Nerul Balaji Temple, Nerul
It was constructed following Shilpa Shastras (ancient architectural guidelines), and is renowned as an almost exact replica of the Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati. Architecture of the Temple The entrance features a majestic Rajagopuram approximately 60 feet tall, made from intricately carved granite. Right at entry are symbolic pillars: the Bali Peetham and the tall Dhwaja Stambham. Steps beyond lead to the Tiru Mamani Mandapam, with modern structural elements of cement overlaid with carved granite. An Ardha Mandapam precedes the Garbha Griham (sanctum sanctorum). The idol of Lord Balaji was sculpted from a single piece of granite at Mamallapuram, standing about 8 ft tall. Worship includes the small silver idol known as Bhoga Srinivasa or Kautuka Bera, and Pancha Loha Utsava idols depicting Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Anjaneya, Krishna, Rukmini, and Sudarshana. The temple grounds include smaller shrines dedicated to Vidya Ganapati, Padmavati Devi, Hanuman (Yoga Anjaneyar), Vishwaksena, Narasimha, and Ramanuja, along with a Navagraha sannidhi. Surrounding the temple is a well-maintained lush garden from where you can view the scenic Palm Beach Road that runs through Nerul. How to Reach to Temple By Rail: Just a short walk—or auto-rickshaw ride—from Nerul Railway Station (West), around 500 meters away. By Metro/Bus: Closest metro access is Belapur Terminal (approx. 40-min walk). Several NMMT bus routes (e.g., 18AC, 20AC, 22AC, 502LTD) connect to nearby stops. By Road: Well-connected from Vashi (6–7 km), Kharghar (10–12 km), Panvel (20–22 km), and South Mumbai (approx. 30–35 km) via the Sion–Panvel Expressway or Palm Beach Road. Driving time varies between 15 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Temple Timings Temple Location
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