It is one of the most magnificent structures to grace the skyline of Hyderabad.
Nestled atop a hillock called Naubat Pahad, the Birla Mandir is one of the most sought after destinations in the city by both tourists and devotees alike.
Built in pristine white marble, the structure is a perfect amalgamation of elegance and divinity. "Mr Birla, who was on a visit to the city, was looking through the window of his hotel room one morning. He saw the hillock and a divine thought came to him. He knew that God wanted him to build an abode where people could come, meditate and worship. That's how the idea of building the temple was first born," says Shyam Kothari, secretary, Birla Archeological and Cultural Research Institute.
Inaugurated on February 13, 1976, the site of the temple was first home to a little Hanuman temple, before the structure was built. "Many people told the Birlas to break down the old Hanuman temple before building the new mandir. But they decided against it. The only thing that was removed from the site was an old banyan tree. the new structure was built around the existing Hanuman temple. That's the reason why you'll find two places of worship dedicated to Lord Hanuman at the Birla Mandir today," says Kothari.
While the presiding deity in most Birla temples across the country is Lord Lakshmi Narayan, the temple in Hyderabad is built in honor of Lord Venkateswara, keeping the local sentiments in mind. "On festive occasions like Navratri and Bhramotsav, the celebrations take place in the style followed in Tirupati.
During these special days, the Utsav murthy, which is called the achal, is taken out for a procession. The main statue is 9 feet high and is non-removable," explains Kothari. Even though the temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, it is famously known by the name of its builders, the Birlas. "There are so many Lord Venkateswara temples in the city that many find it confusing. The name Birla Mandir has been given by the people and hence, it just stuck on," quips Kothari.
Such is the popularity of the temple that on any given weekday, the mandir has around 8,000-10,000 devotees. "During weekends, we receive 20,000 devotees and during festivals like Ugadi, Vaikunta Ekadashi, Sankranti, Dusshera etc, more than 50,000 devotees visit the temple," quips Kothari.
Built in two distinct styles, the architecture is a perfect blend of North and South Indian styles. "There are two Gopurams. The architecture in the main sanctum sanctorum is in complete North Indian style - on the lines of the temple in Puri, Orissa. The Rajgopuram below is built keeping in mind the South Indian style," explains Kothari.
Despite a heavy flow of devotees, security is of utmost importance in the temple. "We have Home Guards and private security at the temple. Devotees are frisked, and mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple," says Kothari.
Providing visitors a panoramic view of the twin cities - Hyderabad and Secunderabad - the temple is a testimony to sculptural excellence and divinity.
Nestled atop a hillock called Naubat Pahad, the Birla Mandir is one of the most sought after destinations in the city by both tourists and devotees alike.
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| Image Credit: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
Inaugurated on February 13, 1976, the site of the temple was first home to a little Hanuman temple, before the structure was built. "Many people told the Birlas to break down the old Hanuman temple before building the new mandir. But they decided against it. The only thing that was removed from the site was an old banyan tree. the new structure was built around the existing Hanuman temple. That's the reason why you'll find two places of worship dedicated to Lord Hanuman at the Birla Mandir today," says Kothari.
While the presiding deity in most Birla temples across the country is Lord Lakshmi Narayan, the temple in Hyderabad is built in honor of Lord Venkateswara, keeping the local sentiments in mind. "On festive occasions like Navratri and Bhramotsav, the celebrations take place in the style followed in Tirupati.
During these special days, the Utsav murthy, which is called the achal, is taken out for a procession. The main statue is 9 feet high and is non-removable," explains Kothari. Even though the temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, it is famously known by the name of its builders, the Birlas. "There are so many Lord Venkateswara temples in the city that many find it confusing. The name Birla Mandir has been given by the people and hence, it just stuck on," quips Kothari.
Such is the popularity of the temple that on any given weekday, the mandir has around 8,000-10,000 devotees. "During weekends, we receive 20,000 devotees and during festivals like Ugadi, Vaikunta Ekadashi, Sankranti, Dusshera etc, more than 50,000 devotees visit the temple," quips Kothari.
Built in two distinct styles, the architecture is a perfect blend of North and South Indian styles. "There are two Gopurams. The architecture in the main sanctum sanctorum is in complete North Indian style - on the lines of the temple in Puri, Orissa. The Rajgopuram below is built keeping in mind the South Indian style," explains Kothari.
Despite a heavy flow of devotees, security is of utmost importance in the temple. "We have Home Guards and private security at the temple. Devotees are frisked, and mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple," says Kothari.
Providing visitors a panoramic view of the twin cities - Hyderabad and Secunderabad - the temple is a testimony to sculptural excellence and divinity.
source: Times of India
Posted in: architecture, birla mandir, Devotees, hillock, hyderabad 2012, Lord Hanuman, magnificent, Naubat Pahad, Sankranti, skyline 2012
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