Sri Chilkur Balaji Temple: History, Timings, Photos, and More

Sri Chilkur Balaji Temple is Lord Vishnu’s divine spiritual abode in Kaliyuga, situated in the Chilkur Village. It is also dearly referred to as the “Visa Balaji Temple”, as the deity is believed to get rid of any hurdles in the visa process. 

If you’re planning to visit due to a similar reason or for seeking solitude in Balaji’s divine aegis, we’ve got you covered. Find everything about Chilkur Balaji mentioned here, from Chilkur Balaji Temple photos to its timings, history, location, and more. 

Also, find out how to navigate to the temple with ease and get Chilkur Balaji Temple hotel suggestions for a comfortable stay. 

The History of Sri Chilkur Balaji Temple–Significance, Unique Rituals, and the Deity

At the southwestern rim of Hyderabad lies the divine abode of Lord Vishnu, alongside the Osman Sagar Lake, which fills the temple with serenity. Enhance your spiritual experience by finding out the Chilkur Balaji Temple history and the significance of its rituals in the following sub-sections. 

Chilkur Balaji Temple History

The origin of the temple goes as far back as 500 years ago, when a devotee of Shri Venkateshwara wasn’t able to take the pilgrimage to Tirupati. His health issues acted as a constraint in fulfilling his wish to visit the deity. 

In a miraculous event of divine intervention, he is guided by Balaji through a vision to the Chilkur Village, where he discovers a self-manifested idol of Lord Balaji and his wives Sridevi and Bhudevi. 

Bhakta Ramdas Ji’s (a devotee of Balaji) uncles Akkanna, and Madanna, are believed to be the ones who had set the ground for the establishment of this temple.

Spiritual Significance and Unique Rituals 

It is famously referred to as the “Visa Balaji Temple”, since devotees come here to seek Balaji’s blessings whenever they encounter hurdles in their aspirations of international travel.

Years after the temple’s foundation was laid, the belief emerged that anybody who does 11 parikramas (circumambulations) around the sanctum sanctorum with unwavering faith and devotion will have all their visa hurdles eliminated. 

It is also a common practice to come back to the temple to finish yet another 108 parikramas (circumambulations) of the presiding deity as an expression of gratitude. 

What further distinguishes the nature of this temple from any other is the fact that the temple does not have any hundi (donation box). The value of material exchange with God is not promoted at Sri Chilkur Balaji Temple. 

That is why, once you’re inside the temple, it becomes all about establishing a connection with the divine.

About the Presiding Deity 

Due to the unique manifestation of the deity, it has been ensured that the prime focus remains on connecting with the divine and having a peaceful time. This is why you wouldn’t be able to spot any garlands, coconuts, or donation boxes in the temple.

The only form of showing love and devotion to God is by performing 108 parikramas (circumambulations) and meditating. People often perform the 108 parikramas after securing their visas. 

To find out the Chilkur Balaji Temple timings for 108 rounds, read the following section.

Chilkur Balaji Temple Pradakshina Timings

Chilkur Balaji Temple pradakshina timings are adhered to strictly, so, to ensure you finish the rounds, reach there half an hour before the closing time. 

These are the Chilkur Balaji temple 108 rounds timings:

Morning Hours	6:00 am-12:30 pm
Evening Hours	4:00 pm-6:30 pm

Devotees who make a visit for the first time are supposed to take 11 pradakshinas of the inner sanctum. If their wish is fulfilled, they can go on to take the remaining 108 rounds in the second visit to thank the deity. 

On the weekends, the temple is generally more crowded, and the best time to do the parikramas is before 6:30 am. The least crowded weekdays for the same are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, according to temple authorities. 

Find out all about the Chilkur Balaji timings in the subsequent section.

Chilkur Balaji Temple Timings 

Chilkur Balaji Darshan and aarti timings are mentioned at length below. Adhere to this table to find out, “Is Chilkur Balaji Temple open tomorrow?” as well as Chilkur Balaji Temple timings Sunday:

Days of the Week	Morning Hours	Evening Hours
Monday-Friday	6:00 am-12:30 pm	4:30 pm-8:30 pm
Saturday-Sunday	5:45 am-12:30 pm	4:30 pm-8:30 pm

Aarti Timing for Chilkur Balaji Swamy Temple

Chilkur Balaji timings for abhishekam, archana and aarti are as mentioned below:

• Abhishekam: Starts at 9 am and ends at 9:45 am.
• Archana: From 6:00 am until 6:30 pm. 
• Aarti: The aarti starts at 7:00 am and ends at 7:30 am. 

Now that we’ve covered all the Chilkur Temple timings, let’s head to the next section to discuss how to navigate to the temple easily.

How to Reach Chilkur Balaji Temple?

There are several modes connecting Sri Chilkur Balaji Temple to the main cities in Telangana and Hyderabad. Find the Chilkur Balaji address and various ways to reach there below:

Temple Address: Chilkur Balaji Temple Rd, Chilkur Village, Hyderabad, Telangana 500075.

• By Air: Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad is the nearest airport to the temple, located at a distance of 28 km. 

• By Bus: The temple is itself a landmark for buses to stop just a minute’s walk away. Buses 288D and 288K, along with other lines, stop here. 

• By Railways: Since the temple is located at the southwestern end of Hyderabad, the closest railway station is Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station, just 26.1 km away.

• By Road: Take the national highways numbered NH 44, NH 65, or NH 161 while coming to the temple from northern/northwestern India. Whereas, if you’re planning to come from the south, then NH 65 or NH 163 are the ones to go. 

Chilkur Temple Location in Telangana

A common query among people is about the exact location of the Chilkur Temple, and its distance from Hyderabad’s center. Find all the queries related to the location answered here:

• Hyderabad To Chilkur Balaji Temple Distance: The distance of Chilkur Balaji Temple from Hyderabad’s main city is 31.7 km. 

• Kukatpally To Chilkur Balaji Temple Distance: Kukatpally, which is further north of Hyderabad’s main city, is located at a distance of 29.1 km from the temple. 

Hoping that this has given you a decent understanding of the temple location, let’s move forward to knowing the places near Chilkur Balaji Temple in the upcoming section. 

Things to Do & Places to Visit Near Sri Chilkur Balaji Temple 

Top things to experience at the temple are taking part in the pradakshina ritual and marvelling at the glory and infrastructure of the temple. Also, various festivals like Brahmotsavam, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, and Sankranti make the vibes of the temple rise to its full glory.

Things to do around the temple include exploring the local markets, visiting Osman Sagar Lake, Golconda Fort, Charminar, Ocean Park and more. Explore these places near Chilkur Balaji Temple:

• Osman Sagar Lake: Relax by the Osman Sagar Lake, which is an artificial lake surrounded by lush greenery and hills. It is adjacent to the temple, which makes it an essential one to visit. 

• Golconda Fort: Explore the ruins of Golconda Fort, which is a fortified citadel. It has remained an important landmark in history, from the times of Kakatiya ruler Prataparudra to the era of Shivaji Maharaj, and is therefore a must-visit.

• Wonder La: Just like Mumbai’s Essel World, Wonder La Adventure Park in Hyderabad has made a huge name for itself when it comes to all things fun. Do not miss visiting this one, especially during summer months when Hyderabad heat could get to you. 

• Charminar: Yes, a little cliché, but yet one that must not be missed is Charminar because, what even is a trip to Hyderabad without having witnessed the marvel that Charminar is?

• Ramoji Film City: Oh! And how can we forget the world’s largest film studio complex, as recognised by the Guinness World Records. Since the complex is so big, this guide to exploring Ramoji Film City will be a lot of help. 

• Haritha Restaurant Chilkur Balaji Temple: Haritha Restaurant is a renowned multi-cuisine spot in Hyderabad, serving savory meals at affordable rates, since the Telangana government partly runs it. 

With that, we’re done with figuring out how the day could be spent; now let’s look at a few good options to rest while visiting the Chilkur Balaji Temple.

Places to Stay Near Chilkur Balaji Temple 

There are many accommodation options available near the temple, like Airbnb, Fabhotel, and family-friendly hotels, as well as luxury stays, which are discussed elaborately in the following subsections: 

Budget Friendly Accommodations 

Youngsters who are here with friends and have a limited budget can consider Zostel Hyderabad, which is a very convenient and appealing option. Not just because of the price, but also due to its location in the main city, which makes exploring all the major spots easy. Visit the temple using public transport buses, and you will be good to go!

Price Range: ₹699 – ₹2,499

Address: 1-94, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana-500081.

Ratings: 4.5 stars on Google reviews. 

Family-Friendly Stays Near Chilkur Balaji Temple

The Lemon Tree Hotel in HITEC City, Hyderabad, is the perfect mid-range hotel to stay at, especially when looking for safe and sound family stays. Its location in the bustling IT hub makes it a safe vicinity and picturesque at the same time. After all, a comfortable bed, with calm surroundings, is all one needs after returning to the hotel after a long day, and this hotel has it all!

Price Range: ₹10,000 – ₹13,000

Address: Plot No. 2, Survey No. 64, Hitec City, (Madhapur), Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500081, India.

Ratings: 4.0-star rating on Google reviews.

Luxury Stays Nearby 

Golconda Resorts offer a relaxing retreat from the city noises. The space is set to create composure with the use of pastel colors, and with the rooms opening to a balcony, that offers a delectable view of the lush surroundings. It thus makes for a perfect vacation stay and is the most serene out of all the Chilkur Balaji Temple hotels. 

Price Range: ₹12,000 per night

Address: Sagar Mahal Complex, near Osman Sagar Lake, Gandipet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500075.

Ratings: 4.3-star rating on Google reviews. 

Now that you’re aware of the stay options near the temple, take a look at these few tips that will add to the ease of visiting the temple.

Tips for Visiting Sri Chilkur Balaji Temple 

To make the most out of your visit to Sri Chilkur Balaji Temple, follow the dress code, avoid peak hours, adhere to the temple guidelines, and find one or two attached visits to any of the nearby attractions.

• Dress Code: Carry a veil/handkerchief to cover your head, depending upon whether you’re a female or a male, respectively. Wearing traditional clothes like sarees or salwar-kameez is advisable for women, whereas men can wear a shirt with pants, dhoti, or pyjamas.

• Temple Guidelines: Do not offer to make any donations or take garlands or coconuts inside, as this temple prohibits all offerings other than prayers. 

• Peak Hours: To avoid the peak hours, make sure you visit early morning, before 7 am, especially on the weekends, when the temple sees more crowds than usual.

• Best Season to Visit the Temple: Since Hyderabad experiences a hot climate, the winter season, i.e., October to February, is the best time to visit Chilkur Balaji Temple. 

• Nearby Attractions to Visit: A few worthwhile attractions near the temple are, Mrugavani National Park, Osman Sagar lake, Golconda Fort, Ramoji Film City, etc. 

Now that you’ve got a glimpse of what your Chilkur Balaji Swamy Temple visit would look like, it’s time for a wrap!

In a Nutshell

An experience that is free of all pressures, obligations, and expectations awaits you at Sri Chilkur Balaji Temple. The prime focus of the temple is to enhance the spiritual experience of Balaji bhakts, and the no-donation policy further ensures it.

Drench in the spiritual bliss, and meditate by the serene Osman Sagar Lake adjacent to the temple. We hope your journey is full of solitude and is spiritually fulfilling!