Navi Mumbai Nerul Balaji Temple, Maharashtra

Address

Navi Mumbai Nerul Balaji Temple, Brahmagiri Rd, Sector 22, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400706

Diety

Balaji Venkateshwara

Introduction

The Balaji Temple is the situated in Nerul, Navi Mumbai which is built on the lines of Venkateshwara Temple at Tirupati and has been constructed according to the Shilpashastras. The main deity is Lord Balaji, in addition to Lord Balaji there are deities like Ganapathy, Anjaneyar in sitting (yoga) position, Narasimhar and Padbavathy Thayar. There is a sannathy for Ramanujar also and it is known that Ganapathy Sannathy in a Balaji temple is unusual as per practice in the South; the reason may be due to the stature of Ganapati in Maharashtra.

Puranic Significance

The Nerul Balaji Temple is an almost-exact replica of the Tirupati Balaji Temple, and also replicates certain aspects of the Venkateswara temple at Tirupati. It has been constructed according to the Shilpa Shastra. This temple is located on a small hill close to the western side of the Nerul railway station. The primary deity worshipped in this temple is Sri Balaji, which is a name ascribed to a form of Lord Hanuman is different parts of our country. The temple premise houses many other temples as well. Inside the temple premise, there are different temples dedicated to different deities, such as the Hanuman Temple, Vishwaksena Temple, Ramanuja Temple and Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, the Vidya Ganapati Temple, and the Shri Padmavati Devi Temple. Several other deities such as Sridevi, Bhoodevi, and Shrinivasa are also worshipped in this temple. Even more, temples which host idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Krishna with Rukmini can be found inside the complex. Some special idols are also there, knows as the Utsava idols, as they are saved for festivities or certain special occasions. As the devotees enter the temple complex, the very first thing that catches the attention of eyes is Bali Peetham and the tall Dhwaja stamba. Moving further, a flight of steps leads to the hall Tiru Mamani Mantapam. The hall consists of images of two doorkeepers-Jaya and Vijaya, who guard the sanctum sanctorum. The structure of the Mani Mantapam is made up of cement concrete following modern architectural practices and is meant for hoisting various temple and religious activities. Behind this Ardha Mandapam, there is the `Garbha Griham`. At the right foot of the lord is a very small silver idol, which is called `Bhoga Srinivasa` or `Kautuka Bera`. This idol imbibes the essence of the Lord and is bonded to the main `Moolavar` idol by a string. There are also other idols of deities like Shrinivasa with Sridevi and Bhoodevi made out of `Pancha Loha` known as Utsava idols. There are also the idols of Shri Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Anjaneya, Shri Krishna with Rukhmini. On 18th April 1990 the SLN sabha was inaugurated by Dr. S Venkata Varadan, Director Nehru Planetarium, and Mumbai. And soon after a few months i.e. on 4th August 1990, it was registered as a public trust. From this date onwards the SLN sabha started many ambitious and genuine projects, considering the need of people residing at Nerul. At first, the sabha decided to build a temple of Lord Venkateshvara. The things worked out fast with the efforts of the members, and on 8th December 1991, on a pre-decided site at Nerul, Bhoomi poojan for the temple was performed by Shankaracharya Swamiji of Kanchi Kamkoti Peetham.

Special Features

The Bhoga Srinivasa is placed, which is a small silver idol of the deity and is also often referred to as the Kautuka Bera. The temple surrounds a 60-feet high Rajagopuram, and is in turn surrounded by a well maintained garden area.

Festivals

Purattasi Brahmotsavam, Panguni Uthiram, Masi Makam, Vaikasi Visakam, Thiru Karthikai, Vaikunda Ekadashi and Sravana Deepam are the festivals celebrated here.