Sri Peddamma Talli Temple, located in the heart of Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, is one of the most revered temples in Telangana, dedicated to Goddess Durga in her fierce and motherly form. This vibrant and powerful shrine draws devotees from across the state and beyond, especially during major festivals like Bonalu and Mahankali Jatara. The name “Peddamma” comes from Telugu words “Pedda” (great) and “Amma” (mother), signifying the supreme mother worshipped by thousands.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Sri Peddamma Talli Temple |
| Location | Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Primary Deity | Goddess Durga (as Peddamma Talli) |
| Significance | One of the 11 village deities; known for wish fulfillment |
| Major Festivals | Bonalu (June–July), Mahankali Jatara |
| Famous For | Powerful deity, wish fulfillment, vibrant Bonalu celebrations |
| Architecture | Traditional South Indian style with tall gopuram and inner sanctum murals |
| Temple Timings | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (may vary on festival days) |
| Entry Fee | Free (special poojas and services have nominal charges) |
| Best Time to Visit | Mondays, Fridays, Bonalu festival season, early mornings and evenings |
| Distance from Airport | ~35 km from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport |
| Managed By | Telangana State Endowments Department |
Historical and Cultural Significance
Though the exact origins of the temple remain unclear, it is believed to be centuries old and a place where the village goddess has been worshipped in various forms for generations. The current structure has been expanded in modern times but retains its traditional spiritual roots. Sri Peddamma Talli is considered one of the 11 forms of village deities in the region and is deeply associated with protection, fertility, and wish fulfillment.
Devotees flock here to seek blessings for major life events, such as marriage, childbirth, job opportunities, and health. The temple is especially regarded for its wish-granting powers, and people return every year to offer thanks to the goddess after their wishes come true.
The Deity and Temple Layout
The presiding deity, Sri Peddamma Talli, is a powerful incarnation of Goddess Durga, decorated in vibrant sarees, gold jewelry, and floral garlands. Her idol radiates divine energy, evoking feelings of devotion, reverence, and protection. Alongside the main sanctum, the temple complex houses shrines of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganapathi, Saraswati, and other deities, making it a comprehensive spiritual center.
Bonalu Festival – The Soul of the Temple
The Bonalu Festival, unique to Telangana, is the most celebrated event at Sri Peddamma Talli Temple. Held in the month of Ashada (June–July), it is a time when women offer Bonam (cooked rice, jaggery, curd, and turmeric water) in decorated pots to the goddess. The celebration is marked by vibrant processions, traditional music, and folk dances, creating an atmosphere of cultural richness and spiritual fervor.
Bonalu is not just a religious festival but a celebration of the spiritual bond between the goddess and her devotees. The temple becomes a sea of color, devotion, and music, reflecting the soul of Telangana’s folk traditions.
Mahankali Jatara and Rituals
Another significant celebration is the Mahankali Jatara, a week-long event that includes poojas, cultural performances, and spiritual discourses. Devotees believe that attending rituals during this time brings protection from diseases and evil energies. The temple is beautifully decorated, and the energy during Jatara is electrifying, drawing people from across districts.
Architectural Highlights
The temple showcases traditional South Indian temple architecture, with a tall gopuram (entrance tower) featuring intricate carvings of mythological figures and deities. Inside, the sanctum sanctorum is filled with divine energy, incense aroma, chanting of mantras, and the ringing of bells, making the spiritual experience deeply immersive. The premises are adorned with murals and artistic representations of various Devi forms, each representing a different aspect of Shakti.
Cleanliness, Facilities, and Devotee Services
Managed by the Telangana Endowments Department, the temple is known for its clean premises, orderly darshan lines, and well-maintained amenities. Special arrangements are available for senior citizens, pregnant women, and the physically challenged. The temple offers free prasadam daily, and devotees can also book special poojas either online or at the temple office.
The administration also conducts annadanam (free food distribution), health camps, and cultural education programs, reinforcing the temple’s role in both spiritual and social upliftment.
Location and Accessibility
Sri Peddamma Talli Temple is strategically located on Road Number 55 in Jubilee Hills, making it one of the most easily accessible temples in Hyderabad. It is approximately 12 km from Hyderabad Railway Station and about 35 km from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Visitors can reach the temple via buses, auto-rickshaws, and cab services like Ola and Uber.
Ideal Time to Visit
The best time to visit the temple is during early mornings and evenings, when the atmosphere is peaceful and conducive for meditation and darshan. Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays are considered particularly auspicious for visiting the goddess. Special aartis and rituals are held on these days, followed by the distribution of prasadam.
Embracing Modernity with Tradition
While the temple maintains age-old traditions, it has also embraced modern conveniences. Online services for donations, e-poojas, and updates make it easy for younger generations and devotees living abroad to stay connected with the temple. Information about rituals, pooja timings, and festivals is now available through official websites and social media platforms, ensuring wider reach and engagement.
Sri Peddamma Talli Temple – Darshan Timings
| Day | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Note: On festival days like Bonalu and Mahankali Jatara, the temple may remain open for extended hours, and special poojas may be conducted during noon or night as well.
A Center for Culture and Community
Apart from being a religious site, Sri Peddamma Talli Temple is also a hub for cultural events, including classical music, folk dances, and religious discourses. These programs are especially popular during festivals and special occasions. The temple also collaborates with schools and community centers to conduct workshops on Telugu traditions, mythology, and devotional music, helping preserve the intangible heritage of the region.
