Kanaka Durga Temple - Vijayawada Krishna
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🛕 Temple Info
Nestled atop the sacred Indrakeeladri Hill on the serene banks of the Krishna River in Vijayawada, the Kanaka Durga Temple is a revered Shakti Peetha and a powerful center of devotion in Andhra Pradesh. The presiding deity, Kanaka Durgamma, is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), radiating divine grace and strength. The temple complex houses other shrines dedicated to deities like Lord Ganesha, Subrahmanya, Nataraja, and Sivakameshwari, alongside a beautiful mirror hall known as the Addala Mandapam.
- The temple is open daily for darshan and rituals.
- During Navaratri (Aswayuja Masa), the celebrations extend for nine days with the Goddess adorned in a distinct form each day:
- Sri Bala Tripura Sundari
- Sri Gayatri Devi
- Sri Annapurna Devi
- Sri Maha Lakshmi
- Sri Saraswati Devi
- Sri Lalitha Tripura Sundari
- Sri Mahishasura Mardini
- Sri Durga Devi
- Sri Rajarajeshwari Devi
On Vijaya Dashami, devotees witness the divine boat procession (Theppotsavam), a celestial event symbolizing victory and grace.
Many pilgrims also perform Metla Pooja by climbing the hill's steps barefoot, offering turmeric and vermillion along the way, fulfilling vows and seeking blessings.
💫 Importance
Kanaka Durgamma is venerated as the guardian deity of Vijayawada, symbolizing divine protection, prosperity, and justice. The temple is especially significant during Navaratri, when lakhs of devotees gather to witness the Goddess adorned in her nine magnificent forms. It is one of the very few temples where the deity is worshipped in a different form each day of Navaratri, from Sri Saraswati to Sri Lalitha Tripura Sundari, culminating in the grand celebration of Vijaya Dashami with the sacred Theppotsavam (boat festival) on the Krishna River.
Notably, this temple also demonstrates the unique spiritual symbolism of Shakti’s predominance, as Goddess Durga is seated to the right of Malleswara Swamy, unlike the usual left-side placement of goddesses next to their consorts in temple traditions.
📜History
This ancient temple is steeped in legend and cultural significance. It is believed that Indrakeeladri Hill was once the penance site of a devout sage, Keela, who prayed for the Goddess to reside permanently in the region to protect devotees from evil. Responding to his devotion, Goddess Durga settled on the hill in her fierce form after vanquishing the demon Durgama.
The temple received royal patronage from Sri Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire. Inscriptions from 1518 AD indicate his contributions to the construction of structures like the Antaralayam, Rangamandapam, and Bhogamandapam.
Another milestone in its history includes the Satha Chandi Yagam held from December 1987 to January 1988, invoking divine blessings for the welfare of humanity. The temple today stands not just as a site of worship but also as a beacon of spiritual heritage.
🪔 Pooja Timings
Temple will be open most time in day and till late night
🚌 Transfort Options
By Road: The temple is well-connected by local transport within Vijayawada. A ghat road constructed in 1969 allows vehicles to reach near the temple entrance.
By Foot: Most pilgrims prefer to climb the flight of steps, embracing the traditional and devotional journey.
By Train: Vijayawada is a major junction on the Chennai–Kolkata and Chennai–Delhi routes, making it easily accessible by rail.
By Air: The nearest airport is Vijayawada International Airport, approximately 20–25 km away.
🏙️Near By Cities
Amaravati
Vijaywada
Guntur
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