Sri Venkateswara Temple in R.K. Puram, New Delhi has gained immense popularity among pilgrims and tourists within a very short span of time. Constructed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in Sector III of R.K. Puram, the temple was inaugurated on May 29, 2013. Also known as the Lord Balaji Temple, it has Sri Venkateswara Swamy as the presiding deity.

Goddess Bhudevi and MahaLakshmi, along with their cohorts, are also present in the temple. A marvelous piece of architecture, the temple is constructed in a wide area measuring 1.17 acres on Udyan Marg and incurred a cost of around Rs. 11.5 crores in construction. Pilgrims come to the temple for their daily aarti as well as to perform other religious duties. Apart from the main temple, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams have also constructed a Dhyana Mandir or the Meditation Hall adjacent to it. This hall was inaugurated on May 30, 2013 and people from different places now come to meditate in the hall.

Architecture

Sri Venkatewswara Temple is a Vaishnavite temple constructed in the honor of the Lord Venkateswara and depicts some of the finest architectural works of the Tamilian style. The Gopurams of the temple strictly follows the traditional style of Tirupati Balaji temples and is one of the major reasons of attraction.

The temple is broadly divided into three different sections, one being the main temple, where the deities are worshipped while the other is the Dhyana Mandir and the Nata Mandir. Garba Griha of the deities is on the first floor, which is why the ground floor is named as the Srivari Temple. Music and dance rooms are on the first floor of the temple, which comprises the Nata Mandir with the meditation hall at the top floor.

Excellent sculptural work has been done on the temple to depict mythical and mythological stories and personalities. It has some of the finest religious symbols and design motifs of South Indian temples. Gopuram, which represents the lofty trapezoidal pyramidal shrine on the central section of the temple, gives it a unique South Indian aspect. Apart from that, the Garuda statues here depict semi-human and semi-bird creatures. The temple has several smaller shrines as well. Entrance of the temple is visible from a distance and is a major tourist attraction.

Significance of the Sri Venkateswara Temple

The temple is built with the motive of practicing several activities of the Hindu religion. With Lord Balaji or Sri Venkateswara Swamy as the presiding god, the temple gets a huge footfall. Yet, the religious acts are not restricted to the worship of Lord Balaji. In fact, several other gods are worshipped here. Special religious activities like Yagnas are performed on different days.

Plans are on among the temple authorities to shift Andhra Bhawan to the temple complex for ease of access. To enable the pilgrims to get better knowledge of their religion, authorities also plan to open a Spiritual Library in the temple compound. In order to encourage young generations, authorities plan to provide music and dance training in the Dhyana Mandir.

Visitor Information

The temple is open every day. It is located in the Udayan Marg of Kalibadi Area in New Delhi. Photography is prohibited in the temple.

How to Reach

By Air

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is well-connected to other parts of India as well as to various international cities.

By Train

With three railway stations in Delhi, it is easy to get here from all parts of the country. Trains from across the country reach the Old Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station.

By Road

Intersection of many state and national highways, Delhi is easily connected by road. Many government as well as private buses reaches Sarai Kale-Khan Bus Terminus, Anand Vihar Bus Terminus or Inter State Bus Terminus from all parts of the country.