Chilkur Balaji Temple
Also known as Visa Balaji Temple, Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple Chilkur, Chilkur Balaji
Chilkur Balaji Temple near Hyderabad, Telangana, worships Lord Venkateswara without a consort and is famed as "Visa Balaji," with no hundi, priests, or fees.
Photos of Chilkur Balaji Temple
Chilkur Balaji Temple at a Glance
| Location | Chilkur, Telangana |
|---|---|
| Presiding deity | Vishnu |
| Established | 14th century; re-developed in the 1960s by Sri Vittal Babu and the All-India Vaishnava Mahasabha |
| Architecture | South Indian Dravidian (traditional) |
| Timings | 06:00–13:00 and 15:00–20:00 daily |
| Address | Chilkur Village, Moinabad Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, Hyderabad, Telangana 500075 |
History of Chilkur Balaji Temple
An ancient Vaishnava shrine said to have been built in the 14th century and patronised in the 17th century by Madanna and Akkanna, the uncles of the Telugu devotional poet Bhakta Ramadas. The temple fell into neglect over time. In the 1960s, Sri Vittal Babu and the All-India Vaishnava Mahasabha rediscovered the idol (reportedly submerged in an anthill) and re-established the temple. It has successfully resisted government takeover (HR&CE). It became the centrepiece of the "Visa Balaji" phenomenon in the 1980s–90s coinciding with the US visa backlog; the practice of 11/108 pradakshinas is unique to this temple.
Festivals Celebrated at Chilkur Balaji Temple
- Brahmotsavam
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi
- Diwali
How to Reach Chilkur Balaji Temple
~20 km from Hyderabad city. TSRTC Bus 288D from Mehidipatnam Bus Stand (every 10–15 min). By road via Gandipet / Osman Sagar.
More Vishnu Temples to Visit
- Venkateswara TempleAndhra Pradesh
- Sri Govindaraja Swamy TempleAndhra Pradesh
- Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden TempleTamil Nadu
- Simhachalam TempleAndhra Pradesh
- Chennakesava TempleKarnataka
- Cheluvanarayana Swamy TempleKarnataka
Frequently Asked Questions about Chilkur Balaji Temple
Where is Chilkur Balaji Temple located?
- Chilkur Balaji Temple is located at Chilkur Village, Moinabad Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, Hyderabad, Telangana 500075, in Chilkur, Telangana, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Chilkur Balaji Temple?
- The presiding deity at Chilkur Balaji Temple is Vishnu (also known as Narayana, Hari), worshipped in the Vaishnava tradition.
What are the timings of Chilkur Balaji Temple?
- Chilkur Balaji Temple is generally open 06:00–13:00 and 15:00–20:00 daily. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Chilkur Balaji Temple built?
- Chilkur Balaji Temple was established 14th century; re-developed in the 1960s by Sri Vittal Babu and the All-India Vaishnava Mahasabha. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Chilkur Balaji Temple?
- Chilkur Balaji Temple is built in the South Indian Dravidian (traditional) style, characteristic of Vishnu shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Chilkur Balaji Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Chilkur Balaji Temple include Brahmotsavam, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Diwali. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Telangana and beyond.
How can I reach Chilkur Balaji Temple?
- ~20 km from Hyderabad city. TSRTC Bus 288D from Mehidipatnam Bus Stand (every 10–15 min). By road via Gandipet / Osman Sagar.
Why is Chilkur Balaji Temple significant?
- Chilkur Balaji Temple near Hyderabad, Telangana, worships Lord Venkateswara without a consort and is famed as "Visa Balaji," with no hundi, priests, or fees.