Ashtalakshmi Temple, Hyderabad

The design and architecture of the Ashtalakshmi temple was borrowed from the one at Chennai. However, several modifications were made while the construction was initiated.

The Ashtalakshmi temple is a fine example of a collective endeavor. People from many quarters came forward to donate liberally. It took five years of non-stop work and a total expenditure of Rs 10 million for the temple to take its present form.

The architect, Padmashri S.M. Ganapati Sthapathi, and M. Mathiyalagan Sthapathi conceived the structure and design. About 134 vigrahams (idols) of lesser-known gods adorn the mahagopuram.^[2]

Although built of sand and cement, the Ashtalakshmi temple reveals the dexterity of the artists. Installed inside are idols of Adilakshmi, Aishwaryalakshmi, Santanalakshmi, Dhanalakshmi, Dhanyalakshmi, Gajalakshmi, Vijayalakshmi and Varalakshmi.^[2] Depicting these eight postures, the idols are adorned with gold and kasula Peru necklace and other necklaces. Along with the richly ornamented idols inside the temple, the outside design also boasts intricate carvings on the temple gopuram.

The temple is located between Dilsukh Nagar and LB Nagar, in Vasavi Colony near Kothapet (NH 9).