The temple is dedicated to Lord Balaji, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Those seeking a shot at the American Dream are instructed to pray for their permission to travel abroad, and to return to give thanks when they receive it. (File Pic/AFP)
The ritual goes as follows: One is supposed to take 11 parikramas (laps) of the temple sanctum while asking for their wish to be fulfilled. Once the visa is approved, they revisit the temple and take 108 parikramas as a sign of gratitude. (File Pic/AFP)
Over the decades, devotees came to believe the shrine was particularly effective helping Indians seeking to travel out of the country -- so much so that it came to be locally known as the "visa temple". The temple has gained popularity for its remarkable success rate with visa approvals.
Whether it is just a superstition, a belief or reality is difficult to ascertain. However, devotees have reported their wishes being fulfilled after visiting the temple, which has contributed to its popularity as a spiritually enriching place of worship.
"Every single member of my family who is in the US has come here," Satwika Kondadasula told AFP while walking around the temple's sanctum. "I got the visa because of my capability of course, but I have luck of god as well," she said.
India is also home to other ‘visa temples’ like Sri Lakshmi Visa Ganapathi Temple in Chennai and Chamatkarik Shree Hanumanji Mandir-Visa Hanuman, Ahmedabad.
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