Chilkur village lies 30 km from Hyderabad city in Telengana. It is a small picturesque village which is known for a famous temple called Chilkur Balaji temple. Located on the banks of the Osman Sagar Lake, near the Vikarabad road, this temple draws pilgrims from all over the country.
Chilkur Balaji temple is certainly one of the oldest temples in the state of Telengana, and its architecture is awe-inspiring, too. Supposedly, the temple was erected more than 500 years ago. It is regarded as an alternative to the renowned Tirumala temple in Tirupati. The presiding deity in this temple is Balaji Venkateswara. His consorts, Sridevi and Bhoodevi, can be seen along with him.
Legend behind Chilkur Balaji temple
Many temples in India often have some legends about their origin. This temple is no exception. An interesting legend lies behind the construction of the temple. According to it, the temple was built by a devotee who was unable to visit the Tirupati temple due to some health problems. The devotee was filled with grief as he couldn’t worship Balaji at Tirumala. His devotion moved the deity, who told him to erect a separate temple and install his idol there. The deity also gave him instructions in a dream on where to find him. The devotee did so, and thus, the temple came into being. Those devotees who are unable to visit the Tirupati temple for some reason, often come here.
A popular name for this temple is “Visa Balaji temple”. It is said that those who are trying to go abroad come here as their wish to get a visa will be fulfilled if they worship the deity here. It is said that many people have been able to get visas after worshipping at the temple, and its reputation has spread by word of mouth to other parts of the country too. A lot of Telugu youngsters go abroad for higher studies, and therefore, one can understand why the temple attracts such large numbers of worshippers.
Promoting a Spiritual Ambience
Chilkur Balaji temple is also one of the very few temples in the country which has no hundi or donation box on the premises. In some temples in India, there are many small shops selling trinkets and Pooja items on the premises. One could say that a mini-economy has sprung up around them. Also, in other famous temples, the priests are said to be very avaricious and constantly badgering devotees for dakshina. Such things may vitiate the religious and spiritual atmosphere of the temple. But Chilkur Balaji temple is refreshingly different in such respects.
Rituals at Chilkur Balaji temple
Devotees who worship here usually offer 11 “pradakshinas” to the deity. Once their wish is fulfilled, they perform 108 pradakshinas to express their gratitude to Balaji. When the devotee performs the pradakshinas, the well-educated priests chant mantras and hold religious discourses. They speak to the devotees in English and Telugu and motivate them. The temple boasts a peaceful atmosphere, which makes the mind feel serene.
Around 75,000 to 1 lakh devotees visit the temple every week. The number of visitors increases manifold during festive occasions like Annakoot, Brahmotsavam, and Poolangi. Many eminent religious and spiritual gurus also visit Chilkur Balaji temple. The Jeer of Sri Ahobila Mutt, Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya of Sringeri Mutt, Tilakayaths of Shri Vallabhacharya Sampradaya, are some among them.
Darshan timings at Chilkur Balaji temple are from 5 am to 8 pm. The temple is open on all days. Devotees are often seen doing pradakshinas from morning till night.
