The Birla Mandir is an enchanting temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara (Vishnu). The temple stands atop the hilltop of Kala Pahad which is the twin hillock of the Naubat Parwat. The temple overlooks the serene and quiet waters of the Hussain Sagar Lake and the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
The Birla Mandir is influenced by the Orissan and South Indian architectural styles and has been constructed using white marble which was specially brought from Rajasthan. The temple was built by the Birlas in 1976.
The Rajagopuram has been built in the South Indian style and the tower over the main shrine is called Jagadanada Vimanam and is built in the Orissan style. The intricate carvings of the walls and ceilings with mythological figures from Mahabharata and Ramayana depict sculptural excellence of the craftsmen. The shrine in the interior of the temple is a replica of the Venkateshwara temple at Tirupati. The brass flag staff is 42 feet high.
The image of the deity is made of granite and is 11 feet tall. The shrine is covered by a carved lotus which acts as an umbrella. Separate shrines for the consorts of the deity – Padmavati and Andal are built. A temple dedicated to Gautama Buddha is also housed in the complex. It is decorated with fresco paintings which describe his life.
Cuckoo chirpings and melodious bhajans can be heard at the Mandir in the evenings. The temple looks beautiful at night when illuminated.
