Chilkur Balaji Temple

The Chilkur Balaji Temple, located on the outskirts of Hyderabad, on the banks of the Osman Sagar Lake, is a popular site for the devotees of Lord Balaji Venkateswara. It is believed that prayers offered after 11 pradakshanas (rounds) of the temple come true on the condition that once the prayer is fulfilled, devotees have to come back and do an added 108 pradakshanas (circumambulation).

Devotees can be seen walking around the temple late into the night. The temple is also known as the visa temple, as it is said that people attempting to obtain a visa to any country are never disappointed if they pray here. The temple has beautiful architecture and it is believed that it was built more than half a millennium ago.

The main deity is Lord Balaji Venkateswara, who is accompanied by Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Legend has it that the temple was built by a devotee who couldn't visit the famous Tirupati Temple due to his health condition. Moved by his devotion, the Lord himself appeared to him and asked him to build his temple at this spot.

History of Chilkur Balaji Temple

It is one of the oldest temples of Hyderabad and is considered to be built during the time of Madanna and Akkanna, the uncles of Bhakta Ramdas. According to various beliefs and ancient tales, the Chilkur Balaji temple was constructed by a devotee who used to visit Tirupati every year. However, on one occasion he could not do so, owing to serious illness. Moved by his faith, Lord Venkateswara appeared in his dream and instructed him to find his idol, along with the idols of Sridevi and Bhoodevi, and construct this magnificent temple.

The devotee was moved by such happenings and saw a mole-hill at the place indicated by Lord. Thus, he started digging at that point until his axe struck Lord Balaji's idol. Suddenly, blood started to flow from the wounds, turning the ground scarlet. The devotee then heard a mystical voice instructing him to flood the area with milk. This further resulted in the idols of Lord Balaji, accompanied by Sridevi and Bhoodevi emerging from the ground.

These idols were then installed in the temple. Since then, Sri Balaji Venkateswara is available at Chilkur to shower his blessings on all the devotees who are unable to visit Tirupati due to any reason. The temple is set in sylvan surroundings and attracts thousands of pilgrims from all across the globe.

Architecture of Chilkur Balaji Temple

Chilkur Balaji Temple was built as per the ancient and traditional temple architectural style and unique pattern. It has the right blend of Dravidian and Deccan temple architectural pattern and style. The temple premise is large as seen in South Indian Hindu temples. The sanctum sanctorum is at the center of the temple premises with a huge Gopuram or tower. The story of the devotee and achievement of Madanna and Akkanna are cited n the walls of this temple.