Hyderabad is an Indian city known for its delectable food, rich history and over few years, for its IT scene. But, that's not all! The city also has some of the most amazing temples. So, if you are in the city and want some place of solace, check out this list of temples in Hyderabad. Understand the culture, get closer to the spiritual roots and experience divinity.
Jagannath TempleBuilt by the Odiya Community in the city, Jagannath Temple is set in the beautiful area of Banjara Hills. Showcasing modern architecture, this one is among the most popular temples in Hyderabad. The main deity in the temple is Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Bhagwan Krishna accompanied by the idols of Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra. The temple premises also have small temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Ganesh, Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple is a replica of the PuriJagannath Temple in Odisha. RathYatra, a traditional festival is also celebrated with great vibrancy.
Timings: 6:00am-11:00am & 5:00pm-9:00pm
Birla TempleLocated on the NaubatPahad around 280ft high, the Birla Temple is among the most visited temples in the city of Hyderabad.Constructed in the 19 th century, the temple is dedicated to Tirumala's Lord Venkateshwara. The large premise, white marble structure, Gurbani stone carvings and the teachings of the respected saints, everything makes it a fascinating place for spiritual visitors. It is today one of the must-visit tourist attractions in the city. There are shrines of other deities in the temple premises such as Lord Brahma, Ganesha, Vishnu, Hanuman, Shiva and Goddess Saraswati. Because of its hill-top settlement, the temple serves as a great viewpoint offering beautiful sights of Husain Sagar Lake and the city.
Timings: 7:00am-12:00pm & 3:00pm-9:00pm
Ratnalayam TempleDedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, Goddess Andal and GodessPadmavati, the Ratnalayam Temple is an ancient structure where Chakram, Shanku and Namam are built like fountains. But the most alluring view of the temple is not these fountains but the idol of Lord Vishnu in the resting pose on Adisesha with his wives on the side. In the temple premises, there is a Pravachan Hall, Yagashala, a large well-manicured garden, KalyanaKatta and an attractive sculpture of Lord Krishna - he is dancing on the poisonous snake, Kalindi.
Timings: On weekdays - 6:00am-12:00pm & 4:00pm-8:00pm. On weekends - 6:00am-1:00pm and 4:00pm-9:00pm
Shyam TempleAlso known as, ShriKanchiKamakottiPeethamShriShyam Baba Mandir, it is counted among the most famous ancient temples in the city. Dedicated to Lord Shyam, the incarnation of Lord Krishna, the temple boasts fascinating architecture, paintings and stone figurines to allure tourists from across the world. Maximum crowd of devotees and tourists is observed during festivals like RaasLeela and Janamashtami.
Timings: 6:00am-12:00pm & 4:00pm-8:30pm
VenkateswaraSwamy TempleAlso famous with the name of ChilkoorBalaji, this one is the most admired VenkateswaraSwamy temple across India. Situated on the Osman Sagar banks, the temple is one of the oldest in the city and welcomes around 1 lakh devotees in a week. The most highlighted feature of the temple is no monetary donation is accepted from the devotees. There's an interesting belief that devotees coming with any wishes related to visa, passport or overseas travel gets fulfilled here and this has led to its alternative names 'Visa Balaji' and 'Passport Balaji'.
Timings: 6:00am-1:00pm & 6:00pm-9:00pm
Sri GnanaSaraswati TempleBeing one among the oldest Saraswati temples in the country, this one is a must-visit temple in Hyderabad for tourists. Sri GnanaSaraswati Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Knowledge, Goddess Saraswati along with Goddess Lakshmi and Kali. Situated at the banks of River Godavari, the temple was constructed by the Sage Vyasa and attracts the largest number of visitors during VasantPanchami. The temple is popular for AksharAbhyasam ritual which is performed daily.
Timings: 4:00am-12:00pm & 2:00pm-8:30pm
Karmanghat Hanuman TempleConstructed in the 12th century by King Prataparuda of Kakatiya dynasty, the Karmanghat Hanuman Templeis considered to be a vintage temple in the city. It holds great significance in the Hindu community as people consider Lord Hanuman as "SankatMochan" resolver of troubles and life challenges. The temple complex also features small shrines of other gods and goddesses such as Lord Jagannath, Nageshwara, Vigneshwara and Goddess Durga and Saraswati. There is a small temple of the Nabagraha gods as well.
Timings: 6:00am-12:00pm & 4:00pm-8:00pm. On Tuesdays - 5:30am-1:00pm & 4:00pm-9:00pm
Hyderabad is not only about palaces of the Nizams and delicious food. You can also find peace in spirituality of its aesthetic and ancient temples. Book your flights to Hyderabad with IndianEagle and explore the spiritual side of the city.