Balaji Temple at Nerul stands as an exact replica of the Balaji temple at Tirupati. Nerul The SLN sabha of Nerul decided to build a temple of Lord Venkateshvara and on 8th December 1991 the Bhoomi pujan for the temple was performed by Shankaracharya Swamiji of Kanchi Kamkoti Peetham.
This temple is built on the lines of Venkateshvara temple
at Tirupati and has been constructed according to the Shilpashastras. The
subsidiary temples, Vidya Ganapati temple, Shri Padmavati Devi temple,
Hanumana temple, Vishvakasena temple, Ramanuja temple, and Lakshmi
Nrisimha temple surround the main temple.
As soon as one enters the temple a "Bali Peetham" and the tall "Dhwaja
Stambham" are seen. Next to the Bali Peetham and the Dwaja Stambham,
a flight of steps leads to the "Tiru Mamani Mandapam". This is
the entrance hall, with dimensions exactly same as at Tirumala temple.
There are two 'Dwara Paalakas' (doorkeepers) viz. Jaya and Vijaya, who
guard the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum.
The structure of the Mani Mandapam is built based on modern architectural
practices. The cement concrete surfaces are being dubbed with exquisitely
carved granite stones. The Ardha Mandapam and Garbha Griham are
constructed in granite stones, following the "Aagama" /
Shilpashastras by Sthapathies. Below the Mani Mandapam is the Kalyana
Mandapam. Festivities of the temples such as 'Bhajans', 'Keertans',
'Pravachans', 'Kalyana Utsavam' etc. are conducted over here.
Behind the Ardha mandapam is the "Garbha Griham"
where the benign Lord stands smiling majestically. The majestic idol
stands 8' tall (11' 1 from Peetham to 'Kreetam') and was sculpted at
Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram (near Chennai) out of a single rock. At the
right foot of the lord is a small silver idol which is called "Bhoga
Srinivasa" / "Kautuka Bera". This idol imbibes the essence
of the Lord and is loosely bonded to the main "Moolavar" idol by
a string.
There are also a few beautiful idols Shrinivasa with Sridevi and Bhoodevi
made of "Pancha Loha" known as Utsava idols (images for
festivities). There are also the idols of Shri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and
Anjaneya. There is also the beautiful idol of the Shri Krishna with
Rukmini. These images are similar to those at the Tirumala Shrine. There
is also an image of Chakkarathalwar - Sri Sudarsana. On the other side of
the same idol is the image of Shri Nrisimha (also spelt as Narasimha).
One can also see the Pancha Loha idol of Sri Ramanuja in the Ardha
Mandapam. The Srivari Hundi is housed, patterned after Tirumala, in the
courtyard. In front of the deity is a standing image of Garuda.
Nerul being the biggest residential node recently developed
in Navi Mumbai . Navi
Mumbai has the best possible transport facilities. Infact Navi Mumbai is
well linked not only to Mumbai but to other parts of the country as well.
Air: The Sahara International Airport in Mumbai is only an hour's
journey from Vashi.
Rail: Navi Mumbai is connected to Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus in
Mumbai and Panvel via the Central Railway Line. Running on these lines are
electric fast local trains carrying thousands of commuters every day.
Road: Navi Mumbai is connected to Mumbai via the Sion - Panvel
Expressway, which meets the National Highway from Panvel to Pune.
Local Transport: The Road Transport facilities in the city include
Bombay Electric and Suburban Transport (BEST) Buses connecting NaviMumbai
to Mumbai. The MSRTC buses run between Mumbai and Panvel via Navi Mumbai
as well as connect Thane and Taloja. Also seen on the Navi Mumbai roads
are the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMT) Buses running between
various routes one of them being Vashi and Thane.
Accommodation is available at the hotels in Mumbai.