Chilkur Balaji Temple

The temple is one of the oldest in Hyderabad, having been built during the time of Akkanna and Madanna, the uncles of Bhakta Ramdas. According to tradition, a devotee who used to visit Tirupati every year could not do so on one occasion owing to serious ill health. Lord Venkateshwara appeared in his dream and said, “I am right here in the jungle nearby. You don’t have to worry.” The devotee at once moved to the place indicated by the Lord in the dream and saw a molehill there, which he dug up. Accidentally, the axe struck Lord Balaji’s idol (covered by the molehill) below the chin and on the chest. Surprisingly blood started flowing profusely from the “wounds”, flooding the ground and turning it scarlet. The devotee could not believe his eyes. He could not believe his ears when he heard a voice from the air saying, “Flood the molehill with cow’s milk.” When the devotee did so, a Swayambhu idol of Lord Balaji accompanied by Sridevi and Bhoodevi (a rare combination) was found, and this idol was installed with the due rites and a temple built for it.

Sri Balaji Venkateshwara, the Pratyaksha Daiva in Kaliyuga, is thus available at Chilkur to shower blessings on His devotees who for any reason are unable to go to Tirupati. Many devout worshippers flock to the temple to receive the blessings of the Lord and his consorts throughout the year particularly during Poolangi, Annakota and Brahmothsavams.

With the earnest desire to revive the former glory and importance of the temple, the idol of Ammavaru was installed in 1963, the year after the Sino-Indian War. After the unilateral withdrawal of Chinese troops, Ammavaru was given the name of Rajya Lakshmi, signifying this welcome event. The unique feature of this idol is that lotus flowers are held in three hands and the fourth hand is in a position towards the lotus feet which signifies the doctrine of Saranagathi.

The temple has been visited by great Acharyas from time to time. A visit to the temple is a must for the Jeer of Sri Ahobila Mutt every time he visits the twin cities, and in the temple is installed the idol of the first Jeer. The Tilakayaths of Sri Vallabhacharya Sampradaya have been regularly visiting the shrine. Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya of Sringeri Mutt and his disciple graced the efforts of the trustees in improving the temple.

Chilkur Balaji Temple is located at a distance of 25 kilometers from Hyderabad. The temple is dedicated to Sri Balaji Venkateshwara. The architectural style of the temple suggests that it was constructed half a millennium ago.

The peaceful ambiance of the temple brings the people to this place. They often admire it as a suitable place for meditation.

The Chilkur Balaji Temple of Hyderabad is one of the most ancient temple in Telengana, which was built during the days of Akkanna and Madanna, the uncles of Bhakta Ramdas. In this temple the deity is a Swayambhu idol of Lord Balaji accompanied by Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

Sri Balaji Venkateshwara, enshrining the Chilkur Balaji Temple is believed to shower his blessings on all the devotees who are incapable of visiting Tirupati. People visit this holy place throughout the year especially during the Poolangi, Annakota and Brahmothsavams.

The devotees had a keen wish to re-establish the grandeur and importance of the temple, so they founded the idol of Ammavaru in 1963 in this Chilkur Balaji Temple in Hyderabad. Ammavaru was later named as Rajya Lakshmi. The notable characteristic of this image is the possession of lotus flower in her three hands and the fourth hand lies in a position pointing towards the lotus feet. This indicates the doctrine of Saranagathi.

The great Acharyas have come to the Chilkur Balaji Temple at Hyderabad from time and on. The Tilakayaths of Sri Vallabhacharya Sampradaya come to this place regularly.

So it goes without saying that the Chilkur Balaji Temple is of great religious as well as historical significance. Go there and be blessed with eternal love and faith.