When trouble troubles you... - TeluguPeople.com News

Hyderabad: EMIs to be paid. Credit card bills to be cleared. Insurance premium just round the corner. And that wedding gift for the first cousin' Where would you want to go to escape this familiar drill at the beginning of every month?

Those who were in your shoes have been to Chilpurgutta temple of Bugulu Venkateswara Swamy at Ghanpur. Devotees swear they have got freedom from the bills, payments and EMI circles and even enemy threats after visiting the temples.

One can't vouch for that right away but certainly certify that the temple offers unmatched peace and solitude. It will certainly calm your frayed nerves and help you face life with integrity.

The temple is situated on a rocky mountain called Chilpur. Not to be confused with Chilkur on the Vikarabad road! Chilpurgutta has been the chosen place of none other than Lord Venkateshwara Swamy himself when he was feeling burdened under the weight of the wedding loan he had taken from Kubera, the God of wealth.

Legend has it that he descended upon this little picturesque hillock, washed his feet in the cool waters and rested here till he gathered enough courage to face the world and work out an action plan to clear his debt.

Since then, which is at the beginning of the Kalyug, the temple has been popular as a place to seek refuge when burdened with debts and enemy threats. Bugulu means fear and nervousness in Telangana dialect.

The temple, however, has become accessible only since 1999 when Jeer Swamy installed an idol and got the temple complex built.
The temple is five km off the highway. The drive takes you through fields, farmers, folk songs and the breeze from the paddy fields.

The shrine has risen against the backdrop of wilderness and rocks. Early morning and late evenings present a surreal picture of solitude. The sturdy rocks inspire you to face the world, with the same rock solid values.

The far away pond, amidst the rocks (a trek of ten minutes leads you to it) with floating lotuses (throughout the year) motivates you to keep doing your best and not get affected by the circumstances.

The temple's true beauty is revealed during the nine-day Bramhotsavam. Starting March 11 and till 19, the temple gets dressed up for the occasion. Lamps, flyers, floral garlands, steps decorated with turmeric and vermilion, the smell of camphor, the taste of fresh coconuts and the divine Pulihora Prasad. 'The temple is known for its divine potential.

The hundreds of coconut offerings are by devotees who would have asked the Lord for some favour and have come back to fulfill their vow. The entire temple complex has been built by the devotees donation and that itself shows how powerful the Lord is,' says Shravan Kumarachary, the priest of the temple.

GETTING THERE: Take the Warangal highway from Uppal Crossroads. 120 km from Hyderabad. Look for Chinna Pendiyala after Ghanpur and take the road that leads into the temple arch.

BEST TIME: Saturday and Sunday. During the Brahmotsavam (in the month of Phalguna. March 11 to 19 this month). Early mornings and late evenings.

WHERE TO EAT: Dhabas on the way to the temple. You can stop by at Greenlands a little before Bhongir or at Sreenidhi Resorts.

WHAT TO TAKE: Flowers and oil for lamp.

CHECK OUT: The gundam (pond) in the vicinity. A set of 400 steps leads you to the actual spot where the Lord's feet have emerged.

CAUTION: Avoid late evenings as the path may be deserted.

You can have accommodation at the temple cottage if you want to perform Kalyanam early the next morning. You can donate in cash or kind (almairahs, silver puja articles, golden crown etc) to the temple and for other activities.