Jagannath Temple: Constructed by the Odiya Community, Jagannath Temple resides in Banjara Hills. It is amongst the temples of Hyderabad most famous and showcases very modern architecture and design. Lord Jagannath is the incarnation of lord Krishna and the temple is also home to Lord Subhadra and Lord Balarama. Inside the main temple area, many smaller temples of goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, Ganesh and Hanuman are also placed.
The inspiration behind Jagannath temple of Hyderabad comes from Jagannath temple of Puri. The decorum of the temple is lavishly decorated by stone carvings and shikhara which is 70 feet high. The Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath is one festival which is celebrated with much oomph and grandeur.
Visiting hours – 6 am – 11 am and 5 pm – 9 pm
The White Temple of Hyderabad – The Birla Temple:
On top of Naubat Pahad, stand a white elegant structure, the Birla Temple. It is the most visited temple of Hyderabad and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala. Not only as a land mark for prayers, Birla Temple, became a tourist spot in its own right. Stone carvings of Gurbani, teachings of saints and sculptures that radiate with beauty within a marvelous white marbled structure is a sight to behold. Birla temple presents a hill top view of Hussain Sagar Lake and the sprawling city of Hyderabad. Apart from Lord Venkateshwara, other idols that reside in Birla temple are Lord Brahma, Ganesh, Vishnu, Shiva, Saraswati and Hanuman.
Visiting Hours – 7 am – 12 noon; 3 pm – 9 pm
Ratnalayam temple: Ratnalayam temple is one of the most famous in Hyderabad and is devoted to worship of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Andal and Padmavati. The fountains in the temple were made taking inspiration from Shanku, Chakram and Namam. An epic scene is crafted in the fountain which depicts Lord Vishnu resting with his wives on Adishesha. You can hear many chants from the central hall of the temple as the devotees often gather there to chant. The structure of Lord Krishna dancing on kalindi – the poisonous snake also is an interesting artifact in the temple.
Visiting hours– Weekdays 6 am – 12 noon and 4 pm – 8 pm. Holidays and weekends 6 am – 1 pm and 4 pm – 9 pm
Venkateswara Swamy Temple : Also known as Passport Balaji temple-
The famous Chilkoor Balaji temple, and the most honored Venkateswara temple in India, is located near the banks of Osman Sagar. It is one of the oldest temple and close to 1 lakh devotee’s visit weekly. It does not accept any monetary donations and the belief among the locals is that wishes in relation with visas, passport are often fulfilled here hence the name “passport Balaji.”
Visiting Hours- 6 am – 1 pm; 6 pm – 9 pm
Karmanghat Temple:
The Karmanghat temple is devoted to Hanuman and is approximately 800 years old. Foundations to this temple were laid in the 12th century by the Kakatiya king Prataparuda. Counted amongst the vintage temples of Hyderabad, Karmanghat temples hold a special place in the heart of Hindu community. Hanuman Ji worship as a “Sankat Mochana” which translates as solver of troubles. It has a mystical presence to it and home to smaller temples of Lord Jagannatha, Nageshwara, Rama, Vigneshwara and Navagraha gods and Goddess Durga.
Hope, this article provides knowledge enough to indulge with a visit to these spiritual destinations. Trek across Hyderabad and visit these beautiful temples and many others as well to quench your spiritual thirst.
Also know about Visit abodes of Lord Shiva Temples in Andhra Pradesh