Shri Chilkur Balaji Temple

Some of the best places to visit in Hyderabad are the beautiful town of Chilkur and the Chilkur Balaji Temple. This peaceful Temple is about 30 kilometres from the city, close to Osman Sagar Lake and Vikarabad Road. It is famous as the "Visa Temple," attracting followers trying to get visas.

They believe that paying homage to the supreme god, Lord Balaji Venkateswara, and Sridevi and Bhoodev will allow them to get a US visa. The Temple is the dwelling place of Visa Balaji, also known as Visa God. People believe this because an event occurred where students whose visa applications were turned down came here to pray, and their applications were then approved.

Why is Chilkur Balaji Temple famous as the "Visa Balaji Temple"?

Many Hyderabad tour packages include a visit to the Chilkur Balaji Temple. It is also famous as the "Visa Balaji Temple" because many followers believe praying to Lord Balaji here will help them get visas. 

The Temple has a unique custom of offering 11 pradakshinas (circumambulations) while praying. Devotees offer 108 pradakshinas after a wish comes true, making it a popular spiritual spot for people trying to get a visa.

What is the best time to visit Chilkur Balaji Temple?

The weather is very hot from March to June, with temperatures rising above 40 degrees Celsius. Then, from July to October, it rains, which isn't very often but makes the air muggy and damp. October and December are the best time to visit Andhra because the weather is nice.

If you want to visit Chilkur Balaji, avoid going on the weekend. Devotees come in large groups to do pradakshinas on the weekends, and there is usually a long line.

Does Temple have any specific rituals for visa seekers?

People who pray here do everyday things when they visit the Chilkur Balaji Temple. It is different from the 11 walks around the inner shrine, after which devotees make a vow. The faithful has to walk around the sanctum sanctorum 108 times if and when this vow is kept. The 108 walks demonstrate the followers' gratitude and devotion. The 11 walks around the inner shrine symbolize the secret of creation.

Eleven stands for "1 soul and one body", 108 stands for "1 represents the existence of Almighty, 0 represents creation, and 8 represents the time taken by the human body to come into the universe". The other name, Visa Balaji Temple, comes from the fact that most devotees come here to deal with visa problems.