Birla Mandir Hyderabad marks golden jubilee
HYDERABAD: The Sri Venkateswara Temple at Banjara Hills, popularly known as Birla Mandir, completes 50 years this year. Temple authorities are preparing to celebrate the golden jubilee with special programmes.
For decades, city residents found it difficult to travel to Tirumala for darshan. The construction of Birla Mandir eased that burden and emerged as a major spiritual centre not only for Hyderabad but also for devotees from neighbouring states.
Visiting the temple after weddings and on birthdays has become customary for many families. Newly married couples consider a visit to the shrine an essential ritual.
The idol of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, installed after the consecration ceremony, stands 11 feet tall and resembles the deity at Tirumala. Devotees were first allowed darshan in 1976 after the pran pratishta.
Temple officials said more than 15 crore devotees and tourists have visited the shrine in the past five decades. On weekdays, around 5,000 devotees visit daily. The number rises to nearly 11,000 on Sundays.
Spiritual landmark amid city’s historic skyline
Located in the heart of the city, the temple offers a calm atmosphere despite the surrounding bustle. Visitors can view Hussain Sagar and the Buddha statue from the hilltop.
Built entirely with 2,000 tonnes of white marble brought from Makrana in Rajasthan, the temple showcases a blend of north and south Indian architectural styles. The complex also houses sub-shrines dedicated to Hanuman, Brahma, Saraswati and Lakshmi. Sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata are carved on the temple walls.
Special rituals from February 24
As part of the golden jubilee celebrations beginning February 24, the temple will organise homams, abhishekams, a purnahuti and a ceremonial procession in the presence of Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
The temple traces its origin to the vision of industrialist B M Birla, who was inspired to construct the shrine after visiting the hill. The structure was later developed under the Birla Foundation.
