Ujjaini Mahakali Temple
A historic Secunderabad temple dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, known for its powerful divine energy and vibrant Bonalu festival celebrations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer atmosphere, easier darshan
Ujjaini Mahakali Temple
Best Time
Calmer atmosphere, easier darshan
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Secunderabad temple dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, known for its powerful divine energy and vibrant Bonalu festival celebrations.
"The energy and ambience of temple is very powerful. Jai Mahakali!"
🎯 Collect Prasad Coupons
Get coupons for free Bhog prasad near the parking area. :ticket:
💰 Carry Cash for Offerings
UPI not accepted for all, but cash is king for laddus & donations. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Divine Presence of Mahakali
Feel the powerful energy of Goddess Mahakali, considered one of the most potent deities in the Twin Cities.
Vibrant Bonalu Festival
Experience the temple's spectacular decorations and vibrant energy during the Telangana Bonalu festival.
Historical Architecture
Admire the ancient structure with intricate carvings on its pillars, offering a glimpse into its rich legacy.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Peace
Bhog Prasad & Offerings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Collect Prasad Coupons
Get coupons for free Bhog prasad near the parking area.
:ticket:💰 Carry Cash for Offerings
UPI not accepted for all, but cash is king for laddus & donations.
:moneybag:🚶♀️ Visit Nearby Temples
Explore Sri Ganesh Temple or Lord Narasimha Swamy temple nearby.
:world_map:🙏 Seek Peaceful Darshan
Avoid weekends for a less crowded and more spiritual experience.
:pray:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Collect Prasad Coupons
Get coupons for free Bhog prasad near the parking area.
:ticket:💰 Carry Cash for Offerings
UPI not accepted for all, but cash is king for laddus & donations.
:moneybag:🚶♀️ Visit Nearby Temples
Explore Sri Ganesh Temple or Lord Narasimha Swamy temple nearby.
:world_map:🙏 Seek Peaceful Darshan
Avoid weekends for a less crowded and more spiritual experience.
:pray:✨ Witness Bonalu Vibrancy
Experience the temple's grand decorations during the Bonalu festival.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ujjaini Mahakali Temple for its powerful divine energy and spiritual ambiance, especially during the vibrant Bonalu festival. While the free Bhog prasad and historical architecture are appreciated, some find the limited close darshan and lack of UPI payments for all offerings to be minor drawbacks.
"I listen many times over social media, but experienced first time, why this is not a temple and called Darbar of Mahakal! Jai Shree Mahakal!
Please note few points: 1) Distribution of Bhog prasad of Mahakal starts by 12:30 pm. The place is at the end of the temple premises near parking area. You must have to collect coupon, generally distributed inside the temple to get prasadam. The Bhog prasad is enoug for lunch and it is free.
2) Carry cash if you want to buy Laddu prasadm.
3) Surely visit Maa Harsiddhi after or before visiting Mahakal temple."
Soumik Datta
"Very beautiful and lively temple. It feels that Maa Kali is standing beside you. Amma (Mahakali Mata) here is considered one of the most powerful goddesses in the Hyderabad.
During bonalu this temple is decorated beautifully and a must visit place.
It should be a must visit place in Hyderabad"
Kamal Nayan
"🌟🌟🌟🌟
Shri Ujjaini Mahakali Devasthanam – Secunderabad
Hi! I visited Shri Ujjaini Mahakali Devasthanam in Secunderabad on 17-05-2025 with my friend, right after visiting the nearby Sri Ganesh Temple.
I usually come here during the Telangana Bonalu Festival, when the temple is filled with devotees and vibrant energy, though the crowd is extremely heavy during that time. This was my friend's first visit, and I was happy to show him such a divine and spiritual place.
Amma (Mahakali Mata) here is considered one of the most powerful goddesses in the Twin Cities (Hyderabad & Secunderabad). The temple has a deep spiritual vibe, and you can truly feel the energy as you enter.
However, there were a couple of disappointments during the visit:
Darshan (Vision) of Amma is not allowed from a close distance, which was a bit disappointing, especially for first-time visitors.
The temple does not accept UPI payments for prasadam or offerings—but strangely, they do accept QR code payments for the hundi (donations). That felt a bit ironic in terms of management.
After the visit, we also went to the opposite temple of Lord Narasimha Swamy, which is an ancient and peaceful temple worth visiting as well.
Overall: A highly spiritual and powerful temple, especially during Bonalu. The divine presence is felt strongly, but the darshan arrangements and lack of digital payment options could be improved for a better experience."
Shiva Prasad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The temple is located in Secunderabad, a well-connected part of Hyderabad. You can easily reach it by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or local bus services. Many visitors mention it's a must-visit in Hyderabad.
Yes, parking is available at the temple premises. The Bhog prasad distribution is often located near the parking area.
The temple is situated in Secunderabad. Nearby temples like Sri Ganesh Temple and Lord Narasimha Swamy temple are also worth visiting.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are readily available in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, making it convenient to get to the temple. :car:
While the main temple area is generally accessible, some older structures might have steps. It's advisable to inquire upon arrival for specific assistance. :wheelchair:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Ujjaini Mahakali Temple is generally free. However, specific rituals or special darshans might have associated charges.
The temple is usually open from early morning until late evening. It's best to check specific timings, especially if you plan to attend a particular pooja or the Bhog prasad distribution.
Bhog prasad distribution typically starts around 12:30 PM near the parking area. You'll need to collect a coupon, usually distributed inside the temple, to receive the free prasad.
The temple does not accept UPI payments for prasadam or general offerings. However, QR code payments are accepted for the hundi (donations). It's recommended to carry cash.
:moneybag:While there isn't a strict dress code, it's advisable to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. Avoid revealing clothing. :sari:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
For a more peaceful darshan, it's recommended to visit on weekdays. Weekends and festival days, especially during Bonalu, can get extremely crowded.
Some visitors have noted that close darshan of Amma is not always allowed, which can be disappointing for first-time visitors.
Bonalu is the biggest celebration at the Ujjaini Mahakali Temple, drawing thousands of devotees. The temple is beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere is filled with vibrant energy and cultural traditions.
Yes, the nearby Sri Ganesh Temple and the ancient Lord Narasimha Swamy temple are also recommended for a visit.
The temple has a rich legacy dating back over 200 years, with an idol installed in July 1815. It's considered one of the most powerful and historic temples in the twin cities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are local eateries and street food vendors around the temple complex offering various South Indian snacks and meals. The temple itself distributes free Bhog prasad.
Yes, the Bhog prasad distributed by the temple is free of cost. It's usually sufficient for a meal.
You can purchase Laddu prasad from the temple. It's recommended to carry cash for these purchases.
Secunderabad offers a wide range of restaurants, from local South Indian cuisine to international options. You can find many dining choices a short distance from the temple. :restaurant:
Devotees can offer prayers and donations. The temple distributes Bhog prasad to devotees. Specific offerings can be made through designated counters. :temple_buddha:
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask temple authorities. Some areas might restrict photography to maintain the sanctity of the place. :camerawithflash:
The colorful idols, the temple architecture, and the vibrant decorations during festivals like Bonalu offer great photo opportunities.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in and around religious sites due to privacy and security concerns. :noentrysign:
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer lighting. During festivals, the evening hours with decorative lighting can be very photogenic. :sunrise:
It's respectful to ask for permission before photographing other devotees, especially if they are engaged in prayer or rituals. :respect:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children are dressed modestly out of respect for the religious site. While photography might be restricted in certain areas, the vibrant decorations, especially during festivals, can capture children's attention. Exploring nearby temples like Sri Ganesh Temple can also add to the family's itinerary.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for public transport or auto-rickshaws to reach Secunderabad will also keep travel costs low. Visiting on weekdays ensures a more peaceful experience without the added rush and potential for higher incidental costs associated with crowded festivals.
🧘♀️ Spiritual Seekers
Visiting on a weekday, especially outside of major festival times, allows for a more introspective and peaceful darshan. The ancient architecture and the devotional atmosphere contribute to a deeply spiritual experience. Consider arriving early to soak in the tranquility before the day's activities begin. :pray:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Mahakali
The temple's history dates back to 1815 when an idol was first installed. Over the centuries, it has grown into a prominent religious center, attracting thousands of devotees, especially during auspicious occasions. The spiritual ambiance is palpable, making it a place for introspection and connection with the divine.
During festivals, the temple transforms into a hub of intense devotion and celebration. The vibrant rituals and the collective energy of the devotees amplify the spiritual experience, making it a memorable visit for many.
Experiencing the Bonalu Festival
The festival involves processions, traditional dances like the 'Edurukolu Gatam Dance,' and a strong sense of community participation. Thousands of devotees, including prominent figures and even celebrities like singer Mangli, visit the temple during Bonalu. The energy is described as vibrant and full of cultural traditions, making it a must-see experience for those interested in local festivals.
However, it's important to note that Bonalu attracts massive crowds. If you prefer a more serene visit, it's advisable to avoid this period. For those who wish to experience the festival's full fervor, be prepared for large gatherings and a lively, albeit crowded, environment.
Practicalities: Prasad and Payments
For purchased prasad, such as laddus, you will need to use cash. While the temple accepts QR code payments for the hundi (donations), they do not accept UPI for prasadam or other general offerings. This can be a point of minor inconvenience for some visitors accustomed to digital transactions.
It's a good practice to carry sufficient cash for any purchases or donations you wish to make. This ensures a smoother experience and allows you to fully participate in the temple's devotional practices without any payment-related hurdles.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit