Rangareddy District (రంగారెడ్డి జిల్లా) - 2 | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

Tourist Places 

Mrugavani National Park

• Mrugavani National Park is a national park situated in Hyderabad, Telangana State, India, specifically located at Chilkur in Moinabad mandal, approximately 20 km from MGBS. Covering an area of 3.6 square kilometers (1.4 sq mi) or 1211 acres, it houses a diverse range of plant life, totaling around 600 different types. The park is also a habitat for approximately 350 spotted deers. Some of the animals you can spot here include the Indian hare, forest cat, civet, Indian rat snake, Russell's viper, cheetal, and the flower pecker.
• Established as a National Park in 1994, Mrugavani National Park enjoys a mostly pleasant climate throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from a high point within the park and observe animals up close from a watchtower.
• The park boasts a variety of plant species such as Teak, Bamboo, Sandal, Picus, Palas, and Rela. The vegetation includes bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Herbs, Shrubs, Climbers, and Trees, forming a mix of woodland and grasslands. The plant life represents a tropical waterless deciduous forest with degraded characteristics. Among the wildlife present are Cheetal, Sambar, Wild boar, Jungle Cat, Civet Cat, Mongoose, Monitor Lizard, Python, Russell Viper, and King Cobra. Bird enthusiasts can delight in more than 100 bird species, including warblers, peacocks, lapwings, and flower peckers.
• The weather in this area is generally pleasant. Within the park, there is an elevated point that offers panoramic views, along with a watchtower for observing animals up close.
• Additionally, there is a library and educational center focused on environmental topics, as well as a museum and auditorium showcasing wildlife. For those interested in getting closer to the park's inhabitants, safari rides and guided nature walks are available.
• The park's terrain includes woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas, predominantly characterized by southern tropical dry deciduous forests. It plays a significant role in conserving the native flora of the Hyderabad region, which is at risk of disappearing.

How to Reach

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the closest airport, situated 21 kilometers away.
• The nearest railway station is Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station, approximately 19.7 kilometers away.
• Mrugavani National Park is conveniently accessible by road, located about 20 kilometers away from Hyderabad, on the way to Chilkur, near Nehru Outer Ring Road.

Sanghi Temple

• The Sanghi Temple, situated in the Rangareddy District, was constructed by the Sanghi Family. This temple is entirely made of marble and was crafted by the renowned artisan Sri Ganapathy Stapathy. The temple complex, known as Paramanandagiri, encompasses shrines dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha, Lord Venkateshwara, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Durga, and Goddess Ashtalakshmi.
• The captivating Sanghi Temple is located in Sanghi Nagar, approximately 35 kilometers from Hyderabad, India. Nestled atop a hillock named Paramananda Giri, visitors are greeted by a grand Maha Dwaram or gateway upon arrival. The towering Raja Gopuram can be spotted from several kilometers away. Upon ascending a long flight of steps, visitors reach the entrance of the temple complex, marked by a beautifully carved door. The majestic temple complex is constructed in the Chola-Chalukya style of architecture and houses revered Hindu deities.
• In the renowned Sanghi Temple, the main deity Lord Venkateshwara within the sanctum sanctorum stands at an impressive height of 9 feet, resembling the deity at Tirumala. Elaborate daily rituals, known as alankaram, are performed to adorn the Balaji temple.
• Adjacent to the Balaji temple is the shrine of Goddess Padmavathi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. Regarded as the embodiment of love, mercy, and compassion, the deity is depicted seated on a lotus and holding lotuses in her hands.
• The Ashtalakshmi temple is positioned between the Balaji and Padmavathi temples. Adorned with jewelry and garlands, Goddess Aadilakshmi, in her eight manifestations, is depicted seated while holding a lotus and displaying Abhaya mudra in two of her hands, while offering boons with the other two.
• Nearby, adjacent to the shrine of Lord Venkateshwara, is the temple dedicated to Lord SriRama, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Accompanying Lord Rama are his faithful consort Sita, devoted brother Lakshmana, and ardent devotee Hanuman, who is depicted seated at the feet of the Lord with folded hands.
• Adjacent to the SriRama temple stands the temple of Lord Vijayganapathi, revered as the remover of obstacles whose blessings are sought before beginning any endeavor.
• To the left of the Balaji temple resides Lord Shiva, the destroyer among the trinity. Seated on a lotus, adorned with a crescent moon in his hair and holding a trident in his right hand, Lord Shiva is accompanied by Shakti Swaroopini Kamalambika.
• Further along is the temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, depicted with a dark moon-like face and adorned in a saffron robe. Holding a lotus in her right hand, her left hand rests downward.
• The temple of Kartikeya is situated to the left of the Ganesh temple, following the tradition of his abode being atop a hill. Kartikeya, adorned in a loin cloth and holding a staff in his right hand while resting his left hand on his waist, is revered as a fulfiller of devotees' desires.
• The Navagraha deities are housed in an open temple, with Surya, the Sun God, positioned in the center surrounded by the other planetary deities, each facing the direction they govern.
• Within the temple complex, there is a Pavitra Vanam, also known as a Holy Garden, where specific leaves and flowers are cultivated for religious rituals. Additionally, there is a Kalyana Mandapam for conducting marriage ceremonies, featuring a raised platform with an adorned canopy, designed in harmony with the temple architecture. 
• A well-maintained lawn in front provides ample seating space for spectators. Various daily poojas are conducted here, along with special rituals during festivals.
• The serene ambiance of the temple emanates a sense of divine tranquility, attracting thousands of visitors, particularly on auspicious occasions and New Year's Eve. Over time, the temple has become a symbol of unwavering faith and belief.

How to Reach

• Hyderabad Airport is the closest airport, situated approximately 28 km away from Sanghi Temple. Various buses, taxis, and cabs are accessible from different parts of Hyderabad to reach Sanghi Temple.
• Ghatkesar railway station is the nearest station to Sanghi Temple, located 13 km away.
• Hayath Nagar Bus station is the closest to Sanghi Temple, at a distance of 15 km. The temple is in Sanghi Nagar, around 30 km from Hyderabad. It typically takes 60 to 90 minutes to reach, depending on traffic conditions. Travelers can hire a taxi or use other available modes of transportation.

Chilkur Balaji Temple

• Chilkur, situated within the vicinity of Himayath Sagar Lake in Rangareddy District, is renowned not only for its scenic beauty but also for its religious significance owing to the presence of a prominent Balaji temple. Adjacent to the Sagar Lake, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Balaji.
• Furthermore, Chilkur is home to a National Deer Park, established to safeguard and nurture the wildlife of the area.
• Located 25 kilometers away from Hyderabad along the Vikarabad road and adjacent to Osmansagar, Chikur village boasts a picturesque setting and is adorned with a venerable temple dedicated to Sri Balaji Venkateshwara. With its antiquated architecture and tranquil surroundings, the temple, estimated to be around five hundred years old, attracts numerous pilgrims annually, offering an ideal setting for spiritual retreat and contemplation. In its heyday, the temple enjoyed considerable grandeur and reverence.
• The temple holds the distinction of being one of the oldest in Telangana, constructed during the era of Akkanna and Madanna, the uncles of Bhakta Ramdas. Legend has it that a devotee, unable to visit Tirupati due to illness, was directed by Lord Venkateshwara in a dream to a nearby jungle. Upon excavating a molehill as instructed, the devotee accidentally struck an idol of Lord Balaji beneath the soil, causing it to bleed profusely. Upon hearing a voice instructing him to flood the molehill with cow's milk, the devotee uncovered a Swayambhu idol of Lord Balaji, accompanied by Sridevi and Bhoodevi, a rare occurrence. This idol was duly installed and a temple was erected in its honor.
• Sri Balaji Venkateshwara, believed to be the Pratyaksha Daiva (visible deity) in Kaliyuga, is present at Chilkur to bestow blessings upon devotees who are unable to visit Tirupati for any reason. Many devout worshippers visit the temple throughout the year, especially during the Poolangi, Annakota, and Brahmothsavams, to seek the blessings of the Lord and his consorts.
• In an effort to restore the temple's former glory and significance, the idol of Ammavaru was installed in 1963, following the Chinese aggression. When the aggression ended, Ammavaru was named Rajya Lakshmi, commemorating this positive development. The unique aspect of this idol is that it holds lotus flowers in three hands, while the fourth hand is positioned towards the lotus feet, symbolizing the doctrine of Saranagathi (surrender).
• The temple has received visits from esteemed Acharyas throughout its history. Whenever the Jeer of Sri Ahobila Mutt visits the twin cities, paying homage to the temple is considered essential, and the idol of the first Jeer is installed within its premises. Members of the Sri Vallabhacharya Sampradaya, known as Tilakayaths, have also made regular visits to the shrine. Additionally, the trustees' endeavors to enhance the temple have been acknowledged and supported by Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya of Sringeri Mutt and his disciple.

How to Reach

• Hyderabad Airport: Nearest airport, approximately 20 km away from the temple. Various transportation options available from different parts of Hyderabad.
• Budvel Railway Station: Closest railway station to Chilkur Balaji Temple.
• By Road: Chilkur is around 32 km from Hyderabad, easily reachable by road. RTC buses and other transportation services connect Hyderabad to Mehdipatnam, from where visitors can access buses to the temple.