Entrance Gate
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| Main temple gopuram |
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| The Fountain structure with Sacred Namam, Shanku and Chakram symbol |
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| The Sculpture of Vishnu reclining on Adi Sesha |
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| The sculpture of Lord Krishna dancing on Kaliya serpent |
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| Lord Ganesha |
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| Lord Venkateshwara |
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| Goddess Padmavati |
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| Goddess Goda Devi (Andal) |
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| Lord Hanuman shrine |
For city people, “Ratnalayam temple” is a nearby sacred place of Lord Venkateshwara where one can see a model temple construction with beautiful surroundings, serene atmosphere, clean ambiance and modern facilities. This temple was constructed by T.R.Venkatesh just for family worship, but gradually expanded into a big temple. This temple was inaugurated by Swami Jayendra Saraswati on 19th February, 2003 with blessings of Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.
Just like Birla temple, this temple is a
tourist attraction. Here many T.V. serials are shot showing the landscape and
shady trees dotted with beautiful fountains and statues. This temple is located
at Aliapur Cross Roads near Aliabad bus stop. From the temple arch, it is only
200 meters distant. It is nearly 30 kms
from Hyderabad. The famous Saraswati temple at Wargal is just 25 kms away from
this place. So, one can plan to visit both places.
People of
all ages including kids find this place quite interesting and delightful. The
architecture of this temple and landscaped gardens is quite attractive and
impressive. There is wide parking space with a beautiful garden at the entrance
with water fountain structures in the form of Lord’s sacred Namam flanked by
Shanku and Chakram. At another place one can see a fountain with figures of
Lord Vishnu reclining on Adisesha with Lakshmi near His feet. The statue of
Krishna dancing on the hoods of Kaliya amidst waters is another eye-catching
spectacle. As one ascends the steps towards the main temple one can see the
shrine of Lord Ganesha near the entrance. The statue in the main temple
resembles the idol of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirupati. Lotus carvings in
attractive colors are seen on the ceiling of the central hall. Poojas are done
here as per Pancharatra Agama of Vaishanavite tradition.
On either
side of the main sanctum there are sub-shrines for Goddess Padmavati and Goda
Devi. The idols are made of black granite and look very beautiful decked with
jewellery and floral decorations. These idols were sculptured by the famous
sculptor Sri Ganapathy Sthapathy and were brought from Kanchipuram. Near the
main hall or mukha mandapam, there is a counter for selling tickets for various
poojas and for selling prasadam packets. While going down the stairs on the
way, there is a shrine of Goddess Kanyaka Parameshwari. There is also another
shrine for Lord Hanuman.
In this temple there is a hall for doing tonsuring (Kalyana katta), a lecure-hall, a hall for performing homams, a goshala(cattle-shed). Along with temple rituals one can also perform ceremonies like Aksharabhyasam, Anna Prashan, Namakaranam, Sayanarayana Vratam, Gopuja and Vahana Pooja. Special poojas and rituals are done on festive days like Vaikunta Ekadashi, Janmashtami, Dussehra, Diwali and Sankranti. There is a separate area with swings and slides for kids to play. There is a small canteen beside the garden. It is really a visual treat for city people to spend their time along with their kids in this temple located in serene and scenic surroundings. The temple timings are from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 P.M. and from 4.00 P.M. to 8.00 P.M.
22nd January, 2023 Somaseshu Gutala
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