Akkanna Madanna or the Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Mandiram is a Hindu temple located in Hyderabad, India. It’s a historic temple which was constructed in 17th Century situated in the old city locations of Hyderabad city.
The devotees of Goddess Mahankali worship her with great faith and beliefs. There also exists a story behind the name of this temple, although it’s clear that the temple has main deity as Goddess Mahankali. Akkanna & Madanna were two Brahmins brothers who were the Commander in Chief and the Prime Minister of Abdul Hasan Qutb Shah (famously know as Tana Shah), the eight and the last ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
It’s said that they used to live very adjacent to the King’s palace which was very close a Mahankali idol beside. Madanna and Akkanna both being the true worshipers of Goddess Mahankali, they used to perform pooja every day at this temple and then left for the court of Golconda. But after the end of Tana Shah this temple was closed and it formed into devdi of Nawabs but there still existed the idol of Goddess and other handful holy books.
Police re discovered this temple in 1948 as it came into the dream of an old lady who with other people discovered the existence of Goddess Durga behind the wall of devdi. Slowly the construction of it started and it’s been into present form now.
This temple is popular during the Bonalu festival held every year in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It’s known for Gatam processing of the Goddess which has taken place since the last 60 years. Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Temple in the old city is known for Hindu – Muslim unity. The temple is open from 5.30 Am to 1 Pm and in evening from 6 Am to 8 Pm.