Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Ratnalayam Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is a large and beautifully kept temple of Lord Venkateswara at Aliabad, Shamirpet, on the Rajiv Rahadari (Hyderabad–Karimnagar highway) on the northern outskirts of Hyderabad. Spread over about five acres, the temple – whose name means "abode of gems" – is known for its graceful Dravidian architecture, finely sculpted images, gardens and fountains, and has become a favourite place of worship and a peaceful outing for families from the twin cities.
History
Ratnalayam is a modern temple. The bhoomi puja (foundation ceremony) was performed by Sri Tripurananda Swamy in April 2001. The temple was designed and built by the architect M. Shankar, and its images were crafted in Kanchipuram by the renowned sculptor Ganapathi Sthapathy. About twenty-two months later, in February 2003, the deities were installed by Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamiji of Kanchi, with the blessings of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.
Deities and Shrines
The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The temple also has shrines of Goddess Padmavathi, Andal (Goda Devi), Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha and Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari.
The Temple Campus
The temple is built in the Dravidian style with detailed carvings. Its five-acre campus includes a yagashala, a kalyana katta (where devotees offer their hair to the Lord), a pravachanam hall for spiritual discourses, a goshala, landscaped gardens, a children's play area and a canteen. Its fountains, depicting the symbols of Lord Vishnu and the Lord resting on Adisesha, are a special attraction for visitors.
Festivals
- Brahmotsavams – the temple's annual festival, celebrated on a grand scale.
- Vaikuntha (Mukkoti) Ekadasi – darshan through the northern gateway (usually December–January).
- Tholi Ekadasi (usually June–July) and Karthika Masam (usually October–November).
- Krishna Janmashtami (usually August–September) and Deepavali (usually October–November).
- Monthly abhishekams to the Lord.
Visitor Information
- Timings: listed as about 6:00 am – 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm on weekdays, and 6:00 am – 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm on weekends; please check locally on festival days.
- Entry: free; photography is not permitted inside the temple.
- Best time: the cooler months from about November to February are the most pleasant for enjoying the gardens.
- Facilities: ample parking and a canteen on the campus.
- Etiquette: traditional dress is recommended; remove footwear before entering.
How to Reach
- By Road: the temple is at Aliabad crossroads on the Rajiv Rahadari (Hyderabad–Karimnagar highway), about 25 km from Secunderabad; buses towards Shamirpet, Siddipet and Karimnagar pass by.
- By Train: the nearest major railway station is Secunderabad, about 25 km away.
- By Air: the nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad (Hyderabad), about 70 km away by road.
Other Venkateswara Temples near Hyderabad
Devotees of Lord Venkateswara around Hyderabad also visit the hilltop Sanghi Temple, the Chilkur Balaji Temple and the Birla Mandir. In Secunderabad are the Sri Ganesh Temple and the Ujjaini Mahakali Temple.
