HINDU STAINED GLASS STORIES - Windows of Birla Mandir, Jaipur

Birla Mandir temple, Jaipur. Constructed of white marble with 3 domes representing Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism

One of the highlights of my recent travels in India to immerse in the culture and design and thus bringing inspiration to my work was a visit to the Hindu stained-glass windows at Birla Mandir temple in Jaipur.  The temple is just a few kilometres outside the pink city of Jaipur, officially known as the Lakshminaravan Temple and is dedicated to God Vishnu (Narayan) and Goddess Lakshmi. It sits at the foot of Moti Dungri Fort on land that was gifted to the affluent Birla family by the Maharaja for the token sum of just one rupee and forms one of many temples built by the famous family. 

Outside main entrance to Birla Mandir

Tour group in front of statue of Vishnu with Moth Dungri Fort in the background

Explaining how stained-glass windows are made to my friend Julia

It's not an old temple with construction starting in 1977 and completing 11 years later but its unique architecture and details make it extremely beautiful.  It is constructed entirely of white marble from Rajasthan’s quarries, standing 75 feet tall with three towering domes symbolising the three main religions of India; Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The temple embraces religious diversity and wisdom in its inclusive design; inside beautiful stained-glass windows narrate tales from Hindu scriptures, transforming the interior as the light changes. While outside you’ll find carvings of global philosophers and faiths like Socrates, Jesus, Buddha, and Confucius.

Whilst the temple was built by the B.M. Birla Foundation I can find no record of who designed and made the stunning windows. The exact makers of those stained-glass windows will remain a mystery, but their effect was unforgettable for me and has led me to learn more about the scriptures they depict. On the long coach ride from Jaipur back to Delhi, my friend and guide, Akassh, from Convivial Trips, taught me some of the wonderful Hindu stories behind the stained-glass windows and I continued to research on my return, checking back with Akassh for accuracy. There are many slight variations in the stories and many are passed through families verbally. Here is an insight into the meaning of these colourful, beautiful windows.

Durga, warrior goddess and primeval mother

This window shows Durga, the fierce warrior goddess of power, strength, and protection. She is the supreme guardian of the universe. Revered as Prakriti, the primeval mother, she is the mother of the gods Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. Durga embodies Shakti, the divine feminine energy, and stands as the eternal symbol of good triumphing over evil.

She is often portrayed with many arms, each holding a weapon that represents the combined power of the gods. Her mount, a lion or sometimes a tiger, underscores her courage, strength, and fearlessness. Together, these images capture her role as the invincible force that protects the world and restores balance.

Ma Ganga, The Ganga river goddess

Here we have Ma Ganga, the goddess who personifies the sacred river Ganges, the lifeblood of India’s heartland. According to legend, she descended from heaven to purify the ashes of King Bhagiratha’s ancestors. But her force was so powerful that it threatened to destroy earth so Shiva intervened, catching her in his matted hair then releasing her gently, allowing her waters to flow down from the Himalayas. The window shows the river streaming from Shiva’s hair, a reminder of her divine origin.

Across India, the Ganges is revered as holy; her waters are believed to wash away the sins of mankind and carry the ashes of the dead toward liberation. The goddess herself is often depicted riding a crocodile, symbolizing the life-giving and untamed nature of the river.

Little Krishna being scolded by his mother while the gods look on in amusement.

This window tells the beloved tale of mischievous young Krishna, famous for stealing butter with his friends from the homes of villagers and neighbours. One day, his mother Yashoda caught him with butter on his lips.  Here you see her scolding him, while in the background other gods including Lord Vishnu and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, look on with delight at this divine childhood play of Krishna, who is himself an incarnation of Vishnu.

In one story Yashoda tried to tie Krishna to a heavy mortar to keep him from running about causing mischief. Yet every rope she used turned out too short. At last, out of love for his mother, Krishna allowed himself to be bound. This sweet lesson shows that even God can be bound, not by ropes, but by the power of pure love.  This window is to remind the viewer of the innocence of childhood, the sweetness of devotion, and the strength of unconditional love.

Maharishi Valmiki recording the great epic, the Ramayana

Maharishi Valmiki is shown here recording the great epic, the Ramayana.

The Valmiki Ramayana is one of India’s most ancient and treasured epics, celebrated not only as a literary masterpiece but also for the human values it upholds. According to the Hindu tradition, Maharishi Valmiki was able to predict and write the epic Ramayana before the events fully unfolded through a divine vision granted by Lord Brahma. His composition was not based on his personal observation of Rama, but on a divine boon that enabled him to perceive all past, present, and future events related to Rama's life.

Krishna dancing on the head of the evil serpent Kaliya to force him into submission.

This window portrays the joyous celebration of the villagers of Vrindavan, after Krishna defeats the venomous, multi-headed serpent Kaliya, who had long terrorised the people of the village by poisoning the waters of the Yamuna River.

In the story of Kaliya Daman, Krishna dances onto the serpent’s heads, each step growing heavier until he carries the weight of the entire universe. Overwhelmed, Kaliya surrenders, and Krishna spares his life, banishing him from the Yamuna rather than killing him outright.

The story symbolises the victory of good over evil, the cleansing of the world, and the boundless mercy of Krishna, who tempers his power with compassion.

Hanuman the Hindu half man, half monkey deity being blessed by Lord Vishnu.

This window depicts Lord Vishnu meeting and blessing Hanuman, the great devotee known for his unwavering service to Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu himself. Hanuman was given extraordinary powers by many gods, including Vishnu indirectly through his tireless service to Rama.  Hanuman became a symbol of strength, loyalty, and humility. His love for Rama is considered the highest expression of bhakti, pure spiritual devotion, which Lord Vishnu honours and upholds.

The scene captures not just a blessing, but the divine recognition of a devotion so complete that it transcends all power, embodying the very heart of faith.

Young Prahlada being blessed by Vishnu who rides his celestial mount, Garuda.

This window shows Prahlada, the son of the powerful demon king Hiranyakashipu being blessed by Vishnu. Prahlada was a devout worshipper or Vishnu which greatly angered his father who believed he was the divine and his son and all others should worship him. In his anger, Hiranyakashipu plotted again and again to kill his son. Prahlada was thrown from a cliff, trampled by an elephant, and surrounded by venomous snakes, yet each time, Vishnu protected him.

Despite these trials, Prahlada's devotion to Vishnu never faltered. Vishnu eventually killed Hiranyakashipu and Prahlada, the embodiment of unwavering faith and devotion, went on to rule the kingdom wisely and fairly, signifying the eternal triumph of good over evil. 

In this window, Vishnu is shown riding his celestial mount, Garuda, as he meets and blesses Prahlada.

Queen Meera, devotee of Krishna shown worshiping his statue while Krishna looks on.

Depicted here is Queen Meera or Mirabai, a 16th-century Rajput princess who became a celebrated saint, poet, and devotee of the Krishna (incarnation of Vishnu).   From a young age, Meera developed a profound love for Lord Krishna, treating a statue of him as her own divine husband.

After a childhood devotion to Krishna, she reluctantly married a prince but remained dedicated to her divine husband Krishna.  Her devotion, however, clashed with her in-laws, who disapproved of her public worship and even plotted against her.  After her husband’s death, she renounced palace life and chose the path of a wandering devotee. Living in poverty, she sang and danced in Krishna’s name, composing thousands of devotional poems and songs that continue to inspire to this day.

Today, Meera is remembered as a revered saint, poet, and an early advocate for women's rights, whose life story embodies the power of spiritual love to transcend societal barriers.

Goddess Saraswati shown on a lotus flower and with the symbolic swan alongside.

This window is dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati who is the revered Hindu goddess of wisdom, learning, music, and the arts. She embodies purity, knowledge, and creativity, guiding seekers of truth and inspiration.

She is often depicted seated on a white lotus, dressed in a simple white sari.  In Hinduism, the lotus represents the supreme reality, with the white lotus specifically symbolizing supreme knowledge.  In her hands she usually carries a veena (stringed instrument), a book, a rosary, and sometimes a water pot, each representing different aspects of wisdom, learning, and spiritual pursuit. By her side, a swan or peacock accompanies her, symbolizing discernment, beauty, and grace.

Students, teachers, and artists across India revere Saraswati, praying for clarity of thought, success in studies, and inspiration in creative work. Her festival, Vasant Panchami, is celebrated by offering books, pens, and instruments at her feet, and in many households children begin learning the alphabet that day, seeking her blessings for a lifelong journey of knowledge.

Ganesha and his consorts Riddhi and Siddhi.

This window depicts Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity and one of the most widely worshipped gods in Hinduism. He is known as the remover of obstacles, the giver of wisdom, and the bringer of good fortune. People worship Ganesha at the start of any new work, journey, or ceremony so that he may clear the path of difficulties and bless them with success. His unique form, with a large head, curved trunk, and gentle eyes, symbolizes intelligence, strength, and compassion, making him a protector and guide for all devotees.

Beside him are his two divine consorts: Riddhi and Siddhi. Riddhi represents prosperity, abundance, and material growth, while Siddhi embodies spiritual knowledge, inner strength, and perfection. Together, they reflect the two essential dimensions of life; outer prosperity and inner wisdom. Their presence affirms to devotees that Ganesha blesses not only with wealth and success, but also with clarity and spiritual fulfilment.

When Ganesha is shown standing tall while Riddhi and Siddhi are seated beside him, such as here, the image carries a deep meaning. Ganesha standing upright represents his active energy, always ready to protect, guide, and remove obstacles. Riddhi and Siddhi seated calmly reflect stability, balance, and grace, showing that prosperity and wisdom remain steady in the devotee’s life. This form teaches that when Ganesha takes the lead, both worldly success and spiritual growth naturally stay in harmony, supporting and enriching every aspect of life.

The divine family, 'Shiv Parivar', comprising Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha and Kartikeya

This window portrays Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the divine parents of Ganesha and Kartikeya, a family unit known as the Shiv Parivar. This sacred family symbolises cosmic balance, wisdom, and protection. Shiva represents asceticism and the masculine principle of the divine, while Parvati, his shakti (divine energy), embodies the creative force and feminine power. Their elder son, Ganesha, is the remover of obstacles and the bringer of wisdom, while the younger son, Kartikeya (also called Skanda), is the god of war who ensures peace and righteousness. Together, the family represents harmony between strength and compassion, knowledge and protection, the masculine and the feminine. The Shiv Parivar is revered not only as divine beings but also as a symbol of unity and family devotion.

Often, and as shown here, the family is depicted with Nandi, the sacred bull and loyal devotee of Shiva. Seated calmly before his lord, always facing him, Nandi symbolises strength, patience, and unwavering devotion. People believe whispering prayers into Nandi’s ears will carry their wishes straight to Shiva.

It has been really fantastic to spend time visiting these colourful and vibrant windows and learn the stories they tell. The clean, precise graphic style of the leadwork and the painting gives the scenes a striking clarity that I find particularly compelling. I have learned there are 330 million Hindu Gods with 33 supreme divinities. The windows at the Birla Mandir depict many of the supreme divinities in their many incarnations and avatars. Oh and in case you didnt know (I didn't) Gods are Incarnated, taking on new forms to guide and protec tthe world and humans are reborn through reincarnation.

Just like the stained-glass windows of a church, these works are far more than decoration; they are living narratives; expressions of devotion, wisdom, and the timeless triumph of good over evil. They serve as guides to life itself.