'Visa Balaji' Temple attracting more devotees as uncertainties on H-1B grow

As uncertainties continue around the future of H-1B visas following US President Donald Trump introducing a $100,000 fee, the well-known Visa Balaji temple near Hyderabad has come into the spotlight and is attracting more devotees. The Chilkur Balaji temple, referred to as 'Visa Balaji temple', has for over two decades attracted thousands of hopefuls who believe that divine intervention can help fulfil their dreams of travelling abroad.

Located in Chilkur on the outskirts of Hyderabad, the temple is popular among students and professionals, particularly those in the IT sector aspiring to work in the US. The belief that worship at the temple increases the chances of securing a visa has become so widespread that the shrine has earned a near-mythical status among H-1B applicants.

The temple is known for a unique ritual where devotees perform 11 or 108 circumambulations, or ‘pradakshinas’, around the sanctum in hopes that their wishes will be fulfilled. According to the temple's chief priest, CS Rangarajan, the tradition of seeking visas through prayer dates to the 1990s.

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"At that time, there was a boom of foreign travel – I am talking about 1990s. There were a lot of engineering colleges around here like the famous Chaitanya Bharati (Institute of Technology). The students used to come here and pray with 11 rounds, they got the visa and then they gave the name Visa Balaji," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Not only does this unique temple stand out for its association with visa prayers, but for its long-standing policy of refusing monetary donations. There is no 'hundi' nor any donation box at the temple, and no money is accepted from devotees. In addition, VIP visitors are given no special treatment, a practice that has helped the temple maintain its reputation for its simplicity and equality.

Nonetheless, as the US tightens immigration rules and imposes steep fees, the Chilkur Balaji temple has become a source of hope for many, especially those in the IT industry.

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