Ashtalakshmi Temple is located in the Indian state of Telangana. More specifically, this temple is situated on the outskirts of the city called Hyderabad in Kothapet. Kothapet is a major suburb of Hyderabad. Globally, this temple can be pinpointed at coordinates 17.364693 degrees north and 78.547896 degrees east. This temple is a famous Hindu temple in Hyderabad and is dedicated to goddess, Ashta lakshmi. Ashta lakshmi means the eight manifestations of Mahalakshmi. They are the Santaana Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhaanya Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, Dhairya Lakshmi, Adi Lakshmi and Vidya Lakshmi. Lakshmi is considered to be the goddess of material as well as spiritual wealth and prosperity. The Ashtalakshmi Temple is considered to be one of its kind in the state of Telangana.

History of Ashtalakshmi Temple
Ashtalakshmi Temple was constructed under the care of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham is a Hindu monastic centre situated in Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. This temple is known to be declared sacred for religious purposes in April 1996.

Architectural Design of Ashtalakshmi Temple
It is important to note that amidst the monuments designed following the Islamic style of architecture in the area in which the Ashtalakshmi Temple is located, Ashtalakshmi Temple stands out with a different style of architecture. More specifically, this temple is a representation of the South Indian style of architecture. It is again important to note that apart from the Ashtalakshmi Temple in Hyderabad, there is another such temple in Chennai. It is known that the Ashtalakshmi Temple in Hyderabad is architecturally based on the Ashtalakshmi Temple in Chennai. The structure of this temple has been conceptualized and designed by famous architects, Padmashri S.M. Ganapati Sthapathi and M. Mathiyalagan Sthapathi. The artists of this temple have displayed remarkable dexterity. This temple is known to be a fine example of collective endeavor. It has received donations from people from many quarters. As per estimations, near about 10 million was spent to construct this temple. This temple is known to take its present form after five years of continuous labor. The materials used to construct this temple are sand and cement. Although made up of sand and cement, when looked from a distance, one will be under an illusion that the temple is made up of marble. In the initial period of erection of this temple, several modifications were made. This temple is provided with a Mahagopuram. Near about 134 vigrahams (also known as idols) of lesser-known gods are housed in this Mahagopuram. The temple gopuram is adorned with intricately carved designs. Idols of Adilakshmi, Aishwaryalakshmi, Santanalakshmi, Dhanalakshmi, Dhanyalakshmi, Gajalakshmi, Vijayalakshmi and Varalakshmi are installed inside the main gopuram. These idols are known to be richly ornamented. Gold and kasula peru necklace and other necklaces would be evident on the idols to the visitors. The main gopuram is also has minor shrines dedicated to Lord Narayana, Lord Ganapati and Lord Garuda. The outer mahagopuram of the temple is bedecked with idols of minor deities.

Ashtalakshmi Temple when brightens up at night is known to look delightfully attractive and spectacular. On reaching the entrance of the temple, certain features of this temple which may draw the attention of the visitors are the tranquility of the surroundings and the all-pervading sweet fragrance of the incense.

Development of Ashtalakshmi Temple
A Kalyana Mandapam and an archaka nilayam residential quarter for the priests are being planned to be constructed. It would be a two-storied mandapam and would be constructed at a cost of about 15 million.

Occasions to Offer Special Prayers at Ashtalakshmi Temple
Varalaxmi Puja and Diwali are the two occasions when visitors offer special prayers to the goddesses of the Ashtalakshmi Temple.

Visiting Information
Nearest airport from Ashtalakshmi Temple is Shamshabad Airport. It is located at a distance of about 20km from Ashtalakshmi Temple. Hyderabad has three major railway stations namely Secunderabad Railway Station, Hyderabad Railway Station (which is also known by the name, Nampally Railway Station as this railway station is located in Nampally) and Kacheguda Railway Station. Nearest railway station to Ashtalakshmi Temple is Kacheguda Railway Station. This railway station is located at a distance of about 8km from the temple. Malakpet is known to be the nearest MMTS station to Astalakshmi Temple. It is located at a distance of about 7km from the temple. MMTS local trains run within the twin cities from Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Lingampally and Faluknama. There are two major bus stations in Hyderabad. One is Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station in Gowliguda area of Hyderabad and the other one is Jubilee Bus Station near Parade Grounds, Secunderabad. There are also local government-run bus services available within the twin cities. This temple is located between Dilsukh Nagar and LB Nagar in Vasavi Colony and the roads leading to Ashtalakshmi Temple are motorable by buses, autos and taxi services.

Related Articles:
Indian Regional Temples
South Indian Temples
Temples Of Rajasthan
Temples of Tripura
North Indian Temples
West India Temples
East India Temples