People look up to the divine powers to help them in times of difficulties. Such was the time when the Nizam of Hyderabad offered his prayers to Katta Maisamma in 1908 when the city was affected by continuous floods. It was only after the Nizam constructed the temple on Tank Bund of the Hussain Sagar Lake and offered prayers there that the floods in Hyderabad could come under control and the city was saved from the devastating damages of the rage of the water in the lake.
Katta Maisamma Temple refers to the bridge across the river or lake or the bund. The temple is located at the present day lower tank bund, near Indira Park, between Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It is believed that the Goddess imparts her favors and blessings on the devotees while crossing the bridge. In general terms the Goddess, an epitome of ‘Shakti’ is believed to bestow powers within her devotees to fight the many adversities of life. Such a belief is prevalent all over Telangana.
People in Telangana are firm believer in Katta Maisamma. The Goddess is considered the Supreme Power. She is prayed for not only safety but also for imparting good health, happiness and prosperity. She is also considered the universal mother who protects her children from the mishaps of life.
The celebration of the Bonalu festival is very popular here. The festival is celebrated in the month of ashad i.e. July – August. Women carry earthen pots decorated with turmeric and vermillion containing the rice dish with jaggery, milk and curd to the temple to offer them to the Goddess. The festival concludes with the immersion of the Ghatam along with that from many other temples. A large number of devotees visit the temple during the Bonalu festival.
The Karthik month, another religious month as per the Hindu calendar is also celebrated in the temple in a big way. The month of Karthik is the eight lunar month and is more known for the Lakshmi Puja and the Govardhan Puja.
The temple is connected to the roads and transport network. Being between the cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, it can be reached easily from both the places. This place is hardly 8 kms from the Mahatma Gandhi bus in Gowliguda and about 5 kms from the Jubilee Bus station in Secunderabad. The Nampally railway station or the Hyderabad station is just 3 kms away from the temple. Moreover, one finds the auto rickshaws and the local city busses in frequent intervals in the city. Hence reaching the place should not be a problem.
Such a temple or place of worship should not missed by you if you are visiting the city for the first time. It is one of the ancient and a very significant place of worship in the city. Such a place dedicated to the Goddess signifying safety of her devotees while crossing the bridge is quite rare.
Temple Timings:
Morning : 6 am to 12 pm.
Evening : 4 pm to 8 pm.
Address:
Lower Tank Bund,
Kavadiguda,
Hyderabad,
Telangana 500029.
