Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
The Mahatma Gandhi Temple at Pedda Kaparthy village, near Chityal in Nalgonda district, Telangana, is one of the very few temples in the world dedicated to the Father of the Nation. It stands on a spacious campus of about four and a half acres beside the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway, roughly 75 km from Hyderabad and 28 km from Nalgonda. Here Mahatma Gandhi is honoured not only as a national leader but as a spiritual guide, and the temple invites visitors to remember his message of truth, non-violence and service. Telangana Tourism lists it among the state's divine destinations.
The Idols and Worship
The heart of the temple is a seated idol of Mahatma Gandhi carved in black stone, draped in white cloth and shown blessing all who come before him. A second image, of Gandhiji in a yogic posture made of white marble, is also installed. Priests perform daily worship, and special prayers composed in honour of Bapu are recited. Many visitors also ask the priests to perform pujas for family occasions or to bless new vehicles.
History
The temple was built by the Mahatma Gandhi Charitable Trust, which continues to look after it. Its foundation stone was laid on Gandhi Jayanti, 2 October 2012, and the temple was opened in 2014. The trust's aim was to create a place where people of every faith could come together to reflect on Gandhiji's life and ideals.
The Temple Complex
- Dhyana Mandir: the ground floor is a meditation hall where the black-stone idol is enshrined, offering a quiet space for prayer and reflection.
- Gyana Mandir: the first floor is a hall used for discourses and talks on spiritual and moral subjects.
- Symbols of unity: the temple holds soil brought from many holy places and scriptures of different religions, reflecting Gandhiji's respect for all faiths.
- Dhwajasthambham: a tall flagstaff stands in front of the main building, as in traditional temples.
Service and Community
In keeping with Gandhiji's ideals of simplicity and service, the trust conducts weddings at a nominal cost on the temple premises, on the condition that no alcohol or non-vegetarian food is served. The temple also blesses newly married couples from nearby villages, and it is a popular stop for families, students and travellers on the highway.
Special Days
- Gandhi Jayanti (2 October): the most important day at the temple, with special prayers and programmes, including competitions for students on Gandhiji's life and values.
- National days: visitor numbers rise around national occasions, when many people come to pay their respects to Bapu.
Temple Timings
- The temple is generally open from morning to evening.
- Please check locally for any changes on special days.
How to Reach
By Road: The temple is beside the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway (NH-65) near Chityal, about 75 km from Hyderabad and about 28 km from Nalgonda. TGSRTC and APSRTC buses running on the highway stop at Chityal, and the temple is a short ride from there.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is Nalgonda; Secunderabad and Hyderabad have more services.
By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad, about 90 km away by road.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: modest clothing is recommended.
- Atmosphere: the temple is calm and spacious – a good place for a few quiet minutes of meditation during a highway journey.
- For students and families: a meaningful place to learn about Gandhiji's life and values.
- Nearby places: Sri Varijala Venugopala Swami Devalayam at Gopalayapally, the Chaya Someswara and Pachala Someswara temples at Panagal, and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Yadagirigutta.
