Hyderabad: Devotees travelled from faraway districts in the rain to offer prayers at the famous Sri Ujjaini Mahankali temple at Secunderabad, which celebrated the auspicious second Friday of Ashada Masam with Shakambari Alankaram, wherein Rs.70,000 worth of vegetables were purchased to adorn the temple premises.
Temple executive officer Manohar Reddy said the second Friday of the Ashada Masam is noted as a significant day during the Bonalu festival as it falls at the start of the monsoon. “The goddesses bless the people and all other living beings with strength during the monsoon and keep them safe from flooding,” he said, adding that the temple started the celebration from 6 am, which went on till 10 pm on Friday.
The devotees also pray for the protection of their loved ones during the monsoon during this time, said Ramateertha Sharma the head priest of the temple. “It is an age-old tradition that has been followed for decades.
As this marks the start of monsoon, people, animals and all life forms are blessed by the goddess, who is known for protection from flooding,” he said.
As a tradition, every type of vegetable is purchased and decorated at the temple as part of Shakambari Alankaram to offer our prayers to the goddess. “The Bonalu at this temple draws devotees from across Telangana and also in other states,” said the priest.
Sripathi Sai Sreekar, a businessman from West Marredpally who was present during the Alankaram, said that he comes to the temple every Friday to offer prayers and seek blessings.
“The goddess used to be called Manikyalamma here. This is a very powerful temple and one can definitely feel the positive vibrations here. The goddess is known for answering all the prayers of devotees. I make sure to come to visit the place every Friday,” he said.
This is a most exquisite temple with the shrines of all the three forms of the goddess, including Mahankali, Mahalakshmi and Maha Saraswathi, said Archana Rao, a private employee who took leave to come to visit the temple.
“Every year, famous Bonalu offerings are being done by millions, particularly women, to the goddess as gratitude and for their protection, as they believe that she is a part of their family.
This place is a must-visit for all devotees,” she said.
The temple, which is about 190 years old, receives lakhs of devotees who offer prayers during Ashada Jathara and Bonalu.
The executive officer said the temple has been renovated and is all set to celebrate Bonalu on July 17 and 18. “We are expecting about 30 lakh devotees during this Bonalu season as the last two years were plagued by the pandemic,” he said.
