|
|
 |
|
| A structural wonder that dominating the skyline of Hyderabad is Birla Mandir, dedicated to the spiritual powers of Lord Venkateshwara. Birla Foundation built over a span of ten years, overlooking the south end of Hussain Sagar the Birla Mandir is a beautiful modern temple. Providing an excellent view over the city from the summit. It presents a beautiful blend of the northern and southern styles of architecture. |
|
| One such marvelous edifice is the Birla Mandir. An enchanting temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the Birla Mandir stands in all its grandeur on the hilltop of Kalapahad. Made of pure white marble from Rajasthan, the Birla Mandir overlooks the serene and placid waters of the Hussain Sagar lake. |
|
| One gets to view the intricate carvings of the temple, the ceiling and the mythological figures, which are a standing testimony to the dexterity and sculptural excellence of the craftsmen. |
|
 |
|
|
 |
| The tower over the main shrine of Lord 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 consorts of Venkateswara, 'Padmavati' and 'Andal' are housed in separate shrines. Beautiful scenes from the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharatha are finely sculpted in marble. |
|
| The magnificent shrine offers a fantastic panoramic view of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The intricate carvings of the temple, the ceiling and the mythological figures are a standing testimony to the dexterity and sculptural excellence of the craftsmen. Beautiful scenes from the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata are finely sculpted in marble. |
|
| A number of lofty steps lead the visitor to the sanctum sanctorum. Along the winding path are many marble statues of Gods and Goddesses of Hindu mythology located in the midst of some gardens, full of blossoms. |
|
|
|
| |
|
| The Birla Mandir presents a colorful spectacular sight when illuminated at night. |
|
| 'Jagadananda Vimanam' is the tower that lies over the main shrine of the Lord. This tower is built in Orissan style, whereas the towers above the shrines of the consorts have been erected in the South Indian architectural style. Durga and Shiva are the other major deities housed in this temple. |
|
| There is also a temple dedicated to Buddha in this complex with fresco paintings describing his life and work. The entire complex, the walls and the upper gallery are full of paintings carried out by artists from Jaipur in Rajasthan. |
|
 |
|
|
| Although modern in construction worship is carried out as per the traditional Agama rules, the Pancharatra Agama in particular. |
|
| 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). |
|
| To reach there
Auto-rickshaws are the best means of traveling in Secundrabad and about the city north of Musi whereas in the congested old quarter one is better off walking or taking a cycle-rickshaw. |
|
|
|