Chilkur Balaji Temple (Visa God)
Chilkur Balaji Temple (visa god) is situated on the Osman Sagar Lake’s banks in the village of Chilkur, Hyderabad. This Balaji Temple is popularly known as Telangana Tirupati and is referred to as Visa God. It is one of the oldest temples located in the periphery of Hyderabad. The available records refer to its construction by Bhakta Ramadas. People believe that the god had started a hundred years before the statue was brought into the temple.
Among all Balaji temples, it is the only temple that doesn’t encourage gifts in the form of money. You don’t even find any hundi (money storage) in the temple premises. Temple trustees Sri M.V. Soundara Rajan and Sri C.S. Gopala Krishna struggled a lot to free the temple from the clutches of the government.
During Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the Chilkur Balaji temple receives a heavy rush of devotees, approximately 75,000 – 100,000 devotees throng to visit the lord. It is believed that people who wish for a boon need to circumambulate 11 times around the temple, and once their wish is accomplished, they need to circumambulate 108 times. It is found that whoever the devotee is, regardless of caste or status, they need to come in line and receive the blessings of Lord Balaji.
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Contents
History of Chilkur Balaji Temple:
According to the history of the location, there was a devotee named “Gonnala Reddy” who used to visit Tirumala Tirupati every year. But due to his ill health, he was unable to visit Tirupati. He was sorrowful about his state. One day, the lord appeared in his dream and said, “Oh, my ardent devotee, because you are unable to come to me, I have come to you. I am here in a nearby jungle.” He indicated his location. Following the lord’s indications, he went to the jungle where he saw a molehill tree.
Accidentally, while removing the tree, the axe struck Lord Balaji’s swayambhu idol, accompanied by Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. To his surprise, the place where the axe struck was flooded with blood. The lord infused his soul in one of the devotees among the crowd and said, “my beloved devotees, if you make any mistakes knowingly or unknowingly, I will grant you forgiveness and bless you when you visit me with a pure heart.” The lord also asked the devotees to flush with cow milk.
Devote are unable to visit Tirupati visit the temple and seek the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara. It is recommended for devotees not to close their eyes while receiving his blessings. We have come from a long distance to witness his magnificent image, and if we close our eyes, we will miss the chance to see him.
There is also a temple of Lord Shiva called “Sri Sundareshwara Swamy.” It is said that the lord is in the form of a swayambu Linga. There were a devotee who was worshiping Lord Shiva around about 350 years ago. After his death, a tree appeared at that place and people still believe that he is present there in the form of Atma in the tree. Once a person tried to chop the tree but lost his eyesight, speech, and became unconscious. He was on many medications and one of the devotees said pour ‘abhisheka theertha’ in his eyes and mouth and seek the blessing of Lord Shiva. Surprisingly, he regained all his lost senses.
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Significance of Chilkur Balaji Temple:
Lord Venkateswara: The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, better known as Balaji, a form of Vishnu specifically quite vital in South India. It is believed that people, who pray here gain good fortune and fulfill wishes.
Visa Granting Deity: The most fascinating characteristic of the temple is associated with granting visas. Popularly, it is known as the “Visa Balaji” temple. Many devotees think that by performing certain rituals here, one’s chances to receive a visa to travel abroad are increased.
Ritual and Traditions: An exclusive ritual has been associated with the temple that takes 11 pradakshinas (circumambulations) with a wish and 108 once the wish is fulfilled. It is considered an exercise in devotion, a kind of thanksgiving.
Historical Significance: This legend added to the importance of temple origins. According to a legend, a devotee was thwarted from visiting the famous Tirupati Temple due to health conditions. The deity Lord Venkateswara himself instructed him to build a temple at this site.
Cultural centre: The temple attracts people from all walks of life, making it a cultural exchange center and religious activity place. It was where faith and tradition all meet at one point.
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Places to visit near Chilkur Balaji Temple:
The Gandipet Lake is an excellent destination for the local population and, indeed, for tourists; it is a serene haven away from the cities’ cacophony. The surrounding environment is known to be calm, with a cool breeze and marvelous views, especially while seeing the sunrise and sunset3.
Mrugavani National Park: Occupied with 3.6 sq. kms. of land with diversified flora and fauna. The park was established in 1994 and boasts more than 600 species of plants and many animals; some of them are spotted deer, Indian hare, and civets1. A bird lover can relish in spotting the peacocks, warblers, and flower peckers2. The park offers safaris, nature walks, and a watchtower with a view of a panoramic perspective2. Not to forget, it has a library, an environmental education center, and a museum.
Shamirpet Lake is about 35 km from Chilkur, again one quiet day outing place with boating along other attractions of the surroundings to be relished in.
Shamirpet Deer Park: The deer park is a surround of the Shamirpet scintillating Lake and houses various species of deer in it. It is another place ideal to spend a day with family.
The Nehru Zoological Park: The Hyderabad-based zoo is located at 25 km from Chilkur. There is a vast number of animals, birds, and reptiles. Near by school children visit this par on educational and entertaining as well.
Qutb Shahi Tombs: The centuries old tombs lying at Ibrahim Bagh, not so far from Chilkur, form a great piece of architecture with pretty scenery around it to make it a grave of the kings of the Qutb Shahi kingdom.
Chowmahalla Palace: It is a section of the palatial architecture falling under Nizam architecture located at Hyderabad, 25 km from Chilkur and it is open to the public. One has a glimpse of this gaudy life as commanded by the Nizams of Hyderabad.
Charminar: This is one of the major tourist attractions in Hyderabad city, and also some 30 kilometres from Chilkur. It is also a marketplace and possesses historical importance.
Golconda Fort This is a historical citadel, and it lies approximately at 30 kilometres from Chilkur. It is quite famous for its acoustics and great architectural grandeur. It is indeed quite an awesome place for all the history enthusiasts.
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How to reach Chilkur Balaji Temple:
By Road:
From Hyderabad City Center: Chilkur Balaji Temple is approx. 30 kms.
By Train:
The nearest railway station: Vikarabad Junction.
Distance: approx. 25 kms. away.
By Air:
The nearest major airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
Distance: 45-50 kms.