Travel the World!!!: Ashtalakshmi Temple, Andhra Pradesh, India

Location: Vasavi Colony, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

Built by: Kanchi Kamatoki Peetam

Primary deity: Goddess Lakshmi

Important Festivals: Brahmotsavam

Attraction: Eight Forms of Goddess Laksmi

INTRODUCTION

Ashtalakshmi Temple is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi located in Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. It is popular hindu temple and is situated on the outskirts of the capital city between L B Nagar and Dilsukh Nagar in Vasavi colony close to Kothapet on National Highway 9. Since this temple has South Indian Architectural touch in its design, it stands out as different from other monuments of the area which mostly have touch of Islamic architecture. Goddess Lakshmi is known as the goddess of wealth and prosperity among Hindu pantheon and thus it holds special significance in devotees’ mind and heart. The temple seems to be made of marble when seen from a distance and the illumination of this temple at night enchants the devotees. There are suggestions and proposals of constructing a Kalyana Mandapama and Archaka Nilayam at an additional cost of rs 1.5 crores.

HISTORY

The construction of the temple completed in April 1996 under the aegis of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. The structure and design was conceived by M. Mathiyalagan Sthapathi and Padmashri S.M. Ganapati Sthapathi. A temple in Chennai was taken as the model for coming up with design and architecture for Ashtalakshmi temple. But, later on, several changes were introduced after the commencement of the construction. It was a collective effort with donations coming from people belonging to different walks of life. To come to its present magnificent grandeur, the temple took Rs 1 crore and five years.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

The nearest airport is in Hyderabad located near Shamasabad which has flights coming from almost every corner of the country.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Hyderabad station which is merely at 12 km from the temple complex.

By Road

The temple is very well connected via road as it lies on the NH 9. The buses and taxies ply at regular intervals for the temple.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEMPLE

The temple is famous for being adorned by eight magnificent forms of Goddess Lakshmi. Adilakshmi. Sanatanalakshmi, Gajalakshmi, Dhanyalakshmi, Dhanalakshmi, Aishwarylakshmi, Varalakshmi and Vijayalakshmi are the eight idols of Goddess Lakshmi in eight different postures that adorn the temple.The gopuram of the temple is decorated by complex and fascinating carvings. The Mahagopuram of the temple is adorned by 134 idols of less popular gods.

It is also believed that the devotees who come here with full faith and belief are bestowed with prosperity and happiness.

WEATHER AND TIME TO VISIT

The temple receives the highest influx of devotees during the period of Brahmotsavam. It is a festival held annually from September to October. The best time to visit this temple is August to February.

ACCOMODATION

There are several modes of accommodation available nearby the temple complex. One can easily find hotels offering from budget to luxury accommodation.

TIPS FOR DEVOTEES

The temple remains open from 6 in the morning to 12 noon and 5 in the evening to 9 at night. On Fridays, the timings extend one hour towards the end of each session i.e. 6AM to 1PM and 5 PM to 9PM. On Sundays, the timings are 6AM to 1 PM and 5PM to 9PM.

There is no entrance fee charged for this temple.

IMAGES

http://hyderabad.clickindia.com/tourism/ashtalakshmitemple.html

http://www.ebharat.in/andhra-pradesh/hyderabad/ashtalakshmi-devi-temple-hyderabad

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