Bhagyalakshmi Temple, Hyderabad:A devotional place turned to a site of constant disputes and controversies

The Bhagyalakshmi Temple, located near the historic Charminar monument in Hyderabad, India, is a site of constant disputes and controversies. Despite its small and simple appearance, this temple has become a focal point of political and heritage tensions in the city. Today in this post we will tell you what is the history of this temple and how it came into being.

Table of Contents

1. Who is Bhagyalakshmi?
2. History of Bhagyalakshmi Temple
3. Reason for controversy in Bhagyalakshmi Temple
4. Architecture of Bhagyalakshmi Temple
5. Festivals celebrated in Bhagyalakshmi Temple
6. What special offerings are offered during Diwali at Bhagyalakshmi Temple?
7. Darshan timings at Bhagyalakshmi Temple

Who is Bhagyalakshmi?

Bhagyalakshmi is a form of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth, good luck, power, beauty, fertility and prosperity. Bhagyalakshmi is the goddess of luck and fortune in Hinduism. She is considered a form or manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi. There is a popular belief among some Hindu communities that Bhagyalakshmi bestows good fortune and fulfils wishes, especially of children.

History of Bhagyalakshmi Temple

According to ancient tales, the temple was established in the 16th century around the time when Charminar was made. The city of Hyderabad was named after goddess Bhagyalakshmi. These claims are considered unfounded by some historians. Some believe the temple has more recent origins. In the 1960s, a stone mark or protector stone near Charminar that was worshipped by residents as a sign of prosperity was painted saffron and a woman became its caretaker. After the stone was damaged by a bus collision, a temple structure was built in the 1960s that housed an idol of Lakshmi in place of the stone. The current temple building was built in the 1960s, replacing the stone that was previously worshipped at that location. Photographs from 1959 show no temple structure in the area, but photographs from the 1980s confirm its presence by then.

In 1979, the temple was attacked and desecrated during riots in Hyderabad. Later, under pressure from Hindus, the state government renovated the temple and allowed worship to resume.

Reason for Controversy at Bhagyalakshmi Temple

The history of the temple has been a subject of debate; some say it dates back to the 16th-century Qutb Shahi dynasty, while others claim it was built in the 1960s.
There have been disagreements about the validity and development of the temple due to its location inside a prohibited area designated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of Charminar, a protected monument.
The ASI has declared on several occasions that the temple is an unapproved building. There have been claims that the Charminar property was encroached upon after the temple was built. The ASI claims that because of the temple, Charminar is not eligible for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The temple has gained political significance, due to the willingness of some political parties to associate themselves with the temple and use it as a campaign platform. Allegations of attempting to divide the community have resulted from this. There have been cases of violence and communal unrest associated with the temple, including an attack and desecration in 1979. This has further fuelled controversies surrounding the location.

Architecture of Bhagyalakshmi Temple

The temple follows the principles of Vastu Shastra, the traditional Indian architectural system based on cosmic forces. The main structure of the temple maintains a substantial presence through its well-thought-out and precise design. At the centre of the temple is the garbhagriha or inner sanctum, which houses the idol of Goddess Bhagyalakshmi. This is the holiest space in the temple. The mandapam serves as a hall for devotees to gather and worship. The temple design includes intricate details and ornamentation, reflecting traditional architectural styles. The temple is located adjacent to the historic Charminar monument, which creates an interesting blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture at one place.

Festivals Celebrated at Bhagyalakshmi Temple

Diwali: The festival of Diwali is celebrated with great pomp at Bhagyalakshmi Temple. During this festival, the temple is decorated with flowers and lit up with thousands of diyas, creating a festive and spiritual atmosphere.
Bhogi: The Bhogi festival, which marks the beginning of the Pongal festival, is also celebrated at Bhagyalakshmi Temple. Devotees gather at the temple on this auspicious occasion.

Apart from Diwali and Bhogi, the temple also celebrates other major Hindu festivals throughout the year such as Navratri, Pongal and Holi. These festivals are important events that attract large crowds of devotees to the temple.

What special offerings are offered during Diwali at Bhagyalakshmi Temple?

During the fortnight before Diwali, diyas are lit and a large number of women visit the temple, a practice that has been going on for many years.
The temple committee hands out a currency coin as a gift to visitors, a tradition that is observed during Diwali.
The temple allows devotees to visit the temple till late in the night, making it a special occasion for devotees to seek the blessings of the goddess.
The temple is decorated lavishly with flowers and special lights, creating a festive atmosphere.
Devotees offer prayers at the temple to commemorate the "victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance".

Darshan Timings at Bhagyalakshmi Temple.

The temple allows people to visit the temple till 3 am on the night of Diwali and later closes the temple for the day due to partial solar eclipse. Normally, the temple's darshan timings are from 6 am to 10 pm. During Diwali, the darshan is extended till late night keeping in mind the large crowd of devotees.