The elegant modern Birla Mandir built of white marble stands on Naubat Parbat a little hill in the center of town where once the 'Naubat' or drums were sounded and royal proclamations read out. From top of the hill is another beautiful view of the town and at distance the rocky Golconda fort is visible. The prime diety here is Lord Venkateshwara and the idol in the temple is a copy of the one at Tirupati.
Overlooking the Tank Bund, the Birla Mandir presents an arresting sight when illuminated in the evening. This magnificent structure built completely out of marble from Rajasthan, stands atop the Kala Pahad, the twin hillock of the Naubat Pahad. Built by Birla Foundation over a span of ten years, the main temple is dedicated to Lord Venkatehwara.
Birla Mandir combines the architectural styles of the Southern and Northern Indian temples. The intricately carved gopurams (tower) at the base are in typical South Indian style, while the smooth sikhara (dome) at the top is in the North Indian Rajasthani style. The temple has beautiful marble carvings and some of them illustrating verses from the Ramayana. The inner shrine of the temple is a replica of the Venkateswara temple at Tirupati.
The Birla Mandir presents a colourful spectacular sight when illuminated at night. A trip to Hyderabad remains incomplete without a visit to the enchanting Birla Mandir
Significance
This is a modern temple (consecrated in 1976) built of white marble on top of a hill, dominating the skyline of Hyderabad. The Birlas (industrialists who have also built several temples in India in this century) built this temple. The presiding deity here is Venkateswara (Vishnu).
Architecture
This temple displays a mixture of architectural styles. A Rajagopuram built in the South Indian style greets the visitors. The tower over the main shrine of Venkateswara called the Jagadananda vimanam is built in the Orissan style while the towers over the shrines of the consorts are built in the South Indian style. The brass flagstaff rises to a height of 42 feet.
Other shrines in the temple
The consorts of Venkateswara Padmavathi and Andal are housed in separate shrines.
Worship and festivals
Although modern in construction worship is carried out as per the traditional Agama rules, the Pancharatra Agama in particular.
A number of superior steps lead the visitor to the sanctum sanctorum. Along the winding path are many a marble statue of gods and goddesses of Hindu mythology located in the midst of verdant gardens, full of blossoms. The Birla Mandir presents a colorful spectacular sight when illuminated at night.
The Temple is open for Visitors from
7 a.m. to 12 noon 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. all days of the week.
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