Securing a visa for studies or lucrative job opportunities abroad is a common aspiration worldwide, and Indians are no exception. To fulfill this dream, many Indians undertake pilgrimages to the country’s renowned ‘visa temples’ each year, seeking divine help in obtaining the coveted immigration stamp for destinations like the US, UK, and Canada.
One of the most popular shrines is the Chilkur Balaji temple, located on the banks of Osman Sagar Lake in Hyderabad. Dedicated to Sri Venkateswara Balaji, the temple is fondly known as the ‘Visa Balaji temple’ and attracts a large following, particularly among software professionals aiming for US visas.
The temple gained fame during the tech boom of the 1980s when news spread about a group of computer professionals successfully obtaining US visas after visiting the shrine. Since then, thousands of hopefuls have flocked to Chilkur Balaji, paying homage to the ‘Visa God.’
Devotees perform 11 parikramas (circumambulations) around the shrine, which features an ornate, multicolored gopuram (entrance tower). Priests instruct them to chant mantras in English or Telugu, and many bring their passports to be blessed during the puja ceremony. Those who receive their visas return to complete 108 more circuits, marking each round on paper and offering prasad to the deity.
“Faith among devotees is very strong that the ‘Visa God’ will help fulfill their desires. The temple is currently closed due to Covid-19, but under normal circumstances, we receive around 75,000-100,000 pilgrims per week from across the country. Most are between 25-35 years old, seeking jobs or admission to top US universities,” said a member of the temple trust.
Despite its spiritual significance, the temple’s location in Hyderabad, a technologically advanced metropolis, raises eyebrows. The city is home to offices of leading multinational companies such as Dell, Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Amazon. According to a 2014 Brookings Institution report, Hyderabad sends more students to the United States than almost any other city in the world.
