Tirupati Balaji Temple in Guwahati

The Tirupati Balaji Temple in Guwahati was inaugurated as recently as 1998, near ISBT on NH 37 and just before Maniram Dewan Trade Centre.

The Temple is open from 8am to 1pm and then from 3:30pm to 8pm. Video recording is completely prohibited inside the complex and only photography of the buildings, gardens and complexes is permitted. Photography of the idols is strictly prohibited.

The temple is built in the style of the original Balaji temple at Tirupati. The first temple at the gate is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the remover of all obstacles. Further down the path is the trio of the main temple complex with Lord Balaji ine the center, Goddess Padmavati (avatar of Lakshmi) to his right and Goddess Durga (Ashtabhuja -Shanti Durga avataar) to his left. There is a smaller temple for Garuda facing Lord Balaji.

The queues are of course miniscule compared to Tirupati. Today there was a lovely prasad of  chhole tempered with mustard seeds and split urad dhal. So simple, yet so tasty. The famous Tirupati laddu prasad can be bought for 20rs a laddu.

Various artis and sevas are possible. Starting with the Archana for 50Rs which also includes a laddu and allows entry further into the garbha griha. The temple conducts mundans (151Rs), vehicle puja (150Rs) and even marriages (2500Rs).

The temple complex has sprawling lawns and is a green lung on the outskirts of the city, so there were plenty of families relaxing in the gardens.

Its a lovely place for an evening visit. The environs are very peaceful and soothing. The green cover makes it much cooler than the road just outside the gate.

This is not one of the historic temples around Guwahati, but you could include it in your itinerary.