Located about 25 kms from the heart of Hyderabad city is located the picturesque Sanghi Nagar, an industrial suburb. Seen from several kilometers away is the Sanghi Temple complex with its 15 feet tall sacred Raja Gopuram. This beautiful temple complex atop the hillock Paramanand Giri beckons the faithful devotees who seek Gods infinite blessings. The aura of divinity and the verdent slope around the temple complex is panoramic and breathtaking.

As one approaches the road leading to the Paramanand Giri, a huge Maha Dwaram or gateway welcomes the visitors. A little further away, a long flight of steps leads to the entrance of the temple complex. Stone elephant heads form the banisters of the stairway. Standing at the foot of the hillock, one is awestruck to see the three Gopurams towering into the blue sky. And before ascending to the temple complex on top, one stops by at the shrine of Lord Anjaneya, son of the wind God, who is believed to guide the devotees to the abode of Gods. The red-faced Lord Anjaneya is the embodiment of death to the demons and his very name drives away all evils.

Once on top of the hillock, a heavy, beautifully carved door forms the main entrance of the temple complex. The majestic temple complex is built in the Chola-Chalukya style of architecture.

Lord Venkateswara, known as the bestower of piety and plenty is the presiding deity of the complex. The 9 1/2 feet tall idol of the deity is a true replica of the one at Tirumala and resides in the imposing sanctum sanctorum in the center of the complex. Alankaram and abhishekam are regularly performed to the Lord at the Balaji temple.

To the right of the Balaji temple, stands the abode of Goddess Padmavathy, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. The Vimanam of Padmavathy Temple is 32 feet. Described as the epitome of love, mercy and compassion, the deity here is seated on a lotus and is also holding lotuses in her hand.

Residing on the left of the Balaji temple is Lord Shiva or the "destroyer" among the trinity. This all powerful Lord is seated on a lotus with a crescent moon decorating his hair and a trident in his right hand. Standing next to the Lord is "Shakti Swaroopini" Kamalambika.

Close to the shrine of Lord Venkateswara, is the temple of Lord Rama, the symbol of man's conquest over evil. Accompanying the Lord are his faithful consort Sita, devoted brother Lakshmana and fervent devotee Hanuman, who is seated at the feet of the Lord with folded hands.

The temple of Lord Vijayganapathi is next to the Rama temple. Known as the remover of all obstacles, his blessings are invoked prior to commencing any activity.

The Navagraha deities are the only ones that are in an open temple. Surya, the Sun God stands in the center and other Grahas surround him, each facing a direction over which he rules.

The abode of Kartikeya is on the left of the Ganesh temple, fulfilling the tradition of his being on a hill top. Holding a staff in his right hand and resting his left hand on his waist, the loin clothed Kartikeya is like a Kalpavriksha fulfilling the desires of his devotees.

Further away is the temple of Goddess Durga. The dark moon faced deity clad in a saffron robe has three eyes. Decorated with ornaments and hibiscus flower garlands, the Goddess holds a lotus in her right hand and the left hand reposes downward.

A visit to the Sanghi temple is indeed refreshing and leaves the visitors with a feeling of divinity !