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Tourism-Hyderabad |
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| Chilkur Balaji Temple or Visa Balaji Temple is an ancient temple. The Balaji Temple is located at Chilkur in the Hyderabad district. It is 33 Kms away from Mehedipatnam. Approximately 75,000 to 1,00,000 devotees visit in a week. Generally temple gets heavy rush on Fridays and Sundays. This is believed to be the only temple in India that does not accept any money, does not have a hundi, from the devotees. |
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| The temple at Chilkur is managed by the hereditary trustee Sri M.V. Soundara Rajan and Sri C.S. Gopala Krishna. The entire family of the archaka, including the women are dedicated themselves to serve the God. |
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| 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, many years ago a devotee of Lord Venkateswara was residing in this village. Every year after the farming activites were over he would start his journey to Tirupathi. He would offer a major share of the grains, which had grown in his lands and return back after having Darshan of the Lord, 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." |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Just as the Avataaras of Rama and Krishna, the Lord takes different forms in every Yugam as 'Sambhavami Yuge Yuge'. Lord Krishna says in Bhagvat Gita. |
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| He has taken the form of Lord Balaji for innumerable devotees in this Yuga. That is why he is called Sambhavaha. 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 |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| As per the local legend, anyone desirous of seeking a wish fulfillment from chilkur Balaji must first make 11 pradakshinas at the temple and after it’s granted, one must return to perform 108 pradakshinas as a way of expressing gratitude. And by the look of it, wishes are granted aplenty here. Those doing the rounds at almost a frenzied pace to reach the 108 target far outnumber the first-timers who amble along at a more relaxed pace. |
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| Cash donations are neither expected nor accepted. offer donations in kind instead-like kukkum rice,sugar,etc. It is very popular after some early devotees got their overseas visas, as if almost every US and other visa aspirants dream was realized by going for a darshan at this temple. |
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| Temple is located on the banks of Osmansagar Lake with serene environs with lush green trees, Grape orachards and small rocks in a village called as Chilkur. |
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