Hyderabad: With concerns rising over the US administration's decision to impose a USD 1,00,000 fee on H1B visas, the Chilkur Balaji temple on the outskirts of Hyderabad has once again come into focus.

Popularly known as the “Visa Balaji temple” for over two decades, the shrine is believed by devotees to fulfil wishes related to foreign travel and visas. Worshippers perform 11 or 108 circumambulations around the temple, hoping their prayers will be answered.

Vinay, a technology analyst and H1B aspirant, who visited the temple after failing to secure a visa this year, said, “The lottery is always a matter of luck. Whatever the stakes may be, I am here to believe in Balaji and I hope he guides me.”

Chief priest C S Rangarajan recalled that the temple gained the moniker in the 1990s when students from nearby engineering colleges prayed for visas. “They got their visas and named it Visa Balaji,” he said.

Many devotees, including IT professionals, recount stories of their visa dreams coming true. “I got my H1B on September 19, a day after my interview. I had visited Chilkur Balaji on the 10th. It has always been a lucky charm for me,” said Sai Rowtik, a game developer.

Parents too continue to visit, praying for their children abroad. “We have visited this temple six times for our daughter's travels,” said Suguna, another devotee.

Despite its popularity, the temple is unique for not having a hundi (donation box) and for not extending VIP privileges, drawing devotees from across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.