Another Architectural Wonder in Telangana

 

There are umpteen number of architectural marvels in the form of palaces, forts, cathedrals and temples in Telangana and the number seems to be going up. A recent addition to the list is an enormous Temple of Lord Venkateswara built on Manepally Hills in Bhuvanagiri, Telangana. The temple is known as Swarnagiri Sree Venkateswara Swamy Devasthanam. It is also called Yadadri Tirumala Devasthanam (YTD). The Temple is built on a 22-acre land which is owned by Manepally family who are prominent businessmen in Manepally. Swarnagiri Temple is considered one of the largest Balaji Temples in South India. The construction of this temple began in 2018 and the main temple was completed this year. However, more work is in progress around the temple. The temple was consecrated on the 7th of March 2024 by Chinna Jeeyar Swami- a spiritual leader from Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh.

Although there are 108 steps to reach the temple, it is believed that the steps are designed in such a manner that people of all ages can climb easily. This is probably only for those who have made a vow. Nevertheless, there is another option wherein the vehicles can drive right on top in order to skip the 108 steps, drop the passengers and go down to park.

The architecture of Swarnagiri Temple resembles Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. It is a blend of architectural styles of Pallava, Vijayanagar, Chola and Chalukya Dynasties. The temple features four Rajagopuram (towers), 40 feet monolith statue of Lord Hanumana installed in a 120 feet high Mandapam. The Statue of Lord Venkateshwara is 12 feet high and is believed to be the largest in Telangana. There is a bronze bell weighing about one and half tons making it the second largest in India. The most significant sight is the Jala Narayana Swami Sannidhi (Lord Venkateswara sleeping in the water- filled sanctum).

The chief sculptor of the Swarnagiri Temple is DNV Prasad Sthapathi. He appointed skilled artisans from different states to craft the temple.

Distance from Hyderabad:

This new captivating religious destination is 47.3 kms from Hyderabad.

Mode of Transportation:

Telangana State Road Transportation offers special Buses from Jubilee Bus Stand to Yadadri-Bhongir Bus Stand.

Fare:

From Jubilee Bus Stand is Rs.100/-

From Uppal X Road is Rs.80/-

Timings of Bus:

First Bus departs at 7.00 am

Last Bus departs at 3.30 pm

Ticket Price for Darshan:

Free Darshan: Some devotees claim that free darshan is faster

Darshan for Rs.50/-

Darshan for Rs.1,000/- provides ultra-fast darshan

Parking Fee: Rs.50/-

Mobile Phones: Not allowed inside the Temple. There is a counter at the entrance where the Mobile Phone has to be deposited.

Comments

Popular Posts