Travel & Tourism

Ashtalakshmi Gudi

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For sheer aesthetic and architectural extravagance, Ashtalakshmi temple in Vasavinagar in Hyderabad has no match. In a city, cradle of a stunning variety of architectural schools, from the Indo-Saracenic to the Kakatiya, Ashtalakshmi temple in the city is a valedictory tribute to the last millennium. Dedicated to Mahalakshmi, Lord Vishnu’s consort, and goddess of plenty and prosperity, the temple is one of those new and elegant structures that have come up in answer to the cultural and spiritual needs of the growing population of the twin cities. This temple in Hyderabad is one of the two Ashta Lakshmi temples in the country, the other being in Chennai.

Ashtalakshmi stands for the eight manifestations of Mahalakshmi: Santaana Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhaanya Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, Dhairya Lakshmi, Adi Lakshmi and Vidya Lakshmi. In less than six years of its consecration by Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swami, the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, in 1996, the temple has now become the hub of spiritual and religious activities.

Even as the visitor takes off from the main Vijayawada-Hyderabad highway and turns left, a gaily-painted gateway with Hanuman and Garuda keeping vigil of the temple greets him. From there he gets a preview of the constellation of milk-white towers of the temple drenched in sunlight. Driving down further brings the visitor to the stunningly imposing main gateway of the temple. The plaza unrolling from there leads to two flights of wide stairways.

The entablature of the gateway on the left rests on each side on a cluster of elegant pillars and is studded with the sculpture of Mahavishnu with his consort Mahalakshmi. The right stairway leads into a porch sheltering the temple of Abhaya Ganapati. Ganapati is the first god to be worshipped in any Hindu ceremony and that is why this temple heralds the complex of Ashta Lakshmi temples. The main stairway leads to the artificially elevated level of the main temple and the imposing Dhwaja Stambham cast in bronze.

From that elevation one can see the compound wall of the temple enclosing an artistically pruned well-maintained garden embracing the temple. Beyond the Dhwaja Stambham is the canopy (mandapam) preceding the main temple dedicated to Srimannarayana and Adi Lakshmi and housing also the eight temples for the eight Lakshmis. The doorway of the temple is flanked by two sculptures of Sankha and Chakra, symbols of Mahavishnu. As you step inside and turn left, the series of eight temples for the Ashta Lakshmis begins.

What distinguishes the Ashta Lakshmi shrine from others is the importance given to cleanliness and hygiene conspicuous everywhere and heightened by floors paved with marine granite. The doors and doorframes of the temple are made of special quality wood on which are carved the different forms of Ashta Lakshmi and the ten incarnations of Mahavishnu under the supervision of internationally known temple architect Ganapati Sthapathi. Once you step into the temple yard, you enter an area of silence and serenity. The offices are housed in the cellar of the temple.

Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swami of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham laid the foundation stone of the temple in 1991. The entire temple complex took shape with the help of contributions made not only by Hindus but also by Christians, Muslims and followers of other faiths endowing the temple with a secular fragrance. Several hundred workers toiled for five years to craft the magnificent architectural glory which begins to unfold even as the visitor clears the flight of stairs leading to the galaxy of the main deity, her eight manifestations and other gods and goddesses. The temple is a testimony to the craftsmanship and creativity of these artisans, sculptors and artists and is a unique blend of Vaishnava and Saiva temple traditions.

The inauguration of the temple was marked by installation of the deities by the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham and mahakumbhabhishekam performed by Chinna Jeeyar Swami. A noted sculptor from Kancheepuram, Subbaih, selected the stone from which the icons were sculpted under the supervision of Ganapati Sthapathi, who conceived the structure and design of the temple. The installation of the idols and the location of their homes were done in accordance with Pancharatra Aagama Shaastras.

For more details visit the website AshtalakshmiTemple.com

Address Ashtalakshmi Temple, Vasavi Colony, Dilsukh Nagar, Hyderabad 500035, AP, INDIA. Citybuses 90A/D, 90D, 90A, 100A, 100H, 100R

All Days 6:00 AM to 12:00 Noon & 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Fridays 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Sundays 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

No ticket is necessary

Information is not available.

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