw regular prayer meetings at that time.

Later this temple started celebrating annual Janmashtmi festival that became very popular among Delhites. The festival, celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, became the focus of the temple. Every year Janmashtami is celebrated with great pomp and show at the Birla temple.

A pool and picturesque gardens flank the Birla temple. Although it has lost some of its grandeur because of the encroachment, the structure still looks majestic. The architecture of the temple is loosely based on Hindu temples built in the old Pala style at Bhubaneshwar. The Birla temple has all basic facilities for the visitors. But non-Hindus are not allowed in the main premises. Offerings are available both inside and outside the temple complex. Those who want to perform rituals can do so with the help of the priest of the temple. The daily aarti is performed in the evening, which is worth attending, but is very crowded.