One among the most revered temples in Nagpur city is Sri Balaji and Sri Kartikeya temple. The temple is located at the top of the well-known seminary hills of Nagpur city. Inside this temple are the deities of Lord Kartikeya (commonly known as Muruga, the son of Lord Shiva) and Lord Balaji. As per Hindu mythology, this Lord Kartikeya is known to be commander-in-chief of army of all Hindu Gods. The temple is situated amidst of astonishing and beautiful landscape. This shrine is most popular for its architectural excellence. It has been constructed in the pattern of three tiers with the presence of Ekadala Vimana for both Lord Muruga and Lord Balaji.

The major tower of this shrine is approximately 60 feet height. This is known as Rajagopuram. The upper level of sanctum sanctorum is adorned by three feet beautiful idol of Indian Lord Muruga together with his both consorts Deivanai and Valli. The lower level of sanctum sanctorum is occupied by six feet astonishing idol of Venkateswara (Lord Balaji). Before entering into the temple of Sri Balaji and Sri Kartikeya temple, one can indulge in the well maintained greenish garden decorated with various colorful flowers. Inside the temple premises, one can get the feel of freshness because of the presence of Tulsi garden that is well maintained. This temple of Sri Balaji and Sri Kartikeya also houses other shrines like Hanuman, Shiva, Ganapathy, Durga, Sarparaja, Shithala matha, Maha Sastha and Navagrahas (nine planets).

Skanda Shashti Pooja for Lord Kartikeya and Brahmotsava festival for Lord Shiva are the two major festivals celebrated at this place. Apart from this, Kalyanam of Lord Kartikeya, Sri Balaji Kalyanam, Durga Navami Pooja for Goddess Durga, Shivratri festival for Lord Shiva are the  other festivals celebrated at this temple with great fervor and devotion. Sri Balaji and Sri Kartikeya temple is also known for its artistic, cultural and various other spiritual activities that are conducted as per the schedule in order to promote the mental and physical wellness and harmony of devotees.Well known for its architectural excellence, this temple displays the excellent amalgamation of both south Indian and north Indian architectural patterns.

The presence of daunting Rajagopuram at the major entrance of this temple depicts south Indian style whereas the well spacious and properly ventilated huge mandapams showcases the style of north Indian shrines. Inside the temple complex, there is a residential quarter for temple priests, a temple library and a community hall. This community hall can be utilized for various religious festivals at a fairly reasonable rate. Sri Balaji and Sri Kartikeya temple trust is managed by Motibagh Shri Skanda Samaj. This temple trust also runs a Vedic Pathshala that provides unmatched training in various Hindu Vedic Shastras. This shrine is well celebrated as one of the flourishing and promising cultural zone of various spiritual, cultural and artistic activities. Sri Balaji and Sri Kartikeya temple is jam packed with thousands of tourists and devotees especially at the time of temple festivals.

One can visit this temple between 6 AM and 11 AM in morning hours and also between 4 PM and 8 PM in evening. The climatic condition at this place is dry and mildly humid round the year. Ideal time to visit this temple is between the months of October and March. The most pleasing and pleasant winter season is most suitable to enjoy sightseeing and various other outdoor activities at this place. One can take approximately 30 minutes to see around this temple. It is advisable to carry plenty of drinking water in hand while visiting this temple.

How to Reach

One can reach this temple in Nagpur through the ensuing ways –

Taxi

Hire a taxi from the railway station or the airport. These taxi drivers are well known to be loyal and they don’t cheat the tourists. However, still be careful while hiring one.

Bus

The other best way to get around the city and reach this temple is bus. There are buses that operate every now and then around different corners of the city, covering most of them.

Train

Here comes the other most convenient mode of travelling for tourists coming from long distant places. The city is well connected to other main cities and states via railway line. There are trains that run on regular and weekly basis.

Air

The other best way to commute to Nagpur in less time is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedekar International Airport which is just 6 kms away from the city. Indigo, Indian Airlines, Kingfisher and Jet airways are some of the airlines that operate to this city.