Bhagya Lakshmi Temple – Charminar

Introduction to the Bhagya Lakshmi Temple

The Bhagyalakshmi Templeis in the old city of Hyderabad. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) declared it as a monument. The Temple lies at the base of the Charminar, the historical monument of Hyderabad, under the direct care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Lakshmi Devi is considered the primary deity of the Bhagyalakshmi Temple. People who visit Charminar also visit this place. The Bhagyalakshmi Temple is among the most visited Hindu temples in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The city of Bhagya Nagar was named after the temple.

History of the Bhagya Lakshmi Temple

The Bhagyalakshmi Temple has some interesting legends surrounding it. There are various views about its antiquity. One group claims that the temple has been in existence since the ages of the Charminar at this spot.

According to the local legend, the temple only came into existence in the late 1960s. As per the historians of the state, a holy stone was present at the Bhagyalakshmi Temple site when Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah built the Charminar. Later, devotees started applying turmeric and kumkum to the holy stone and started worshipping it.

In the 1960s, the idol of Lakshmi Devi was grandly consecrated in a small shed under the base of the Charminar. Some people strongly believe that the Bhagyalakshmi Temple was established in memory of Queen Bhagmati, who married one of the Nizam rulers.

In the past, attempts were made to destroy the Bhagyalakshmi Temple under the leadership of the Razakars, who were determined to eliminate Hindu traces from the old city of Hyderabad. The Razakars Party of Hyderabad spread propaganda stating that the Bhagyalakshmi Temple was a new one constructed only in 1979 to confuse the Hindus.

In 2012, Telangana High Court denied further expansion of the Bhagyalakshmi Temple. In 2013, ASI stated the temple structure was an unauthorized construction. The Archeological Survey of India sources said the temple encroached on the boundary of Charminar.

The Architecture of the Bhagya Lakshmi Temple

Many attempts were made to extend the temple, but the Court banned it. So, visitors can see the Bhagyalakshmi Temple on the side of the Charminar entry gate. A Shamiyana tent covers the temple's courtyard and offers shade to the visitors who stand in queue. Lakshmi Devi graces in a sitting posture inside the small space and other deities' idols are also seen there. She is adorned with gorgeous dresses, flowers, and jewels. A priest is there to perform Pooja and give Aarti to the visitors. The temple witnesses hordes of visitors on festivals and public holidays.

Festivals in the Bhagya Lakshmi Temple

The Bhagyalakshmi Temple celebrates Navratri, Ugadi, Bonalu, Sankranti, and all Hindu festivals with great pomp.

During public holidays, a long queue of people can be seen at the Bhagyalakshmi Temple. This temple is a proud symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity in the twin cities.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Bhagya Lakshmi Temple

Usually, devotees gather at the Bhagyalakshmi Temple on Diwali to offer prayers to Lakshmi Devi. The temple authorities distribute "coins" to devotees. People flock to the temple from different areas of the city to collect the coins, believing they bring them good fortune.