Birla Mandir

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Dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara and built in sculpted white marble, Birla Mandir is a structural wonder that dominates the skyline of Hyderabad. It is an excellent specimen of man-made wonder, dedicated to the spiritual powers of Lord Venkateshwara. Nestled on the edge on the Kala Pahad (Black Hill), the temple presents a panoramic view of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It is built by Birla Group of Industries, one of the largest business groups of India. Hussain Sagar Lake, being in the forefront, adds to the eye-catching exquisiteness of the temple.

Built in 1976, the wonderful structure took about ten years to complete. The sanctum sanctorum is accessible by a running away of steps. Along the sloping path, tourist can see many marble figures of Gods and Goddesses from the Hindu Mythology. One can see the ceilings festooned with intricate art work and marvelously carved structures on the walls inside the temple Most of the panoramas were illustrated from the great epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The complicated and intricate artwork is evidence to the sculptural brilliance and craftsmanship of the artisans. The structure of the temple is an orderly fusion of Orissan and South Indian temple architecture. At the very entrance, the 'Rajagopuram' stands royally, reflecting the South Indian architectural style. In the sanctum sanctorum, the wonderful idol of Lord Venkateshwara looks eye-catching with its amazing height of 11 feet. This shrine is edged by two other shrines of Padmavati and Andal, the spouses of Lord Venkateshwara.

Another tower i.e. 'Jagadananda Vimanam' is laid over the main shrine of the Lord. This tower is built in Orissan style, while the towers above the shrines of the consorts have been erected in the South Indian architectural method. The flagstaff of the Birla Mandir has crafted out of brass and extends to an overwhelming height of 42 feet. One, who visits this temple in the early morning, might hear the melodic South Indian music praising the Lord. Birla Mandir looks remarkably beautiful, particularly in the evening when it gets illuminated.