May 11, 2017 10:57 AM
13792 Views
Hi Friends,
I regularly visit this temple especially on Saturdays, as on that Lord Venkateshwara worship day. It is located 25 KM away from Hyderabad on the bank of Osmansagar or Gandhipet. It is one of the oldest temples of Telangana. It was built by Akkana and Madana uncles of Bhakta Ramadas. The Idol in the temple is not carved by anyone it is the Swayambu Vigraham of Lord Balaji. There is a story behind this temple that in olden days every year devotees used to visit Tirupathi but on one occasion he could not at that time Lord Balaji came in his dream and said he is right here in the forest nearby. The devotee searched the place and started digging with his axe at that point the accidentally the axe hit the idol of Balaji below the chin and on the chest, along with the Bhoodevi and Sridevi Ammavaru.
The temple is open for the entire week and the timings are from morning 5 AM to 8 PM. It is said that the devotees take 11 Pradakshinas if you wish something and 108 Pradakshinas if the wish is fulfilled. No offerings will be given in the temple but the temple sells one magazine the speech of god i.e. VAK which is just Rs. 5/-.
It is easy to locate the place as it is very famous as Chinna Tirupathi. There are many special buses available from all locations. Special tour package from Telangana State also.
There are local sightseeings like Lotus temple 3km away from the temple, Ghandhipet park and lake, Osman Sagar Lake, Ram Seetha Temple, Treasure Island Ghandhipet.
Near the temple, there are many tiffin centers which offer tasty and hot tiffins and on the way to Chilkur, there are many hotels and dhabas. The food served at dhabas are awesome.
In the temple a devotee is not allowed to carry their phones they have to keep them in the locker and the announcement asking us to keep our belongings safe.
This is one of the best places to visit, but on Saturdays it is overcrowded.