Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
About Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir, famous as the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, is one of the best-known Hindu temples in Hyderabad, Telangana. This white marble shrine, standing on the historic Naubat Pahad hill in Khairtabad, is like a crown for the city of Hyderabad. A haven of spiritual peace, the temple was built by the Birla Foundation, the charitable trust of the renowned Birla family. Thousands of devotees come here every day for darshan of the Lord, and at the same time enjoy the beautiful views of Hussain Sagar lake and the city.
Main Deity and Sub-shrines
The presiding deity of Birla Mandir is Sri Venkateswara Swamy – the form of Lord Vishnu also worshipped at Tirumala-Tirupati. In the sanctum stands a magnificent 11-foot black stone idol of the Lord, beneath a marble canopy shaped like an 18-petalled lotus. The Lord's consorts, Sri Padmavathi Devi and Sri Andal, are enshrined in shrines beside him.
The temple complex has several other sacred shrines:
- Sri Mahalakshmi Ammavaru – the divine consort of Lord Vishnu
- Shivalinga and Shakti – in a separate Shiva shrine
- Sri Ganesha – the remover of obstacles
- Sri Saraswathi Devi – the goddess of learning and knowledge
- Sri Hanuman – the foremost devotee of Sri Rama
- Lord Brahma – the creator
- Sri Sai Baba – revered by devotees of many faiths
- Lord Buddha – a separate Buddha temple stands on the same hill
The pillars and walls of the temple are carved with the teachings of different spiritual traditions, along with sculptures depicting stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, giving the temple an atmosphere of universal devotion.
History and the Birla Family
The temple was conceived by Dr. B. D. Birla of one of India's most famous industrial and philanthropic families. Construction began around 1966 and continued for nearly ten years through the work of skilled sculptors and artisans. In 1976 the temple was consecrated and opened by Swami Ranganathananda of the Ramakrishna Mission – the fact that the ceremony was performed by one of modern India's most respected spiritual leaders gave the temple special significance.
The Birla family has built temples in many cities, including Kolkata, Delhi, Jaipur and Pune – all testimony to their unwavering commitment to Indian culture, heritage and devotion. Among them, the Hyderabad Birla Mandir is especially renowned for its architectural beauty and spiritual atmosphere.
Architecture: A Marble Marvel
Birla Mandir is an outstanding example of modern Indian temple architecture, designed by bringing together three different regional styles:
- Dravidian style (South India) – clearly seen in the multi-storeyed Rajagopuram adorned with sculptures
- Utkala / Odisha style – the Jagadananda Vimanam over the sanctum reflects the inspiration of the Jagannath temple at Puri
- Rajasthani / Nagara style (North India) – its influence is seen in the sculpted decoration on the white marble
The whole temple is built from about 2,000 tonnes of pure white marble from Makrana in Rajasthan – stone from the same quarries that supplied the Taj Mahal. The temple has 64 ornate pillars carved with scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and a 42-foot gold-plated dhwajasthambham (flagstaff). At the wish of Swami Ranganathananda, the temple has no traditional bells – to keep a silent atmosphere suited to meditation.
The temple stands at a height of about 280 feet on Naubat Pahad, spread over 13 acres. From the hilltop there are wonderful views of Hussain Sagar lake and the city of Hyderabad.
Festivals and Celebrations
All the major Hindu festivals are celebrated at Birla Mandir with great devotion, with special decorations, extended darshan hours and special pujas:
- Brahmotsavam – the grand annual festival lasting several days; the most important celebration dedicated to the service of Sri Venkateswara Swamy
- Vaikuntha Ekadasi – the holy day when the Vaikuntha Dwaram is opened; Vishnu devotees come in large numbers for darshan
- Sri Rama Navami – the birthday of Sri Rama
- Janmashtami – the birthday of Lord Krishna, celebrated with flowers and lamps
- Navaratri – nine nights dedicated to the divine Shakti
- Deepavali – the festival of lights
- Hanuman Jayanti – the birth anniversary of Hanuman
- Karthika Purnima – the full moon of the holy month of Karthika
Visitor Information and Timings
Birla Mandir is open every day to devotees of all faiths. There is no entry fee. Arati is performed and prasadam distributed daily.
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 12:00 noon
- Evening: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Photography and videography are not allowed inside the temple. Bags, cameras and mobile phones must be left in the free lockers at the entrance. Visitors are asked to wear modest clothing. At night the temple is beautifully illuminated – a feast for the eyes.
How to Reach Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir is in Khairtabad, Hyderabad, on Birla Temple Road at the southern end of Hussain Sagar lake (Tank Bund), and is easy to reach from all parts of the city.
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is about 30 km away; cabs and taxis are available
- By Train: Nampally railway station (Hyderabad Deccan) is about 4 km away
- By Metro: Lakdi-ka-pul metro station on the Green Line is close by
- By Road: TGSRTC city buses go right up to the temple; parking is available nearby
Being close to well-known places such as Tank Bund, the State Assembly and Secretariat Road, the temple feels as though it is in the very heart of the city.
A Welcome to All
What sets Birla Mandir apart from other temples is not only its architectural beauty but its meditative spirit and harmony. The absence of bells, the words of different spiritual traditions carved on its walls and its setting on a beautiful hill together create a unique experience. Whether you come for darshan of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, to study its architecture, or simply for a moment's rest from the bustle of the city, Birla Mandir offers a wonderful experience.
