Famous Historical Temples in Hyderabad: A Complete Guide
Hyderabad, the city of pearls, is not only rich in culture and history but also home to numerous ancient temples. These sacred spaces reflect the architectural brilliance and spiritual devotion of generations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the 20 most famous and historic temples in Hyderabad.
🛕 1. Birla Mandir (Venkateswara Temple)
Location: Naubat Pahad, near Hussain Sagar
Built: 1976 by Birla Foundation
Deity: Lord Venkateswara
Highlights: Constructed entirely of white marble, this hilltop temple offers panoramic views of Hyderabad. The architecture blends Rajasthani, Utkala, and Dravidian styles, making it a must-visit spiritual and architectural marvel.
🛕 2. Chilkur Balaji Temple (Visa Balaji)
Location: Chilkur, near Osman Sagar Lake
Age: 500+ years
Deity: Lord Venkateswara
Highlights: Famous for the tradition of circumambulating the temple 11 times to seek blessings. Known as the “Visa Balaji” temple, it is popular among devotees praying for overseas visas. No hundi or VIP darshan is allowed, keeping the experience pure and simple.
🛕 3. Karmanghat Hanuman Temple
Location: Karmanghat
Age: Several centuries old
Deity: Lord Hanuman
Highlights: One of the oldest Hanuman temples in Hyderabad, revered for its spiritual energy. The temple attracts thousands of devotees, especially on Hanuman Jayanti.
🛕 4. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Jiyaguda)
Location: Jiyaguda, on the banks of the Musi River
Age: 400+ years
Deity: Lord Ranganatha (Vishnu)
Highlights: Built during the Qutb Shahi era, this temple is known for Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations and its traditional South Indian architecture.
🛕 5. Keesaragutta Temple
Location: Keesara, 35 km from Hyderabad
Deity: Lord Shiva
Highlights: Mythologically significant as the site where Lord Rama installed a Shiva Lingam after defeating Ravana. A hilltop temple with scenic views, attracting devotees year-round.
🛕 6. Sanghi Temple
Location: Sanghi Hills, 25 km from Hyderabad
Deity: Lord Venkateswara
Built: 1991
Highlights: Located on a picturesque hill, this temple combines spiritual serenity with majestic architecture. It is also a popular location for Telugu film shoots.
🛕 7. Jagannath Temple (Banjara Hills)
Location: Banjara Hills
Deity: Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra
Highlights: Built by the Odia community in Hyderabad, this temple replicates the famous Puri Jagannath Temple. Rath Yatra is celebrated with grandeur every year.
🛕 8. Peddamma Temple
Location: Jubilee Hills
Deity: Goddess Peddamma (a form of Durga)
Highlights: One of the most revered temples in Hyderabad, especially during the Bonalu festival. The temple showcases intricate South Indian architecture and vibrant festivities.
🛕 9. Balkampet Yellamma Temple
Location: Balkampet, SR Nagar
Age: 15th century
Deity: Goddess Yellamma (Renuka Devi)
Highlights: The temple is slightly below street level, giving it a unique charm. Famous for Ashada month Bonalu celebrations and local cultural significance.
🛕 10. Ujjaini Mahakali Temple
Location: Secunderabad
Built: 1815 AD
Deity: Goddess Mahakali
Highlights: A historic temple, known as the origin of the Bonalu festival in Hyderabad. Rich in culture and spiritual significance.
🛕 11. ISKCON Temple (Nampally / Abids area)
Location: Nampally, Hyderabad
Deity: Lord Krishna
Highlights: Modern Vaishnavite temple offering daily bhajans, spiritual discourses, and prasadam. A peaceful place for devotion and meditation.
🛕 12. Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple (Ammapalli / Shamshabad)
Location: Ammapalli, near Shamshabad
Age: 800+ years
Deity: Lord Rama, Goddess Seetha, Lord Lakshmana
Highlights: Ancient Kakatiya-era temple with stunning architecture. Popular for wedding ceremonies and spiritual visits.
🛕 13. Akkanna-Madanna Mahakali Temple
Location: Shah Ali Banda, Old City
Deity: Goddess Mahakali
Highlights: Constructed during the Qutb Shahi period. This temple has a strong historical and cultural significance, especially during Bonalu.
🛕 14. Sitarambagh Temple
Location: Old City, Hyderabad
Deity: Lord Rama
Highlights: A historic temple in the old city with cultural importance for local communities. Traditional celebrations and festivals are observed here.
🛕 15. Chennakeshava Swamy Temple
Location: Tirumalagiri / Kachiguda
Deity: Lord Vishnu
Highlights: A small but ancient temple showcasing classic South Indian architecture. Revered by the local community for centuries.
🛕 16. Yadagirigutta (Yadadri) Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Location: Yadagirigutta, 60–70 km from Hyderabad
Deity: Lord Narasimha
Highlights: A major pilgrimage center attracting thousands annually. Recently renovated, it combines traditional and modern temple architecture.
🛕 17. Chitragupta Temple
Location: Various old city locations
Deity: Lord Chitragupta
Highlights: Small but historic temples with centuries-old cultural traditions. Devotees visit regularly for blessings and rituals.
🛕 18. Sitaram Bagh Temple (Mangalghat)
Location: Mangalghat, Hyderabad
Built: 17th century by the Qutb Shahi rulers
Deity: Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman
Highlights: Known for its exquisite stone carvings and historical significance, this temple is one of the oldest in Hyderabad. It houses idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Hanuman, and is a center for religious festivals, especially during Rama Navami. The serene environment and traditional architecture attract devotees and history enthusiasts alike.
🛕 19. Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple (T.T.D)
Location: Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Built: By Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), modern construction
Deity: Lord Venkateshwara
Highlights: Nestled in the serene locality of Jubilee Hills, this temple offers a peaceful spiritual retreat in the heart of Hyderabad. Known for its beautiful sanctum, regular poojas, and festivals, it attracts devotees seeking blessings of Lord Venkateshwara without traveling to Tirupati. The temple’s calm environment makes it perfect for meditation and prayer.
🛕 20. Other Notable Old City Shrines
Location: Old City lanes, Hyderabad
Deity: Various (Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu, local deities)
Highlights: Numerous small but ancient temples scattered throughout the old city reflect Hyderabad’s rich spiritual heritage.
Hyderabad is truly a blend of history, spirituality, and architecture. From hilltop marvels like Birla Mandir to centuries-old local shrines, these temples offer devotion, cultural insight, and an unforgettable experience for visitors.
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