Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Andol Maisamma Thalli Devalayam is a well-known shrine of the village goddess Maisamma, standing right beside the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway (NH-65) near Malkapur in Choutuppal mandal, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district (formerly part of Nalgonda district), Telangana. It lies about 21 km beyond Hayathnagar on the way out of Hyderabad. Because of its place on one of the busiest highways in the Telugu states, it is a familiar stop for countless travellers, who pause here to seek the Mother's blessings for a safe journey.
The Goddess
The presiding deity is Sri Maisamma Thalli, one of the most widely worshipped village goddesses (grama devatas) of Telangana. Maisamma is revered as a fierce yet loving Mother who guards the boundaries of the village, protects people from disease and danger, and watches over travellers, cattle and crops. Shrines of Maisamma are found at village edges, on hillocks and beside roads across Telangana, and Andol Maisamma is among the best known of them.
Worship and Offerings
Devotees come to the Mother to pray for safety on the road, for the health of their families and for the fulfilment of their wishes, and return to thank her when their prayers are answered. Traditional offerings include bonam (rice cooked in a decorated pot), turmeric and kumkum, green bangles, sarees and coconuts, and families also make offerings according to their own customs in fulfilment of vows. Many travellers on the highway stop for a brief darshan, and some bring new vehicles to be blessed before their first long journey.
History
A detailed history of this temple – when it was founded and by whom – is not available in published sources at present. It belongs to the ancient tradition of Maisamma worship in Telangana, in which the goddess has been honoured for generations as the guardian of the land and its people.
Festivals
- Bonalu (Ashadha, June–July): the most important festival at Maisamma shrines. Devotees carry bonams to the Mother, and the temple is filled with drums, music and celebration.
- Dasara / Navaratri (September–October): special pujas and decorations for the goddess.
- Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays: the most popular days for darshan and for fulfilling vows.
The exact festival calendar of this temple is not published, so please check locally for dates.
Temple Timings
Official timings are not published. The temple is generally open from morning to evening, and is busiest on Sundays and during Bonalu. Please check locally before planning a special visit.
How to Reach
By Road: The temple is directly on NH-65 (Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway), near Malkapur in Choutuppal mandal, about 21 km beyond Hayathnagar. Buses running from Hyderabad (LB Nagar) towards Choutuppal, Nalgonda, Suryapet and Vijayawada pass right by the temple, and it is an easy stop for anyone driving on the highway.
By Train: The nearest major railway stations are in Hyderabad – Secunderabad and Kacheguda.
By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad, about 50 km away by road via the Outer Ring Road.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional, modest clothing is recommended.
- Highway safety: the temple is beside a busy national highway – park only in safe, designated areas and take care when crossing the road, especially with children.
- Crowds: Sundays and the Bonalu season are the busiest times.
- Nearby places: Ramoji Film City, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Yadagirigutta, and the Mahatma Gandhi Temple at Chityal further along the highway.