Are you looking for a spiritual getaway in the city of Secunderabad? Do you want to experience the bliss and grace of Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati? If yes, then you must visit the Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, one of the most popular and ancient temples in Secunderabad. This temple is dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya, also known as Skanda, Kartikeya, or Murugan, who is the god of war, wisdom, and youth. The temple is located on a hilltop called Skandagiri, which offers a panoramic view of the city.
The temple is also known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant festivals. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, such as its timings, sevas, festivals, how to reach, tips for visitors, and nearby attractions.
Read on to discover why this temple is a must-visit for Lord Murugan devotees and anyone who loves culture and heritage.
History and Architecture of the Temple
The Subrahmanya Swamy Temple was built in the year 1778 by a devotee named Mallikarjuna Sharma, who was inspired by a dream in which Lord Subrahmanya instructed him to construct a temple on the hill. The temple was later renovated and expanded by the Nizam of Hyderabad, who was impressed by the devotion of the people.
The temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture, with a towering gopuram (gateway tower) at the entrance, a spacious prakaram (courtyard) around the sanctum, and a mandapam (hall) for the devotees. The sanctum houses the idol of Lord Subrahmanya, along with his consorts Valli and Devasena, and his vehicle, the peacock. The idol is made of black stone and is adorned with jewels and flowers. The temple also has shrines for other deities, such as Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi.
Timings and Sevas of the Temple
The Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on all days of the week. However, the timings may be extended on festival days and during Dhanur masam (the month of Margashirsha, which falls between December and January). The temple also offers various sevas (religious services) for the devotees, such as:
Seva Timings Price
Homam (fire ritual) 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM Rs. 500
Abhishekam (ritual bathing) 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Rs. 100
Kavadi (offering of a decorated pole) 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Rs. 100
Chandi Homam 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Rs. 1000
Archana (recitation of names) 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Rs. 50
Pallaki Seva (palanquin procession) 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Rs. 500
Festivals and Celebrations at the Temple
The Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is famous for its festivals and celebrations, which attract thousands of devotees from all over the country. Some of the major festivals and celebrations are:
Skanda Sashti:
This is the most important festival of the temple, which commemorates the victory of Lord Subrahmanya over the demon Surapadma. The festival is celebrated for six days in the month of Kartika (October-November), and culminates with the Soorasamharam (the slaying of the demon) on the sixth day. The festival is marked by special rituals, pujas, abhishekams, homams, and kavadis. The highlight of the festival is the procession of the deity on a silver chariot around the hill, accompanied by music and dance.
Panguni Uthiram:
This is the festival of the divine marriage of Lord Subrahmanya and his consorts Valli and Devasena. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Panguni (March-April), and is considered to be auspicious for marriages and relationships. The festival is marked by special rituals, pujas, abhishekams, and homams. The highlight of the festival is the Thirukalyanam (the holy wedding) of the deity, followed by the procession of the deity on a golden palanquin around the hill.
Vaikasi Visakam:
This is the festival of the birth anniversary of Lord Subrahmanya. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Vaikasi (May-June), and is considered to be auspicious for children and education. The festival is marked by special rituals, pujas, abhishekams, and homams. The highlight of the festival is the Abhisheka Kumbhabhishekam (the consecration of the temple) of the deity, followed by the procession of the deity on a silver peacock around the hill.
How to Reach the Temple
The Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is easily accessible by various modes of transport, such as:
Bus:
The temple is well-connected by bus services from different parts of the city. The nearest bus stop is the Padmarao Nagar Bus Stop, which is about 1 km away from the temple. The bus routes and numbers that pass by the temple are 1P, 1Y, 1Z, 8A, 8C, etc.
Train:
The temple is also accessible by train services from different parts of the city. The nearest railway station is the Secunderabad Junction, which is about 4 km away from the temple. You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the station to the temple, which will cost you around Rs. 100 to Rs. 150. You can check the train timings and fares on the [Indian Railways website].
Taxi:
You can also hire a taxi from any part of the city to reach the temple. The taxi fare will depend on the distance and traffic, but it will usually range from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500. You can book a taxi online or by phone, using apps or services such as [Ola], [Uber], [Meru], etc.
Auto-rickshaw:
Another option to reach the temple is by auto-rickshaw, which is a three-wheeled vehicle that can accommodate up to three passengers. The auto-rickshaw fare will also depend on the distance and traffic, but it will usually range from Rs. 50 to Rs. 200. You can hail an auto-rickshaw from the roadside or book one online or by phone, using apps or services such as [Ola], [Uber], [Jugnoo], etc.
Tips for Visitors
Here are some useful tips for visitors who want to have a smooth and pleasant visit to the Subrahmanya Swamy Temple:
Dress code:
The temple follows a strict dress code for both men and women. Men should wear dhoti or pyjama with upper cloth or formal pants and shirts. Women should wear saree or half saree with blouse or churidar or salwar kameez with dupatta. Jeans, shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, and other western outfits are not allowed inside the temple.
Photography:
Photography is not allowed inside the temple premises, especially near the sanctum and the shrines. You can take photos outside the temple, but make sure to respect the privacy and sentiments of the devotees and the priests.
Darshan:
Darshan is the act of seeing and being seen by the deity. The temple offers free darshan for all the devotees, but you may have to wait in a long queue, especially on weekends and festival days. You can also opt for special darshan, which costs Rs. 50 per person, and allows you to skip the queue and have a closer view of the deity. You can buy the special darshan tickets at the temple counter or online on the [temple website].
Prasadam:
Prasadam is the sacred food that is offered to the deity and then distributed to the devotees. The temple offers various types of prasadam, such as laddu, pulihora, pongal, etc. You can buy the prasadam at the temple counter or online on the [temple website]. You can also offer your own prasadam to the deity, such as fruits, flowers, coconut, etc., but make sure to follow the temple rules and regulations.
Donation:
Donation is the act of giving money or goods to the temple for its maintenance and development. The temple accepts donations in cash or kind, such as gold, silver, rice, oil, etc. You can donate at the temple counter or online on the [temple website]. You can also sponsor any of the sevas or festivals of the temple, and get the blessings of the deity and the priests.
Facilities and amenities:
The temple provides various facilities and amenities for the convenience of the devotees, such as drinking water, restrooms, cloakroom, shoe stand, etc. You can also find shops and stalls near the temple, selling flowers, garlands, coconuts, puja items, souvenirs, etc. The temple also has a canteen, where you can enjoy delicious vegetarian food at reasonable prices.
Nearby Attractions
The Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is not only a divine destination, but also a gateway to explore the other attractions of Secunderabad, which is a twin city of Hyderabad. Here are some of the nearby attractions that you can visit after or before your temple visit:
Keesaragutta Temple:
This is another ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located about 30 km away from the Subrahmanya Swamy Temple. The temple is situated on a hill, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views. The temple is famous for its Shivalinga, which is said to have been installed by Lord Rama himself. The temple is also known for its rock-cut caves, inscriptions, and sculptures.
Alwal Lake:
This is a serene and beautiful lake, located about 10 km away from the Subrahmanya Swamy Temple. The lake is a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature, with its clear water, greenery, and birds. The lake also has a park, where you can have a picnic, play games, or go for a walk. The lake also has a boating facility, where you can rent a pedal boat or a row boat, and have a fun time on the water.
Birla Mandir:
This is a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, located about 12 km away from the Subrahmanya Swamy Temple. The temple is built on a hill, overlooking the Hussain Sagar Lake. The temple is made of white marble, and has a blend of various architectural styles, such as Rajasthani, South Indian, and Utkala. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings, paintings, and sculptures, depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple also offers a splendid view of the city, especially at night, when it is illuminated with lights.
The Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is a divine destination for Lord Murugan devotees and anyone who loves culture and heritage. The temple is a place of worship, history, and beauty, where you can experience the bliss and grace of the god of war, wisdom, and youth. The temple is also a place of celebration, where you can witness and participate in the various festivals and sevas, and enjoy the festive mood and atmosphere.
The temple is also a place of exploration, where you can discover the other attractions of Secunderabad, and have a memorable and enriching trip.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to the Subrahmanya Swamy Temple today, and share your feedback with us. We would love to hear from you. And don’t forget to comment, like, and share this article with your friends and family. Thank you for reading.
