Are you looking for a spiritual and cultural experience in Hyderabad? Do you want to witness the beauty and grandeur of one of the most magnificent temples in India? If yes, then you should not miss visiting Birla Mandir Hyderabad, a splendid temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Birla Mandir Hyderabad, its architecture, history, highlights, timings, entry fee, address, and how to reach. We will also share some tips and tricks to make your visit more enjoyable and memorable. Read on to find out why Birla Mandir Hyderabad is a must-visit place for anyone who loves spirituality, art, and nature.
Birla Mandir Hyderabad Overview
Birla Mandir Hyderabad is a majestic temple that stands on a 280-feet high hill called Naubat Pahad in the heart of Hyderabad. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and attracts thousands of visitors every day. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, the presiding deity of Tirupati Temple, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India. The temple also houses separate shrines for other Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Padmavati, Andal, Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Hanuman, Saraswati, Lakshmi Narayan, and Sai Baba.
The temple is a marvel of architecture and craftsmanship. It is built with white marble from Rajasthan and covers an area of 13 acres. The temple showcases a blend of North Indian and South Indian styles of temple architecture. The main tower or Rajagopuram is 70 feet tall and has intricate carvings of various deities. The sanctum sanctorum or Jagadananda Vimanam is shaped like a lotus and has a gold-plated flagstaff. The temple also has a carved lotus canopy that covers the idol of Lord Venkateshwara. The idol is 11 feet tall and is made of black granite. The idol is adorned with gold ornaments and has a large diamond on its forehead.
The temple also boasts of exquisite paintings of scenes from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. These paintings are done by renowned artists from different parts of India. The paintings depict the life and teachings of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and other heroes and sages. The paintings are spread over three floors of the temple and create a visual treat for the visitors.
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Architecture of Birla Mandir Hyderabad
Birla Mandir Hyderabad is a masterpiece of architecture that reflects the rich culture and heritage of India. The temple is designed by the famous architect Ganapati Sthapati, who has also designed many other famous temples in India.
The temple is built with white marble from Rajasthan, which gives it a radiant and elegant look. The temple has several architectural features that make it unique and impressive.
The Rajagopuram:
The Rajagopuram or the main tower is the most prominent feature of the temple. It is 70 feet tall and has intricate carvings of various deities. The Rajagopuram follows the North Indian style of temple architecture and has seven tiers or shikharas. The Rajagopuram also has a large clock that chimes every hour.
The Jagadananda Vimanam:
The Jagadananda Vimanam or the sanctum sanctorum is the most sacred part of the temple. It is shaped like a lotus and has a gold-plated flagstaff or dwajasthambam. The Jagadananda Vimanam follows the South Indian style of temple architecture and has three tiers or vimanas. The Jagadananda Vimanam houses the idol of Lord Venkateshwara, which is 11 feet tall and made of black granite.
The Carved Lotus Canopy:
The carved lotus canopy or padma ratha is another remarkable feature of the temple. It covers the idol of Lord Venkateshwara and creates a beautiful effect. The carved lotus canopy has 18 petals that represent the 18 chapters of Bhagavad Gita, the holy scripture of Hinduism. The carved lotus canopy also has an inscription that reads “Aham Brahmasmi”, which means “I am Brahman” or “I am the Supreme Reality”.
The Statues of Deities:
The temple also has several statues of deities that adorn its walls and pillars. These statues are made of marble and have intricate details and expressions. Some of the statues are Shiva Parvati, Ganesh, Hanuman, Saraswati, Lakshmi Narayan, Sai Baba, Durga, and Buddha. The statues also have different poses and gestures that signify their attributes and qualities.
History & Information about Birla Mandir Hyderabad
Birla Mandir Hyderabad is a temple that has a rich history and significance. The temple is built by the Birla Foundation, a charitable trust that has built many other temples across India. The Birla Foundation is founded by the Birla family, one of the most influential and wealthy industrial families in India. The Birla family has a deep faith and devotion to Lord Venkateshwara and wanted to build a temple for him in Hyderabad.
The construction of the temple started in 1970 and took 10 years to complete. The temple was inaugurated on 25 February 1980 by Swami Ranganathananda, the then president of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Swami Ranganathananda blessed the temple and said, “This temple will inspire the people of Hyderabad to live in peace and harmony, irrespective of their caste, creed, or religion.”
The temple is also known for its resemblance to Tirupati Temple, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India. Tirupati Temple is located in Andhra Pradesh and is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, who is also known as Balaji or Srinivasa. Tirupati Temple is believed to be the abode of Lord Venkateshwara on earth and attracts millions of devotees every year.
Birla Mandir Hyderabad is designed to replicate the Tirupati Temple in terms of its architecture, idol, and rituals. The idol of Lord Venkateshwara in Birla Mandir Hyderabad is made of black granite, just like the idol in Tirupati Temple. The idol is also adorned with gold ornaments and has a large diamond on its forehead, just like the idol in Tirupati Temple. The rituals and ceremonies performed in Birla Mandir Hyderabad are also similar to those performed in Tirupati Temple.
The temple is also known for its location in Telangana state, which was formed in 2014 after bifurcating from Andhra Pradesh. Telangana state is the youngest state in India and has a distinct culture and identity. Birla Mandir Hyderabad is one of the symbols of Telangana state and represents its unity and diversity. The temple is visited by people from different religions, languages, and regions, who come together to worship Lord Venkateshwara.
Highlights of Birla Mandir Hyderabad
Birla Mandir Hyderabad is a temple that has many highlights and attractions that make it worth visiting.
The temple offers a spiritual and cultural experience that is unparalleled and unforgettable. Some of the highlights of Birla Mandir Hyderabad are:
The View of Hussain Sagar Lake:
One of the most amazing things about Birla Mandir Hyderabad is its view of Hussain Sagar Lake, a large artificial lake that lies between Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Hussain Sagar Lake is one of the most scenic places in Hyderabad and has a giant statue of Buddha in its center. The view of Hussain Sagar Lake from Birla Mandir Hyderabad is breathtaking and mesmerizing. You can see the lake sparkling with lights and reflections at night and enjoy the cool breeze and serene atmosphere.
The Buddha Temple:
Another highlight of Birla Mandir Hyderabad is its Buddha Temple, which is located on the same hill as the main temple. The Buddha Temple is a small but beautiful temple that has a statue of Buddha sitting in meditation. The Buddha Temple is a place of peace and tranquility, where you can relax and meditate. The Buddha Temple also has a library that has books on Buddhism and other religions.
The Separate Shrines for Padmavati and Andal:
Another highlight of Birla Mandir Hyderabad is its separate shrines for Padmavati and Andal, two goddesses who are associated with Lord Venkateshwara. Padmavati is the consort of Lord Venkateshwara and is worshipped as the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Andal is a saint who was devoted to Lord Venkateshwara and composed poems in praise of him. Both Padmavati and Andal are revered by the devotees of Lord Venkateshwara and have their own shrines in Birla Mandir Hyderabad. The shrines are decorated with flowers and lamps and have idols of Padmavati and Andal.
The Evening Lighting:
Another highlight of Birla Mandir Hyderabad is its evening lighting, which transforms the temple into a spectacle of colors and brightness. The temple is illuminated with thousands of lights that create a stunning effect. The lights enhance the beauty and grandeur of the temple and make it look like a fairy tale castle. The evening lighting also creates a festive mood among the visitors, who enjoy taking photos and videos.
Birla Mandir Hyderabad Timings
Birla Mandir Hyderabad is open for visitors from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM on all days of the week. The temple timings may vary on special occasions and festivals, so it is advisable to check the official website1 or call the temple phone number2 before planning your visit. The temple timings are also displayed at the entrance of the temple premises.
The best time to visit Birla Mandir Hyderabad is during the evening, when you can witness the spectacular lighting of the temple and enjoy the view of Hussain Sagar Lake. The evening time is also ideal for attending the aarti or the prayer service, which is performed daily at 7:00 PM. The aarti is a spiritual and musical experience that fills the air with devotion and harmony.
Birla Mandir Hyderabad Entry Fee
There is no entry fee for visiting Birla Mandir Hyderabad. However, visitors are requested to make a voluntary donation at the temple premises. There is also a nominal charge for parking vehicles near the temple. The parking fee is Rs. 20 for two-wheelers and Rs. 50 for four-wheelers. The parking area is located at a distance of about 500 meters from the temple entrance.
Visitors are also required to follow some rules and regulations while entering the temple. These include:
- Removing shoes and keeping them in the shoe stand outside the temple.
- Wearing decent and modest clothes that cover the shoulders and knees.
- Avoiding carrying leather items such as belts, wallets, purses, etc.
- Avoiding carrying electronic items such as mobile phones, cameras, laptops, etc.
- Maintaining silence and discipline inside the temple.
- Respecting the sentiments and beliefs of other devotees.
Birla Mandir Hyderabad Address & Phone Number
The address of Birla Mandir Hyderabad is Hill Fort Road, Ambedkar Colony, Khairatabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 5000041. The phone number of the temple is +91-40-2323-32562.
How to Reach Birla Mandir Hyderabad
Birla Mandir Hyderabad is well-connected by road with other parts of the city. You can reach the temple by different modes of transport, such as:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Birla Mandir Hyderabad is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is about 30 km away. You can take a cab or a bus from the airport to reach the temple.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Birla Mandir Hyderabad is Nampally Railway Station, which is about 4 km away. You can take a cab or an auto-rickshaw from the station to reach the temple.
By Road:
Birla Mandir Hyderabad is well-connected by road with other parts of the city. You can take a cab or a bus from any major point in Hyderabad to reach the temple. Some of the bus routes that pass near Birla Mandir Hyderabad are 1Z/229, 9M TSRTC, and C1-RED.
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Birla Mandir Hyderabad is a magnificent temple that showcases the rich culture and heritage of India. It is a must-visit place for anyone who loves spirituality, art, and nature.
If you are planning to visit Hyderabad, make sure you include Birla Mandir in your itinerary. You will not regret it.
