Chilkur Balaji Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in the outskirts of Hyderabad, India. It is also known as the "Visa Balaji Temple" as it is believed that a visit to this temple can help in getting a visa to travel abroad.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, a form of Lord Vishnu, and is believed to be more than 500 years old. The temple is unique in many ways. It has no hundi or donation box, and the priests don't accept any money or gifts from the devotees.
One of the interesting traditions at the temple is the "Pradakshina" or the 11 rounds around the temple. It is believed that by doing this, all the sins of a person will be washed away. The temple also has a unique practice where the devotees make a vow and promise to Lord Balaji before the deity. The vow is usually something that the devotee wants to achieve, like clearing an exam, getting a job, or finding a life partner. If the vow is fulfilled, the devotee has to come back and perform 108 rounds around the temple as a gesture of gratitude.
The temple gained popularity in the 1980s when the US embassy in India had strict visa regulations, and people found it difficult to obtain a visa. Many people started visiting the Chilkur Balaji temple and performing the "Pradakshina" for 11 weeks continuously. It is believed that their wish was granted, and they were able to get their visa to travel abroad.
The temple has also been in the news for its unique campaign to save the environment. The temple authorities started a campaign called "Green India Challenge" and encouraged people to plant saplings in their surroundings. The initiative has been widely successful, and many people have joined the campaign to make India a greener place.
Chilkur Balaji Temple is not just a place of worship but also a place where people come to seek blessings, fulfill their wishes, and experience peace and serenity. The temple's unique practices and traditions make it stand out among other temples in India, and it continues to attract devotees from all over the world.