Pearls, Biryani and Charminar: three things that have put Hyderabad on the world map among tourists, shoppers, and foodies. For the unconventional traveler, Hyderabad holds much more; among the numerous attractions and architectural masterpieces in the city are temples that are not only majestic to look at but also hold a lot of spiritual significance. Some of the spiritual gems of the city are:

1. Jagannath Temple, Hyderabad

Jagannath Temple (#1 out of 7 Best Temples in Hyderabad)

Jagannath Temple (#1 out of 7 Best Temples in Hyderabad)

Let’s start with the most famous of the lot, Jagannath Temple which is dedicated to Lord Jagannath who is considered a form of Lord Krishna.  The temple is a relatively new addition to the city, having been built in 2009. It is also home to the idols of Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balarama, who was the elder brother of Lord Krishna. Inside the temple premises, you can visit some of the smaller shrines that hold the idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman. So, if you are looking for Lord Shiva temples in Hyderabad, you can easily come here. A little similar to the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri, this temple is considered one of the gems of Telangana. The intricate stone carvings and a 70-feet Shikhara or peak give this temple an added touch of magnificence. The Temple, like its Puri counterpart, holds a Ratha Yatra with huge pomp and show.

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • Location: Bhavani Nagar, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
  • Nearest Bus Stop: Jubilee Hills MLA Colony Bus Stop (230 m)

2. Ratnalayam Temple, Hyderabad

When you feel the need to connect your conscious self to your inner mind through some meditation and chanting, you should visit this temple. Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Andal, along with Goddess Padmavati are worshipped by devotees in Ratnalayam Temple. The not-to-miss attraction here is a grand fountain which is structured to stage a scene from Hindu mythology, where Lord Vishnu can be seen resting on his favorite Adishesha in the company of his many wives. There are a few more fountains here depicting Vaishnava symbols, including Shanku (Conch), Chakra (Wheel) and Namam (Tilaka). You can chant the Vishnu Sahasranam with the other devotees in the central hall of the temple or take a stroll in the beautiful gardens outside. What takes your breath away is the splendid sculpture depicting Lord Vishnu in a dance pose atop the poisonous snake, Kalia. Read also about hills in Hyderabad

  • Opening Hours
    • 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm (weekdays)
    • 6:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm (weekends and holidays)
  • Location: Ranga Reddy, Aliabad, Hyderabad
  • Nearest Bus Stop: Aliabad X Road Bus Stop (450 m)

3. Birla Mandir, Hyderabad

Birla Mandir (#3 out of 7 Best Temples in Hyderabad)

Birla Mandir (#3 out of 7 Best Temples in Hyderabad)

Looking at the temple itself, with its sparkling white facade glistening with sunlight, spreads a calm and serene feeling. This Lord Venkateswara temple is located at a height of 280 feet on Naubat Pahad. Among the old temples in Hyderabad, it was inaugurated in 1976 by Swami Ranganathananda, associated with the Ramakrishna Mission. Its hilltop location gives a complete view of the city, including Husain Sagar Lake.

Made with shining white marble, with verses of Gurbani and other religious teachings etched on the walls, the temple has a huge campus sprawling over 13 acres. Most tourists come here to see the beautiful stone sculptures, including the one of Lord Vishnu which is 11 feet tall and made out of granite. There are even a lotus flower and umbrella sculpted out of the stone, adding to the grandeur of the statue.

  • Opening Hours: 7:00 am to 12:00 and 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • Location: Hill Fort Road, Ambedkar Colony, Khairatabad, Hyderabad
  • Nearest Bus Stop: Andhra Bank Bus Stop (450 m) 

4. ISKCON Temple, Hyderabad

ISKCON Temple

ISKCON Temple (#4 out of 7 Best Temples in Hyderabad)

ISKCON Temples adds a lot to the tourist aspect of any city, in which they are present, and so is the case with the one in Hyderabad. It sings the praises of Lord Krishna and Radha through its sculptures depicting their leelas. Also known as Sri Sri Radha-Madana-Mohana Temple, it was inaugurated by Swami Prabhupada. Mesmerizing bhajans (songs that praise the deity) resound through the temple from morning to evening, creating an aura of utmost divinity. ISKCON Temple plays host to several cultural, educational, social and spiritual activities round the year. A cassette library and a Vedic library form part of this temple, where you can also attend daily classes in Bhagavatam, Sanskrit, Bhagavad Gita, and Upanishads that are Hindu scriptures.

  • Opening Hours: 4:30 am to 8:30 pm
  • Location: Nampally Station Road, Abids, Hyderabad
  • Nearest Bus Stop: Abids GPO Bus Stop (270 m)

5. Shyam Temple, Hyderabad

Shyam Temple, Hederabad

Shyam Temple (#5 out of 7 Best Temples in Hyderabad)

Known among locals as Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham Shri Shyam Baba Mandir, the temple has been adding to the spiritual quotient of the city for many years. Lord Krishna is also called Shyam owing to his dark complexion, and the temple pays homage to him. Devotees flock the temple, especially during the Indian festivals of Janmashtami and Raas Leela that celebrate the birth and life of Lord Krishna. Figures of Lord Krishna adorn the temple premises along with several paintings that glorify his victory over evil.

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
  • Location: Kancheguda Station Road, Veeranna Gutta, Barkatpura, Hyderabad
  • Nearest Bus Stop: Kachiguda Bus Stop (56 m)

6. Sanghi Temple, Hyderabad

Sanghi Temple (#6 out of 7 Best Temples in Hyderabad)

Sanghi Temple (#6 out of 7 Best Temples in Hyderabad)

The Paramanand Giri hill is home to the Sanghi Temple at Sanghi Nagar. This temple is one of the most famous temples near Hyderabad, and one you must certainly visit when in the city. Built in the year 1991, the Sanghis, the temple has attracted a lot of tourist attention since its inauguration. The idol of Lord Venkateswara in this temple is a replica of the one in the Tirumala Temple in Tirupati. Featuring architecture prevalent during the time of the Chola and Chalukya dynasties, the temple has a monumental look to it, which has led to several filmmakers using its premises for shootings. Find best museums in Hyderabad

  • Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4;00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Location: Omerkhan Daira, Hyderabad
  • Nearest Bus Top: Sanghi Nagar (450 m)

7. Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Hyderabad

Venkateswara Swamy Temple

Venkateswara Swamy Temple (#7 out of 7 Best Temples in Hyderabad)

We have all heard of stories associated with religious places and shrines, but this one caters mostly to one type of request…getting you a visa, passport, or clearance of any obstacle in the way of your overseas travel. The temple located on the shores of Osman Sagar also goes by the name of Chilkur Balaji. Receiving almost 1 lakh devotees every week, this is one of the most famous temples of Lord Vishnu in the region. The only thing that you can offer to Lord Venkateswara in this temple are your prayers and respect as the temple forbids any kind of monetary offerings nor does it has any VIP passes for early admittance into the temple.

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • Location: Himayat Nagar, Hyderabad
  • Nearest Bus Stop: Chilkur Balaji Temple Bus Stop (260 m)

8. Kesari Hanuman Temple, Hyderabad

Most temples in Hyderabad are devoted to Lord Balaji or Venkateswara, but this one pays homage to Lord Hanuman, who was himself a devotee of Lord Rama. Quite an old temple in Hyderabad, it dates back to the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji. It was built by his Guru, Samartha Ramdas Swami on the banks of the sacred river Musi. According to legends, Lord Hanuman had stopped at this place while he was on his quest to find Goddess Sita and had performed a puja here for the same. All festivals related to Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman are celebrated at this temple with great zeal, with devotees visiting the temple in large numbers.

  • Opening Hours: 6:30 am to 11:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm
  • Location: Karwan East, Hyderabad
  • Nearest Bus Stop: Ziaguda KHT (120 m)

Apart from these, there are several famous Sivalayam temples in Hyderabad as well like the Keesara Gutta Ramalingeswara Devasthanam. This is one of the most visited temples in the outskirts of Hyderabad owing to its hilltop location and grand Mahashivaratri celebrations. You can book a room at any of the hotels in Hyderabad and take day tours to the temples.

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