Birla Mandir, Hyderabad – White Marble Temple on the Hilltop

Birla Mandir is one of the most iconic temples in Hyderabad, dedicated to
Lord Venkateswara. Built on the 280 ft high hillock called
Naubath Pahad, the temple offers spectacular views of Hyderabad,
Secunderabad and the serene Hussain Sagar Lake. It is a must-visit
spiritual and tourist spot in the city.

History of Birla Mandir

The temple was constructed by the Birla Foundation and took nearly
ten years to complete. It was opened to the public in 1976, with the
consecration done by Swami Ranganathananda of the Ramakrishna Mission. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Since then, Birla Mandir has become a peaceful retreat for devotees and visitors
looking for calmness in the heart of the bustling city.

Architecture and Special Features

Birla Mandir is entirely built using around 2000 tons of pure white marble
brought from Rajasthan. The temple architecture is a beautiful blend of
Dravidian, Rajasthani and Utkala styles, giving it a unique and elegant look. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The main deity, Lord Venkateswara, is carved in black granite and stands
about 11 feet tall under a finely carved marble lotus canopy. The brass
dhwaja stambham (flagstaff) rises high in the temple courtyard, adding to
the grandeur of the complex. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

A unique feature of Birla Mandir is that there are no temple bells. This
was done to maintain a serene, meditative atmosphere for devotees. The walls of the
temple carry inspirational teachings and quotes from great saints and spiritual leaders. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Deities and Sanctums

While the main sanctum is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the temple
also houses separate shrines for Padmavati and Andal, as
well as other deities like Shiva, Shakti, Ganesh, Hanuman, Brahma, Lakshmi
and Saraswati. Devotees can have darshan of all these idols as they move through
the inner corridors of the temple. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Temple Timings

Birla Mandir is generally open on all days of the week. Usual timings are:

• Morning: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Evening: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

During festivals and special occasions, timings may slightly vary, so visitors are
advised to check locally before planning their visit. There is no entry fee
to visit Birla Mandir. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Location and How to Reach

Birla Mandir is located near the Assembly and Lakdi-ka-pul area, close to
Birla Planetarium and Ravindra Bharathi, right in the heart
of Hyderabad city. The nearest metro stations are Assembly and
Lakdi-ka-pul, and the temple is well connected by TSRTC buses and local
transport. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Best Time to Visit

Evenings are considered the best time to visit Birla Mandir. As the sun sets, the
temple is beautifully illuminated, and visitors can enjoy a stunning night view of
Hyderabad and Hussain Sagar Lake. The peaceful hilltop setting and cool breeze make it
a perfect spot for meditation and quiet reflection. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Whether you are a devotee of Lord Venkateswara or a traveller exploring
Hyderabad’s famous temples, Birla Mandir is a place you should not miss
in your itinerary.