Secunderabad Ujjaini Mahankali Bonalu Temple Timings
Ujjaini Mahakali Temple, Secunderabad: History, Timings, and Bonalu Festival
Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple is one of the most visited Hindu temples in Hyderabad. Located in the heart of Secunderabad, Telangana, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali. Devotees visit every day to offer prayers, and the temple becomes the center of massive celebrations during the Bonalu festival each year.
History of Ujjaini Mahakali Temple
The story of this temple goes back to 1813. A military battalion was transferred to Ujjain that year, and one of its members, Suriti Appaiah, worked as a doli bearer. Soon after, a severe cholera outbreak hit the region and claimed thousands of lives.
Appaiah and his fellow soldiers visited the Mahakali Devasthanam in Ujjain and prayed for the epidemic to end. They made a vow: if their people were saved, they would install an idol of Goddess Mahakali back home in Secunderabad. The epidemic passed, and true to their promise, they built this temple — which stands today as one of Telangana’s most sacred sites.
About the Temple
The Ujjaini Mahakali Devasthanam sits in a busy, central part of Secunderabad, making it easy for both locals and tourists to visit.
Inside the main sanctum (Garbha Gudi), two goddesses are enshrined side by side:
- Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Matha — on the right
- Sri Manikyalamma Matha — on the left
The sanctum also houses two utsava idols, Chandi Devi Matha and Bala Devi Matha, along with a Shiva Lingam. Just opposite the main sanctum stands a shrine to Mathangeshwari Matha.
Also Read: Renuka Yellamma Temple Timings, Bonalu, Jathara History
Update on 01-08-2026
Mahankali Bonalu festivities begin in Secunderabad! Traffic restrictions will be in force from August 2 to 4 as the Ujjaini Mahankali Bonalu celebrations draw massive crowds. Traffic diversions will be implemented at: • Patny • Paradise • Rasoolpura • Minister Road • Clock Tower • Bible House • Tivoli Road • M.G. Road • Ranigunj • Ghasmandi • Karbala Motorists are advised to plan their travel in advance, use alternate routes, and cooperate with the traffic police.
02-08-2026: TGSRTC Adds 175 Special Buses for Bonalu 175 special buses on Aug 2 & 3 Services from key points across Hyderabad Help desks for devotees at major bus hubs
03-08-2026 to 10-08-2026 For the second time, Lakshmi, the 34-year-old elephant from Karnataka will grace three processions to be organized during Bonalu celebrations in Secunderabad and old city on August 3, 9 and 10.
Hyderabad IT joins Bonalu celebrations The 14th IT Bonalu festival brought faith, folk culture, and the IT community together in Hyderabad’s tech corridor. The Telangana Information Technology Association (TITA) organized the event. The festival featured a lively procession from Shilparamam to Chinna Peddamma Temple.
Temple Timings
| Day | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
Note: Timings on other days may vary. It’s a good idea to check with the temple before visiting.
Read: Inavolu Mallanna Temple Bonalu, Jathara Dates
Bonalu: The Big Festival at Mahakali Temple
Bonalu (Telugu: బోనాలు), also called Ashada Jatara, is one of Telangana’s biggest festivals. It’s celebrated every year during Ashada Masam (July–August) in Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and other parts of the state. In 2014, the Telangana government gave Bonalu the status of official state festival.
During Ashadam, each Sunday is marked as Bonalu day in different parts of the twin cities, with women carrying decorated pots (bonams) of rice, milk, and jaggery to the temple as an offering to the goddess.
Rangam and Bhavishyavani
A key ritual during Bonalu is Rangam, where a woman believed to be possessed by the goddess makes predictions (Bhavishyavani) for the coming year. This ritual is broadcast live every year on channels like TV9, NTV, ABN, and V6 News, and draws huge public interest.
Must Read: Komuravelli Mallanna Temple Timings, Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
How to Reach Secunderabad Mahakali Temple
- By train: The temple is just 1.5 km from Secunderabad Railway Station.
- By bus: About 10 km from the MGBS Bus Terminus.
- By air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport connects Hyderabad to major domestic cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
- By metro: Metro rail connects the temple area to most parts of the city.
- By cab: Ola and Uber both operate in the area.
Sevas and Poojas Offered
At the Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Matha shrine, devotees can book:
- Archana
- Abhishekam
- Homam
- Annadanam
- Shaswatha Pooja
- Bhogam
- Prasadam
- Daily Seva
At the Shivalayam shrine, Abhishekam and Archana are also offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ujjaini Mahakali Temple? The temple’s history dates back to 1813, when it was built after a vow made during a cholera outbreak.
What is Bonalu festival? Bonalu is an annual Telangana festival held in July–August, where devotees offer bonams (pots of rice, milk, and jaggery) to Goddess Mahakali as thanks and prayer.
How far is the temple from Secunderabad Railway Station? It’s about 1.5 km away, making it an easy walk or short cab ride.
What are the temple’s daily timings? The temple is generally open from around 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, though exact hours vary slightly by day.
ತಾಯಿ ಬೋನಾಲ ಮಹಾಕಾಳಿ ನಾಳೆ ರಾತ್ರಿಯೊಳಗೆ ನನ್ನ ಕೈ ಕಾಲಿಗೆ ಶಕ್ತಿ ನೀಡಿದರೆ ನಿನ್ನಯ ದರ್ಶನ ಪಡೆದು, ಬೆಳ್ಳಿ, ಬಂಗಾರದ ವಡವೆ ಅರ್ಪಿಸಿ ಕುರಿ ಬಲಿ ಕೊಡುವೆ ತಾಯಿ. ಪ್ರತಿ ವರ್ಷ ನಿನ್ನಯ ದರ್ಶನ ಪಡೆದು ಕುರಿ ಬಲಿ ಅರ್ಪಿಸುವೆ ತಾಯಿ.
ತಾಯಿ ನಾಳೆ ರಾತ್ರಿಯೊಳಗೆ ನನ್ನ ಕೈ ಕಾಲಿಗೆ ಶಕ್ತಿ ನೀಡು ನಿನಗೆ ಬೆಳ್ಳಿ, ಬಂಗಾರದ ವಡವೆ ಅರ್ಪಿಸಿ, ಪ್ರತಿ ವರ್ಷ ಕುರಿ ಬಲಿ ನೀಡಿ , ನನ್ನ ತೂಕದ ಘಂಟೆ ಹರಕೆ ಹಾಕಿಸುವೆ, ಮಾತು ತಪ್ಪಿದರೆ ನನ್ನ ಪ್ರಾಣವನ್ನೇ ಹರಕೆ ಒಪ್ಪಿಸುವೆ, ನನ್ನ ಮನೆದೇರಾದ ರಾಮಲಿಗೇಶ್ವರನ ಮೇಲಾಣೆ.