The Akkanna Madanna Temple, a famous traditional Temple of Goddess Mahankali is situated in Shalibanda, Old City, Hyderabad. This part of the city is famous of temples and other monuments. This Temple dates back to the 17th century. The Bonalu celebrations in the temple every year is worth watching.
Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Temple History:
The reason why this Mahankali temple is popularly known as Akkanna Madanna has an interesting story behind it. This temple had been constructed by two Brahmin brothers i.e. Akkanna and Madanna who were the amongst the favourite ministers in the court of King Tana Shah who ruled the Golkonda during 1674-1685. These Brahmin brothers were also uncles to the great poet and composer of Carnatic music, Bhaktha Ramadasu. Bhaktha Ramadasu used to sing in praise of Lord Sri Rama and later built the famous Lord Sri Rama temple in Bhadrachalam.
Both Akkanna and Madanna are said to visit the Mahankali temple every morning to offer prayers to Goddess Mahankali before going to the court. Unfortunately, both the brothers were killed during a battle with the Mughal army. It is said that the temple had been closed after that. The brothers were remembered as great martyrs and administrators by the people. It is only since the last 67 years or so that the temple has been revived in Haribowli at Shalibanda.
The Bonalu festival is celebrated here with quite pomp and pleasure. It is the festival when the devotees try to please mother Goddess by giving her some offerings. It is an annual festival which falls in the Ashada masa i.e. generally in the months of July- August. The festival starts on the first Sunday of the month and ends with the immersion of the Ghatam in the Musi river. However, the celebrations at the Akkanna Madanna temple does not start till the repairs and whitewashing at the Dragah which is opposite the temple is completed.
The procession of Ghatam is carried out from the first day of the celebration and continues throughout finally ending with the immersion of the Ghatams of all the Mahankali temples. The Ghatam of the Akkanna Madanna temple leads the procession. The Ghatam is placed on the elephant back and leads the procession of the Ghatams of the other temples.
Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Temple Timings:
Morning: 5.30 AM to 1.00 PM
Evening: 6.00 AM to 8.00 PM
Distance to Akkanna Madanna Temple:
From Secunderabad Railway Station 20 Kms
From Warangal 139 Kms
From Karimnagar 170 Kms
Location: Shalibanda, Old City, Hyderabad (1km from Charminar)
When Should we go to Akkanna Madanna Temple:
Though the temple is open throughout the year, still the Bonalu festival is the best time to visit the temple i.e. in July- August. The major attraction here being the procession of Ghatam.
Interesting Facts of Akkanna Madanna Temple: This 330 years old temple is visited by nearly 1 lakh devotees during the Procession of ‘Ghatam’.
Food Facilities Near Akkanna Madanna Temple:
Many hotels and lodges have come up in and around the city to serve the devotees and other tourists.
Buses (or Trains) Availability: One can board the MMTS trains that are available in every 20 min from Secunderabad Railway station to Uppuguda. One can also avail the bus services available from all major centers in Hyderabad. One can board bus No. 8A from Secunderabad to reach the temple.
Nearby Attractions: Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Chowmahalla Palace, Choodi Bazaar (or) Laad Bazaar.
Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Temple Address:
Shri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Mandiram
Hari Bowli,
Shalibanda,
Hyderabad – 500065,
Telangana.
President: Mr. G.Niranjan – 9849200860
Secretary: Mr.K.Dattatreya – 9440484825
Treasurer: Mr.A.Sathish Kumar – 9849410017