Are you looking for a divine intervention to fulfill your dreams of traveling abroad? Do you want to experience the power of faith and devotion at one of the most popular temples in India? If yes, then you should visit Chilkur Balaji Temple, also known as the Visa God of Hyderabad.
Chilkur Balaji Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is located on the banks of the Osman Sagar lake, about 25 km from Hyderabad. The temple is famous for its unique ritual of 11 and 108 pradakshinas (circumambulations) around the sanctum sanctorum, which are believed to grant one’s wishes, especially for getting a visa to travel abroad.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Chilkur Balaji Temple, such as its history, legend, rituals, popularity, timings, entry fee, contact number, route map, and tips for visiting.
We will also show you some stunning images of the temple and its surroundings. So, read on to find out more about the Visa God of Hyderabad and why you should visit this temple at least once in your lifetime.
History and Legend of Chilkur Balaji Temple
Chilkur Balaji Temple was built in the 14th century by a devotee named Madhava Reddy, who was a minister in the court of the Kakatiya kings. He was inspired by a vision of Lord Venkateswara in his dream and decided to construct a temple in his honor. He also installed an idol of the Lord along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi in the temple.
According to legend, there was a devotee named Rama Reddy who used to visit Tirumala temple every year to worship Lord Venkateswara. However, due to old age and ill health, he could not make the pilgrimage anymore. He prayed to the Lord to show him an alternative way to worship him. The Lord appeared in his dream and told him to visit Chilkur Balaji Temple instead. Rama Reddy followed the Lord’s instructions and found peace and happiness at Chilkur Balaji Temple. He also spread the word about the temple and its miracles to others.
Another legend says that there was a group of students who wanted to go abroad for higher studies but could not get their visas approved. They came to Chilkur Balaji Temple and prayed sincerely for their visas. They also performed 11 pradakshinas around the temple as per the custom. To their surprise, they received their visas within a few days.
They returned to the temple and performed 108 pradakshinas as a gesture of gratitude. Since then, Chilkur Balaji Temple became known as Visa Balaji or Visa God among the people who seek his blessings for traveling abroad.
Rituals and Beliefs at Chilkur Balaji Temple
The main ritual at Chilkur Balaji Temple is the pradakshina or circumambulation around the sanctum sanctorum where the idol of Lord Venkateswara is placed. The devotees have to perform 11 pradakshinas while making a wish or seeking a boon from the Lord. If their wish is fulfilled, they have to return to the temple and perform 108 pradakshinas as a token of gratitude.
The number 11 signifies the 11 senses of the human body (five sensory organs, five motor organs, and mind) that need to be controlled and surrendered to the Lord. The number 108 signifies the 108 names of Lord Vishnu that are chanted during the pradakshina. The devotees have to walk barefoot on the stone floor while performing the pradakshina. They also have to chant “Govinda Govinda” or “Balaji Balaji” while doing so.
The belief is that by performing these pradakshinas with faith and devotion, one can achieve any desire or overcome any obstacle in life. Many people come to Chilkur Balaji Temple with various wishes such as getting married, having children, getting a job, getting cured of diseases, getting a visa, etc. They also testify that their wishes have been granted by the grace of Visa Balaji.
There are some rules and regulations that one has to follow while visiting Chilkur Balaji Temple. For example, one cannot enter the temple with leather items such as belts, shoes, wallets, etc. One cannot offer money or any material donations to the temple or its priests. One cannot take photographs or videos inside the temple premises. One has to maintain silence and respect while inside the temple.
There are some special occasions and festivals that are celebrated at Chilkur Balaji Temple with great fervor and enthusiasm. For example, the annual Brahmotsavam festival is held in the month of March or April, which lasts for nine days and includes various rituals and cultural programs. The Kalyanotsavam festival is held in the month of June or July, which is a grand wedding ceremony of Lord Venkateswara and his consorts. The Teppotsavam festival is held in the month of December or January, which is a boat festival where the idols of the Lord and his consorts are taken on a procession on the Osman Sagar lake.
Also check out: Not Getting A Visa? Pray At These Unique Visa Temples In India To Turn Your Fortunes!
Popularity and Specialty of Chilkur Balaji Temple
Chilkur Balaji Temple is one of the most popular and visited temples in India. It attracts more than 75,000 devotees every week, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. The temple is also known for its unique features and attractions that make it stand out from other temples.
One of the most remarkable features of Chilkur Balaji Temple is that it is completely free of any monetary donations or government control. The temple runs on the principle of “devotion without expectation”. The temple does not accept any money from the devotees or the government. The temple does not have any hundi (donation box) or ticket counter.
The temple does not charge any fee for entry, darshan (viewing), prasadam (offering), or any other service. The temple does not have any VIP or special darshan facility. The temple does not have any security guards or CCTV cameras. The temple does not have any electricity or loudspeakers.
The temple relies solely on the voluntary contributions of the devotees in terms of time, labor, and resources. The temple is managed by a trust that consists of the descendants of Madhava Reddy and Rama Reddy, who are also the priests of the temple. The temple is maintained by the devotees who offer their services as cleaners, cooks, gardeners, etc. The temple is supported by the devotees who donate food grains, flowers, fruits, etc. The temple is sustained by the devotees who share their experiences and stories with others.
Another remarkable feature of Chilkur Balaji Temple is that it promotes social and environmental causes through its activities and initiatives. For example, the temple organizes blood donation camps, eye donation camps, free medical camps, etc. for the benefit of the needy and poor people.
The temple also conducts awareness campaigns on issues such as water conservation, pollution control, tree plantation, etc. for the protection of nature and wildlife. The temple also encourages education and empowerment of women and children through its programs and scholarships.
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Tips and Tricks for Visiting Chilkur Balaji Temple
If you are planning to visit Chilkur Balaji Temple, here are some useful information and advice that will help you make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
1. The best time to visit Chilkur Balaji Temple is during the winter season from November to February when the weather is pleasant and comfortable.
2. The timings of Chilkur Balaji Temple are from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM every day.
3. The entry fee of Chilkur Balaji Temple is free for everyone.
How to Reach Chilkur Balaji Temple
By road:
You can take a bus or a taxi from Mehdipatnam or Vikarabad to reach Chilkur Balaji Temple. The distance is about 25 km and the travel time is about 45 minutes.
By rail:
You can take a train from Hyderabad to Vikarabad and then take a bus or a taxi to reach Chilkur Balaji Temple. The distance is about 35 km and the travel time is about an hour.
By air:
You can take a flight from Hyderabad to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and then take a bus or a taxi to reach Chilkur Balaji Temple. The distance is about 40 km and the travel time is about an hour.
Nearby Attractions
Some of the nearby attractions and amenities that you can explore or avail near Chilkur Balaji Temple are:
Osman Sagar Lake: A scenic lake that offers boating, fishing, and picnic facilities. It is also a source of drinking water for Hyderabad.
Mrugavani National Park: A wildlife sanctuary that houses various animals and birds such as deer, peacocks, monkeys, etc. It also has a museum, a library, and a nature trail.
Ocean Park: A water park that features thrilling rides, slides, and pools. It also has a rain dance, a wave pool, and a food court.
Golconda Fort: A historic fort that was once the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. It is famous for its architecture, acoustics, and light and sound show.
Qutb Shahi Tombs: A complex of mausoleums that contain the graves of the Qutb Shahi rulers and their family members. It is known for its Indo-Persian style of art and design.
Chilkur Balaji Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the power of faith and devotion. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a place of social and environmental service. The temple is not only a source of blessings but also a source of inspiration. The temple is not only a symbol of Visa God but also a symbol of Hyderabad’s culture and heritage.
If you have visited Chilkur Balaji Temple or plan to visit it soon, we would love to hear from you. You can share your experience or feedback with us by leaving a comment below or by contacting us through our website. You can also find more information or resources about Chilkur Balaji Temple on our website or on our social media pages.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about Chilkur Balaji Temple. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who might be interested in visiting this temple.
And don’t forget to visit Chilkur Balaji Temple at least once in your lifetime to witness the miracles of Visa Balaji. Thank you for reading and happy traveling!
