Indian Temple Timings: Chilkur Balaji

Chilkur Balaji

The temple is located in the banks of the Osman Sagar Lake, just off Vikarabad road. From the style and architecture of the temple, it can be postulated that the temple was built at least half a millennium ago. It is the oldest temple in Telengana, built during the days of Akkana and Madanna, the uncles of Bhakta Ramdas. Within the temple is the Swayambhu idol of the temple’s lord, Sri Balaji Venkateshwara, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi accompanying him. Lord Venkateshwara is said to shower his blessings to any devotee or pilgrim who is not capable of visiting his temple at Tirupati, at Tirumala. According to legend, a devotee who used to go to the lord’s temple at Tirupati was unable to go because of serious health problems. Moved by the devotion, Lord Venkateshwara appeared to him in a dream and told him to dig his idol in the nearby jungle. The devotee did so, and he found the idol of the lord, together with Sridevi and Bhoodevi, a rare combination. Incidentally, the devotee’s axe accidentally struck the idol’s chin and chest during the process. It is said that one can still see these marks on the idol to this day.

An important feature of the Chilkur Balaji temple is that there is no required offering or hundi. Instead, tradition states that the only fee the lord requires is for the devotee to make rounds of the temple, called pradakshinas. The usual procedure is to take 11 pradakshinas and then express the wish. During this time, the devotee shall promise to take 108 more pradakshinas if the wish is granted. This is usually what devotees do in order to get a visa.

The majority of wishes by devotees are visa related, thus Chilkur Balaji is also referred to as 'Visa' Balaji

Chilkur Balaji Temple History

Twenty Five kilometers from Hyderabad off the Vikarabad road and on the banks of Osmansagar is the picturesque village of Chikur with its hoary temple dedicated to Sri Balaji Venkateshwara. From the style, structure and appearance, it can be inferred that the temple was built half a millennium ago. Set in sylvan surroundings, the temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year and is an ideal place for sequestered retreat and meditation. It enjoyed in the past, great days of pomp and glory.

The temple is one of the oldest in Telengana, having been built during the time of Akkanna and Madanna, the uncles of Bhakta Ramdas. According to tradition, a devotee who used to visit Tirupati every year could not do so on one occasion owing to serious ill-health. Lord Venkateshwara appeared in his dream and said, "I am right here in the jungle nearby. You don't have to worry." The devotee at once moved to the place indicated by the Lord in the dream and saw a mole- hill there, which he dug up. Accidentally, the axe struck Lord Balaji's idol covered by the mole-hill below the chin and on the chest, and surprisingly blood started flowing profusely from the "wounds", flooding the ground and turning it scarlet. The devotee could not believe his eyes when he saw this. Suddenly he could not believe his ears also when he heard a voice from the air which said,"Flood the mole-hill with cow's milk. "When the devotee did so, a Swayambhu idol of Lord Balaji accompanied by Sridevi and Bhoodevi(a rare combination) was found, and this idol was installed with the due rites and a temple built for it.

Sri Balaji venkateshwara, the Pratyaksha Daiva in kaliyuga, is thus available at Chilkur to shower blessings on His devotees who for any reason are unable to go to Tirupati. Many devout worshippers flock to the temple, to receive the blessings of the Lord and his consorts throughout the year particularly during the Poolangi, Annakota and Brahmothsavams

With the earnest desire to revive the former glory and importance of the temple, the idol of Ammavaru was installed in 1963 the year following the Chinese aggression, and when the aggression was unilaterally vacated, Ammavaru was given the name of Rajya Lakshmi, signifying this welcome event. The unique feature of this idol is that lotus flowers are held in three hands and the fourth hand is in such a position towards the lotus feet which signifies the doctrine of Saranagathi.

The temple has been visited by great Acharyas from time to time. A visit to the temple is a must for the Jeer of Sri Ahobila Mutt every time he visits the twin cities, and in the temple is installed the idol of the first Jeer. The Tilakayaths of Sri Vallabhacharya Sampradaya have been regularly visiting the shrine. Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya of Sringeri Mutt and his disciple graced the efforts of the trustees in improving the temple.

The Chanting of following names of Lord Vishnu, immensely helps us in overcoming the obstacles in our daily life.

1. "Om Vashatkaaraaya Namaha" : For Success in Business.

2. "Om Aksharaaya Namaha" : For Success in Studies.

3. "Om Bhuthabhavanaya Namaha" : For Good Health.

4. "Om Paramaathmane Namaha" : For Self Confidence.

Chilkur Balaji Temple Timings

Morning - 6 AM to Evening 6 PM

Archana - 6 AM

Astothharam - 7 AM

Bhajana - 8 AM

Prasada Sweekaran - 9 AM