Birla Mandir Hyderabad- Timings, History & How to Visit

A great blend of old traditions, history, and modernity, Hyderabad is a spectacular place to visit. The capital city of Telangana, Hyderabad attracts tourists with its architectural marvels and regal charm. It has evolved beautifully whilst keeping its history and regal appeal intact. Known as one of the biggest cities in India, the city is filled with a plethora of striking places. Birla Mandir is one such attraction in Hyderabad.

Perched on a 280 feet high hillock - Naubath Pahad, on a 13 acres plot, Birla Mandir is a famous Hindu Temple in Hyderabad. Established by Birla Foundation, Birla Mandir is one of the top places to visit in Hyderabad. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara and attracts people with its impressive architecture and serene atmosphere. Known as the most glorious temple in Hyderabad, Birla Mandir is sure to leave you mesmerized with its astonishing charm.

Here is everything you need to know about Birla Mandir in Hyderabad, including history, architecture, and timings.

Architecture

Made of 2,000 tons of pure white marble imported from Rajasthan, Birla Temple in Hyderabad is a unique mix of Dravidian, Rajasthani, and Utkala styles. It took around 10 years of hard work and dedication of artisans and sculptors to complete the structure of this temple. Birla Mandir presents the best viewpoints in the city, providing a clear view of Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad, and Secunderabad. The temple has an 11 ft (3.4 m) granite idol of Lord Venkateswara with a carved lotus, forming an umbrella on the top. There are no bells and customary chimes as the temple’s environment is made favourable for meditation. The Birla Mandir Hyderabad also has a brass flagstaff on the premises which goes up to a height of 42 ft (13 m). The mandir also contains many shrines devoted to different Hindu gods and goddesses, and Buddhist deities, including Lord Shiva, Shakti, Brahma, Ganesh, Saraswathi, Hanuman, Lakshmi, and Sai Baba. Inside the temple, there are many finely sculpted marble images, representing the great epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is a perfect place to experience calmness and spirituality. So, Hyderabad ka Birla Mandir must be on your itinerary whenever you plan a trip to this royal city.

Birla Mandir Hyderabad History

This famous temple was built by Birla Foundation in 1976 and was opened by Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mission. As Swami Ranganathananda wanted this temple to be suitable for meditation, there are no bells, owing to his wish. Here, the idol of Lord Venkateshwara is carved out in the Oriya mode. The temple showcases the mix of Utkal (Oriya) and South Indian architectural style. The tower over the main temple or the Jagadananda Vimanam showcases the Oriyan style while the Rajagopuram reflects South Indian architectural style. The Birla Foundation has also built many similar temples in different cities in India, and all of them are famous as Birla Mandir.

Hyderabad Birla Mandir Timings

The opening time of Birla Mandir in Hyderabad is from 7 am to 12 noon and from 3 pm to 9 pm. You can plan your visit any day as the temple is open on all days of the week. The tranquil environment, fresh breeze, and chirping of birds during the morning time can make your visit a pleasant experience. During the night, Birla Mandir Hyderabad is illuminated with attractive lights, creating a striking sight. There is no entry fee to visit this famous temple.

How to Visit Birla Mandir in Hyderabad

Birla Temple in Hyderabad can be easily reached from the city as it is just 30 km away from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, around 6 km of distance from Bus Terminal and 1 km from Hyderabad Railway Station. There are a number of buses from Hyderabad City Transport and many other options like cabs and auto-rickshaws, making it easier to visit this temple.

Other than exploring the temple, you can enjoy many other activities near Birla Mandir Hyderabad. The temple has many restaurants in the vicinity where you can enjoy delicious cuisines. Also, there are many stalls and shops near the temple where you can buy different items such as idols of different Hindu gods and goddesses, puja-related materials, devotional CDs, and more.

Attractions near Birla Mandir

Hyderabad is bestowed with several interesting spots which have been attracting people for many years now. Here are a few major attractions near Birla Mandir that you can add to your Hyderabad tour package.

Hussain Sagar Lake

Situated close to the Birla Mandir, 'Hussain Sagar Lake' is one of the most popular tourist places in Hyderabad. It unites two areas of the city – Hyderabad, and Secunderabad. There is a huge statue of Lord Buddha, in the middle of the lake. Constructed with white granite, the statue is placed on the Rock of Gibraltar. Here, the lighting show in the evening is something worth watching for tourists.

Lumbini Park

A beautiful park with lots of facilities, Lumbini Park is located near Birla Mandir Hyderabad, at the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake. It is a perfect place to spend a great time with family and friends, away from the busy city life. One of the major attractions inside Lumbini Park is a grand clock at the entry gate. Also, a 3D laser show happens in the evening to give tourists a glimpse of the city being created with the bright display of lights. The striking landscape of the park as well as many options for recreational activities serves as a perfect place to enjoy a weekend getaway.

Birla Science Center

Located near Hyderabad ka Birla Mandir, Birla Science Center is one of the most captivating places to visit for younger generations as well as for adults. Birla Science Museum has diverse sections, each offering a wonderful set of exhibits, from a specialized field. These sections include a planetarium, science centre, museum, art gallery, Nobel Gallery, dinosaurium, archaeology, and doll museum. This famous spot hosts several learning activities and exhibitions for people with different age groups.

Golconda Fort

Located about 9 km from Hussain Sagar Lake, Golconda Fort is also a famous tourist attraction in Hyderabad. The fort is a perfect example of amazing architecture and brilliant engineering. Built on a hilltop in 1143, the Golconda Fort was initially a mud fort during the sovereignty of Rajah of Warangal. However, the fort was fortified by the Bahmani Sultans and Qutub Shahi dynasty, between 14th to 17th centuries. It is one of the most magnificent fortresses in India. So, once you are done visiting the Birla Mandir Temple in Hyderabad, you can head to this historical place.

NTR Gardens

One of the most popular sightseeing places in Hyderabad, NTR Gardens were built in memory of the former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh - late Shri N T Rama Rao. Spread across 36 acres, NTR Gardens attract visitors with its refreshing environment and a serene vibe. NTR Gardens are close to the famous Birla Temple Hyderabad, and Hussain Sagar Lake, making park visits even more enjoyable for tourists.

Apart from all these, Hyderabad also has some beautiful hill stations in the vicinity, attracting tourists with lush green landscapes and a unique charm. Some popular hill stations near Hyderabad include Wayanad, Kodaikanal, Araku Valley, Ananthagiri Hills, and more. So, if you want your trip to be spiritual as well as fun, you can include these destinations in your tour package.