Ashtalakshmi Temple, Hyderabad

Infobox Mandir
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proper_name = Ashtalakshmi Temple
date_built = 1996
primary_deity = Lakshmi
location = Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Ashtalakshmi Temple is a popular Hindu temple of Goddesses Ashtalakshmi in Hyderabad, India. This magnificent temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi stands distinctly on the outskirts of the city of Hyderabad. Amidst the varied Islamic architectural monuments in Hyderabad, this temple has a different style - a touch of the south-Indian architecture.

In India, among the Hindu pantheon, the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, finds a special place in the hearts of the people for she brings prosperity and happiness as well as salvation. But very few temples have Goddess Lakshmi in all her eight splenderous forms.

History

Built under the auspices of the "Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam", the temple was consecrated in April 1996, and is one of its kind in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Design

The design and architecture of the Ashtalakshmi temple was borrowed from the one at Chennai (new name for Madras). However, several modifications were made while the construction was initiated. The Ashtalakshmi temple is a fine example of a collective endeavor. People from various quarters came forward to donate liberally. It took five years of non-stop work and a total expenditure of Rs 10 million for the magnificent Ashtalakshmi temple to take its present form.

The well-known architect, Ganapati Sthapathi, conceived the structure and design of the temple. The idols of Ashtalakshmi, Sriman Narayana, Sri Ganapathi and Sri Garuda were designed by Subbaiah Sthapathi. About 134 vigrahams (idols) of lesser - known gods adorn the mahagopuram.

Although built of sand and cement, the Ashtalakshmi temple reveals the remarkable dexterity of the artists. Installed inside the temples are idols of Adilakshmi, Aishwaryalakshmi, Santanalakshmi, Dhanalakshmi, Dhanyalakshmi, Gajalakshmi, Vijayalakshmi and Varalakshmi. Depicting these eight postures, the idols are adorned with gold and - kasula peru necklace and other necklaces. If one is all praise for the richly ornamented idols inside the temple, one is equally agog to see the intricately carved designs on the temple gopuram.

Proposals are in the offing to construct a two-storeyed Kalyana Mandapam at a cost of Rs 15 million and an Archaka nilayam- residential quarters for the priests.

The nightly illumination of this enchanting temple is spectacular. Viewed from a distance, the temple looks like one made from marble. And on approaching the temple entrance, one is captivated by the tranquility of the surroundings and the all pervading sweet fragrance of the incense.