Hyderabad: Mahankali temple in Old City gets facelift for Bonalu
Hyderabad: The Sri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Temple in Hari Bowli, one of the historic temples in the Old City, is set to celebrate its 76th anniversary. The temple is undergoing painting and decorative works in preparation for the Bonalu festival on July 28.
The temple is renowned for its 'ambari' procession, where the deity is carried on an elephant on the second day of Bonalu. The procession starts from the temple and concludes at the Mahankali Temple in Nayapul, passing through Lal Darwaza crossroads, Shalibanda, Charminar, Charkaman, and Pathergatti.
The elephant carries the 'Matha Ghatam,' which is adorned with special flowers brought from Bengaluru.
A significant ritual at the temple is the 'Samuheka Kumkumarchan,' held for five weeks starting from the first Friday of Ashadam. This year, the dates are July 12, 19, 26, and August 2 and 9.
A. Satish Kumar, treasurer of the temple, explained, “The 'Samuheka Kumkumarchan' is performed by women devotees from various parts of the city. It is believed that those who participate for five weeks will receive abundant blessings from the deity.”
The celebrations will start on July 19 with the 'Dhwajarohana' (flag hoisting) and Kalasa Staphana Puja. From this point, the festivities will take place on a grand scale. On the evening of July 21, the 'Ghatam' procession will begin from Sri Kashivishwanath Mandiram at Shalibanda, following the completion of the rituals.