Birla Mandir is one of the most beautiful and peaceful temples in Hyderabad, located towards the southern end of Hussain Sagar Lake. The temple stands proudly atop Kala Pahad, which is a twin hillock of Naubat Pahad, rising about 280 feet high on a 13-acre plot. Built by the famous Birla Foundation in 1976, the temple took almost a decade to complete. It was consecrated by Swami Ranganathananda of the Ramakrishna Mission the same year. The entire structure is made of pure white marble imported from Rajasthan, giving it a bright, serene, and divine appearance against the blue Hyderabad sky.
From the hilltop, you can see the stunning Hussain Sagar Lake, the Telangana Secretariat, and the shining Buddha statue in the distance. The temple stands high above the busy city, surrounded by greenery, bridges, and modern roads. The golden sunlight adds warmth to the peaceful scenery, making it one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Hyderabad. The panoramic view from Birla Mandir gives visitors a sense of calm and connection with nature while overlooking the vibrant city life below.
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| Telangana Secretariat |
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped here as Sri Venkateswara. Inside the temple, you can hear the soothing kirtanas of Tyagaraja, Annamayya, and Ramadasu echoing in the air, adding to its spiritual charm. The presiding deity is an 11-feet-tall granite idol, while his consorts Padmavati and Andal have their own adjoining shrines.
Architecturally, Birla Mandir is a fine example of a blend between Utkal (Oriya) and South Indian temple styles. The Rajagopuram, or main tower at the entrance, represents the South Indian style, while the Jagadananda Vimanam (the tower above the main shrine) follows the Oriyan style. The walls and corridors of the temple are beautifully carved with sculptures from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, showcasing skilled craftsmanship and devotion. The sanctum sanctorum, standing 42 feet high, is a smaller replica of the famous Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala.
Apart from the main shrines, the temple complex also houses a Buddha temple, adorned with fresco paintings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. There are also separate shrines dedicated to Shiva, Ganesh, Hanuman, Saraswati, Brahma, Lakshmi, and Sai Baba.
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| Hussain Sagar Lake |
In the evenings, the temple becomes a breathtaking sight when illuminated, glowing against the backdrop of the city and lake. Visitors often say that a trip to Hyderabad is incomplete without visiting Birla Mandir. The temple is open every day from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It is easily accessible by local buses, with the nearest stop being Ravindra Bharathi, just a short walk away.
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