Sri Ganesh Temple (Secundrabad)

About 200 years old, Sri Ganesh temple is one of the most famous temples in Telangana. The main deity is Lord Ganesha, whose idol is the main attraction of the temple. Apart from the main deity, there are six other sannathis dedicated to various gods and goddesses namely Lord Shiva, Sri Navagraha, Sri Subramanya Swamy, Sri Anjaneya, Sri Uma Maheshwari, RahuKetu and Maha Ganapathi Mandapam. Daily rituals are performed regularly, and different pujas and offerings are also conducted based on the devotees’ preferences. The temple also has an online portal through which devotees can register for the puja that they may want to perform.

Read More on Sri Ganesh Temple

The Ganesha Idol 

The idol is a beautiful structure of the Lord posing with his right arm on his thigh, another hand holding the Ankusham, his left hand placed on the trunk and the fourth hand holding a Damarakam with a snake(Nagumpamu). The temple has been built with much attention paid to the Agama Shastras. Many Vrathams(fastings) are done on a regular basis by devotees from all over the country.

History of Sri Ganesh Temple 

The temple is about 200 years old and is also one of the most famous temples in Telangana. It is a belief that the idol of Lord Ganesha was discovered in 1824 by Madras Regiment of Sepoys while digging a well. Later, this temple was built with fantastic architecture, and the idol of the Lord was placed as the main deity. Despite its fascinating history and architecture, the temple remained unpopular in the combined state of Andra Pradesh. This was because most attention from the government as well as the public was given to the Kanipakam Ganesh Temple. However, in the last two decades, the temple has been visited by many devotees and is now one of the main temples in Secunderabad. The temple also underwent an extension in the year 1960. The chairman of the temple committee stated that the annual revenue of the temple is about four crores.

Rituals and Daily Poojas 

Nitya Kalyanam is performed at 11:00 AM and Ganapati Homam are conducted at 8:20 AM every day. The Archana ticket is INR 10. There are different Archana, Arjitha Sevas and pooja’s for which the price ranges from INR 50 to INR 7500. A variety of Prasadam like Undrallu, Vadamala, Pulihora and so on are also distributed for which you’ll have to pay INR 120 each.  Apart from this, there are also vehicle poojas for which the price range are as follows: Two wheelers: INR 100 Three-wheeler: INR 75 Four Wheeler: INR 200 This can be availed at the temple registration counter and they will provide you details based on your requirement.

Architecture of the Temple 

The Temple is crowned with a huge tomb, traditionally called the Gopuram which has intricate carvings on them. The structure of the temple and the placement of the idols are based on Agama Sastra, which makes it all the more significant. The architecture of the temple denotes the rich culture of Telangana as it reflects the Kakatiya dynasty. The idol of Lord Ganesha is unique with the Lord placing his right hand on his leg and the other hand holding a goad. It is believed that it is the only idol of the Lord in India posing in such a way. Within the temple, there are seven other sannathis dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sri Navagraha, Sri Subramanya Swamy, Sri Anjaneya, Sri Uma Maheshwari, RahuKetu and Maha Ganapathi Mandapam other than the sannithi devoted to the main deity Lord Ganesha. The idols can always be seen decorated with flowers and lights, illuminating the entire sannithi. The Rathothsavam or the wooden chariot in the temple is another major attraction. It is used during Ganesh Chathurthi when three idols from the temple take their place in the chariot and are carried around the city till the tank and brought back after the other idols are immersed.

Dress Code for Visiting the Temple 

Women are expected to wear Salwaar, sarees or any decent clothing. Men are expected to wear veshti or pants. It is to be noted that jeans are not allowed to be worn within the temple premises.

Best Time to Visit 

The temple is amidst a busy road in Secunderabad and receives a lot of crowds, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi. At that time, huge idols of Lord Ganapathy are made and worshipped until the day of immersion. It is conducted as a very grand ceremony with various bhajans, harikatha and puja offerings to the Lord. Another important day is Sankata Hara Chaturthi during which most people perform Ganapathi Homam to seek blessings from Lord Ganesh. However, on other days, it is most preferable to visit the temple early in the morning during which the crowd is less and a satisfying darshan is possible. The peak of summer in Secunderabad is in April and May during which the visit is recommended to be avoided as the city turns very humid at this time. On other months, the weather is pleasant or slightly warm when the trip can be enjoyed the most.

How To Reach Sri Ganesh Temple, Secunderabad 

The temple is in the heart of the city at 2.5 kilometres from Secunderabad. Autos, buses, taxis and private vehicles can be used to commute to the temple. The temple is located right opposite to the Secunderabad Railway Station, and the closest airport is 9 kilometres away at Hyderabad. Local transportation are also available to move around to other attractions.