Blog•Apr 21, 2026
Inside Hyderabad’s ‘Visa Temple’
The Chilkur Balaji Temple on the outskirts of Hyderabad has earned the nickname “Visa Temple” as software engineers and students circle its modest shrine seeking U.S. H‑1B visas and consular approvals. Visitors follow a ritual of eleven rounds to make a request and, if successful, one hundred eight rounds to give thanks. The practice blends traditional devotion with modern career aspirations, turning the temple into a focal point for the city’s tech community. The scene captures both hope and anxiety surrounding America’s immigration system.
