Chilkur Balaji Temple: Timings, History & Significances

The Chilkur Balaji temple is the Visa God temple of Hyderabad. This is a peaceful and revered Balaji temple located in the quaint village of Chilkur.

The temple is about 30 km from Hyderabad. The temple, covered by lush greenery, receives thousands of tourists yearly. It’s an excellent place for meditation and secluded retreats.

The Osman Sagar Lake’s serene water welcomes you when you go closer to the temple. Adds to the calm environment of the place of worship.

You will get yourself from the rush of the city and in a state of faith and serenity as soon as you enter the temple.

The appearance of the Chilkur Balaji temple, its style, and its architecture make it more beautiful. It was built around half a thousand years ago.

That’s why it is a cultural heritage site. Thus, if you want to know more interesting facts about the temple, dive into the divine gem among the oldest temples of Telangana.

Chilkur Balaji Temple Timings

The pilgrims who are planning to seek the blessings of lord Balaji just the chilkur Balaji temple timings before going there.

The timing follows a particular schedule to adjust the multiple devotees who visit the temple regularly.

There are the regular timings:

• Morning Hours: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Afternoon Break: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Temple remains closed)
• ⁠Special Days: During festivals and special occasions, the temple may have extended hours to manage the increased influx of devotees.

History Of Chilkur Balaji Temple

The temple is one of the oldest in Hyderabad and is thought to have been constructed during the time of Madonna and Akkanna, the uncle of Bhakta Ramdas.

Based on multiple beliefs and ancient tales, the temple was built by the devotees of Balaji.

He used to visit Tirupati every year. Nonetheless, due to one occasion, he could not do so, suffering a serious illness.

Impressed by his faith, Lord Venkateshwara came into his dream and guided him to find his idol, along with the idols of Sridevi and Bhoodevi. He also instructs him to develop his glorious temple.

The devotee was touched by such incidents and spotted a molehill at the place given by the Lord.

Thus, he started digging at that place till his axe struck Lord Balaji’s idol. The earth suddenly turned scarlet as blood began to pour from the wounds.

Then, the devotee heard a supernatural voice telling him to pour milk all over the place.

This resulted in the idols of Lord Balaji, joined by Sridevi and Bhoodevi, emerging from the ground. These idols were then put in the temple.

Since then, all devotees who are unable to go to Tirupati for any reason can receive the blessings of Sri Balaji Venkateswara in Chilkur.

With its picturesque setting, the shrine welcomes thousands of people from around the globe.

Rituals & Traditions of Chilkur Balaji Temple

In the temple of Chilkur Balaji, devotees perform specific rituals and customs.

The Unique Practice of Circumambulation

One of the most unique rituals of the temple is the performance of ‘Pradakshina’ and circumambulation.

The Chilkur Balaji temple allows devotees to perform 108 pradakshinas across the temple.

People walk around the sanctum shrine 11 times while seeking a wish and 108 times after their wish is achieved.

Such a unique process is considered to have the strength to complete the devotee’s wishes.

It’s mainly for those looking to get a visa to travel abroad. Thus, the name is called ‘Visa Balaji.’

Devotional Services

There are various devotional services and rituals performed for the entire day in the temple. It includes Suprabhatam, Archana, and Harathi (aarti).

The rituals offer a profound spiritual experience and boost a deep relationship between the devotees and the lord.

Significance Of 108 Pradakshinas in Chilkur Balaji Temple

Sri Chilkur Balaji temple is called as visa Balaji Temple, as we have mentioned already in the article.

But you know about a unique ritual performed in this temple. This is a tradition of performing 108 pradakshinas around the sanctum. There is a simple explanation for the importance of 108 circumambulations.

The Ritual of 11 Pradakshinas

The custom of 11 pradakshinas begins where the journey starts. Offering to the deity for the wish to be granted, followers do pradakshina around the sanctum shrine with hope and confidence. The request was made to the god, lord Balaji, represented by the number 11.

What is the meaning of 11? It shows the devotee’s dedication to the divine of the temple and their faith in Eleven11, which means ‘1 soul and 1 body’, 108 means ‘1 shows the existence of the almighty, 0 shows creation, and 8 shows the time taken by the human to come into the world.’

The majority of devotees come here to get the visa issue resolved. Hence, to justify the alternate name of the Visa Balaji temple.

The Fulfillment and the Return

Whenever a wish of devotees is granted – especially if this is about getting a visa – they visit the temple to seek blessings.

They show appreciation to god and perform 108 pradakshina. This is a way to show your dedication.

Hinduism attributes great holy significance to the number; it is thought to stand for the cosmos, eternity, and the complete life cycle.

The Process of Performing 108 Pradakshinas

Executing 108 circumambulations is a religious activity to fulfill your wishes. Here’s how devotees often undertake the spiritual journey.

Preparation: Pilgrims usually ready themselves mentally and spiritually before starting the 108 pradakshinas. It might include fasting, meditation, and reciting prayers.

Execution: The pradakshinas are accomplished by walking across the sanctum in a clockwise direction. Every pradakshina physically manifests the devotee’s appreciation and faith in the divine.

Mindful Devotion: As they perform the circumambulation, followers remain mindful and recite the name of lord balaji and specific prayers. Such mindfulness helps to manage spiritual aim and dedication.

Completion: Based on 108 pradakshina, followers experience a profound sense of gratitude and spiritual upliftment. It’s the time of a strong connection with the divine and justification of faith.

Location of Chilkur Balaji Temple

The Chilkur Balaji temple is situated in the serene village of Chilkur. The village is around 30 km from Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana.

The temple stands amidst natural beauty and offers devotees a peaceful and calm environment.

1. Temple Location: Chilkur temple, Chilkur, Moinabad Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, Telangana, India.
2. Proximity to Hyderabad: The temple is in proximity to Hyderabad. It provides a suitable getaway from the rush of the city and makes it easily accessible to both locals and visitors.
3. Scenic Surroundings: The temple’s scenic surroundings can provide the serene sightseeing of the Osman Sagar Lake, adding to the spiritual experience of its guests.

Best Time To Visit Chilkur Balaji Temple

The right time to visit the Chilkur Balaji temple is from March to June, as the temperatures go beyond 40 degrees Celsius.

Rains follow the temperature until October, making it highly unstable. But due to this, you may feel humidity and dampness in the weather.

Hence, the best time to visit Andhra is between October and December, when the weather is most pleasant during the period.

When traveling to Chilkur Balaji, try to ignore weekend plans as you may face a crowd of devotees coming in large numbers to perform pradakshina. You could be in a long queue.

Festivals & Special Days Of Visits to Chilkur Balaji Temple

A number of festivals and events are celebrated in the Shri Chilkur Balaji temple with great faith. A few of the major festivals are:

Brahmotsavam

This is a huge annual festival celebration with custom rituals, processions, and cultural activities. It is held in March or April.

Vaikunta Ekadasi

Organized in December or January, the festival marks an encouraging day when pilgrims invoke the deity to get blessings for prosperity and inner growth.

Pavitrotsavam

In August, a purification ceremony is performed. In this, special rituals and prayers are scheduled to seek forgiveness for any wrongdoings in regular honoring.

Hanuman Jayanti

To celebrate the birth anniversary of lord Hanuman, a true devotee of lord Balaji. It comes in April, and people perform it with special prayers and parades.

The unavailability of financial transactions makes a spiritually enriching environment at the Chilkur Balaji temple.

The goal stays on sincere dedication and faith, boosting a deep connection with the deity.

The ritual supports the dedication of the temple to manage spirituality and authenticity.

How To Reach Chilkur Balaji Temple?

You can be there by road, train, and air, following the route:

By Road

Private vehicle: Reaching the Chilkur Balaji temple is one of the most comfortable options via road. You can reach the temple by road using your own vehicle or by booking a taxi.

It will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour from the Hyderabad city center, based on the traffic situation.

Public transportation: The regular buses of TSRTC (Telangana State Road Transport Corporation) connect Hyderabad with Chilkur.

You can get a ticket and depart from Mahdipatnam or other main bus stops in the city. The bus ride is a comfortable option to reach the temple.

Cab services: You can use a taxi or cab to reach the temple directly. However, it can be a little costly; the option is for those who want a direct or private route.

By Train

Nearest railway station: The closest railway station to the Chilkur Balaji temple is the Hyderabad Deccan railway station. You can book a taxi from the station or get a bus to reach the temple.

Other railway stations: The other major railway stations are the Secunderabad and Kacheguda railway stations in Hyderabad. You can easily find a taxi or public transport to reach the temple from these stations.

By Air

Nearest airport: The closest airport to the Chilkur Balaji temple is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport from Shamshabad, Hyderabad.

From the airport: You can book a taxi or cab or use the airport shuttle service to reach the temple.

It will take around 40-50 minutes as this is approximately 28 km.

Tips for Visiting Chilkur Balaji Temple

• There are multiple shops in front of the temple for coconuts, flowers, and other items to offer inside the temple. Yet, no offerings are accepted.
• When visiting the temple, thank the deity by performing 108 pradakshinas, take regular breaks, and do not come without eating anything.
• If you need to donate to the maintenance of the temple, you can deposit the amount in their bank account.
• You can also read religious stories and other books for just 5Rs.
• There is no service for VIPs, and neither does the temple have a donation box for the devotees. The temple believes in equality in the eyes of god.
• The temple is located in a quiet and peaceful village known as Chilkur Village. Hence indeed, enjoying the greenery and sightseeing around, one could not find something better than this.

Conclusion

Sri Chilkur Balaji temple is a sign of deep-rooted faith and dedication of millions of followers who invoke lord Balaji’s blessings.

The rich history, serene location, and unique customs of this temple make it an important pilgrimage destination.

Whether you’re a true devotee seeking divine blessings to get your visa or just searching for a place of peace and holiness, this is one.

Chilkur Balaji offers a stunning experience that is both fulfilling and memorable. Schedule your visit to this auspicious temple and immerse yourself in the divinity of lord Balaji.