Navi Mumbai Nerul Balaji Temple, Maharashtra

Address

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

Deity

Balaji Venkateshwara

Introduction

• Location: Situated in Nerul, Navi Mumbai.
• Architectural Style: Built in the style of the Venkateshwara Temple at Tirupati, adhering to the principles of Shilpashastras.
• Main Deity: The primary deity is Lord Balaji (a form of Lord Venkateswara).
• Other Deities: The temple also features deities such as Ganapathy, Anjaneyar (in a sitting yoga position), Narasimhar, and Padmavathy Thayar. Additionally, there is a sannathy for Ramanujar. Notably, the presence of Ganapathy Sannathy is unique, as this practice is uncommon in South Indian temples, likely reflecting Ganapati’s stature in Maharashtra.

Puranic Significance

• The Nerul Balaji Temple is designed to be an almost-exact replica of the Tirupati Balaji Temple, incorporating significant elements from its architectural style.
• Location: Positioned on a small hill near the western side of the Nerul railway station.
• Deity Worship: The main deity worshipped is Sri Balaji, a name associated with Lord Hanuman in various parts of India.
• Temple Complex: The temple premises host various other temples, including:
  • Hanuman Temple
  • Vishwaksena Temple
  • Ramanuja Temple
  • Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
  • Vidya Ganapati Temple
  • Shri Padmavati Devi Temple
• Additional deities worshipped include Sridevi, Bhoodevi, and Shrinivasa, with separate shrines for Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Krishna with Rukmini.
• Utsava Idols: Special idols saved for festivities and special occasions can also be found here.
• Key Features:
  • Upon entering the complex, visitors are greeted by the Bali Peetham and a towering Dhwaja Stamba (flagpole).
  • A flight of steps leads to the Tiru Mamani Mantapam, adorned with images of the doorkeepers Jaya and Vijaya, who guard the sanctum sanctorum.
  • The Mani Mantapam, constructed with cement concrete, facilitates various temple and religious activities.
  • Behind the Ardha Mandapam lies the Garbha Griham (sanctum sanctorum), featuring a small silver idol called Bhoga Srinivasa or Kautuka Bera, which is spiritually connected to the main Moolavar idol.
  • Other significant idols include Shrinivasa with Sridevi and Bhoodevi, made from Pancha Loha (five metals), and Utsava idols of deities like Shri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Anjaneya.

Special Features

• Bhoga Srinivasa: A small silver idol, referred to as Kautuka Bera.
• Rajagopuram: The temple is surrounded by a 60-feet high Rajagopuram, complemented by a well-maintained garden area.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several major festivals, including:

• Purattasi Brahmotsavam
• Panguni Uthiram
• Masi Makam
• Vaikasi Visakam
• Thiru Karthikai
• Vaikunda Ekadashi
• Sravana Deepam

Century/Period/Age

8th December 1991

Managed By

Department of SLN sabha – Mumbai

Nearest Bus Station

Nerul

Nearest Railway Station

Nerul railway station

Nearest Airport

Mumbai Airport

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