Sri Subramaniya Swamy temple, West Marredpally

It is believed that the temple is over 300-years-old. In 1811, King George Phillips, a British military officer, came along with a few of his colleagues to set up a military camp. During the search, he saw this temple which was surrounded by a lot of banyan trees. Marri trees (banyan trees) were available in plenty in the area at that time, which is why the area came to be known as Marredpally.

In a phased manner, the temple grew in significance. People used to throng the temple to perform poojas. Subsequently, with the help of local villagers, the idols of deities were installed.

There is a mandapam in the temple which is built with rock pillars. On the North side, there is a big banyan tree under which the Navagrahas are installed. In 1944, a Hanuman temple was built on the south side. In 1975, at the centre of the premises, Shiva Linga and Parvathi idols were installed. A Saibaba temple too was installed on the premises.

The temple’s main deity, Sri Subramaniya Swamy’s idol, is about five feet tall. The temple is under the control of the Endowments Department, headed by K Sudhakar Reddy, who is the executive officer. Trust board members take care of the administration and is headed by chairman TG Srinivasan.

K Sudhakar Reddy said, “This temple is renowned for its historical importance and pristine glory. Devoted to Lord Murugan, this temple is visited by many people not only to fulfil their wishes but also to get rid of their diseases as well. It is also believed by many that the Lord protects each and every part of the body of his devotees and the powerful Navagrahas become passive and dormant due to his grace.”

“We have taken up the reconstruction and renovation works of Saibaba, Lakshmi, Ganapathi and Dattatreya mandirs, at a cost of Rs 30 lakh. The renovation work was being funded by donors and would be completed by May. The installation ceremony would take place in June,” he added.

The most important festivals celebrated at the temple are Vinayaka Chavithi, Sankranti and Subramaniya Swamy’s birthday. Special poojas are performed in Karthika Masam, where thousands of devotees throng to seek the blessings of the Lord.

The temple functions from 6 am to 11.30 am and from 5 pm to 8.30 pm every day. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the temple remains open from 6 am to noon and from 5 pm to 9 pm.