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The Kanaka Durga temple is located in Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, this temple sits atop the Indrakeeladri hills on the banks of Krishna river. A Swayambhu (self-manifested) idol of goddess Durga is situated in this temple, which also goes by the name of Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple.
Goddess Kanaka Durga has been mentioned in Kalika Mahapuran, Durga Maa Katha and other Vedic literature.
History of Kanaka Durga Temple
Being a self-manifested form, the primary deity – Kanaka Durga – is considered very powerful. Pashupati Mahadev Varma built the present form of the temple in the twelfth century in Vijayawada city.
Religious Significance of Kanaka Durga Temple
This holy place finds mention in various scriptures and works of literature since times immemorial.
This story from the Puranas talks about how the people in and around Vijayawada were subject to the atrocities of the demon king Mahishasura. Seeing the troubled people, sage Indrakeela did severe penance to appease the goddess Durgo who finally appeared before him. Sage Indrakeela prayed to the goddess to reside on his head to keep watch. The goddess obliged and ultimately slayed the demon king Mahishasura. Later, she stayed on at the Indrakila hills and made it her permanent abode to protect her devotees.
Another legend has it that Vijayawada was once a rocky area surrounded by hills that obstructed the flow of the Krishna river. Due to this, the land here had become unsuitable for habitation or farming. Lord Shiva then intervened and instructed the hills to make way for the river, and the Krishna river started flowing with all its might between the hills through tunnels or beams. Thus this place got the name Bezwada.
Another incident from the Mahabharata describes how the third Pandava, Arjuna, did severe penance to Lord Shiva on the hills of Indrakeeladri. Pleased with Arjuna’s devotion, Lord Shiva gave Arjuna his Pashupati weapon. Later, after Arjuna’s victory in the Kurukshetra battle, this place was named Vijayawada.
The architecture of the Kanaka Durga Temple
This temple depicts the symbol of Mother Durga in her eight-armed form. Holding a mighty weapon in each hand, the goddess is shown standing over Mahishasura and piercing him with his trident. The idol is decorated with beautiful glittering ornaments and bright flowers.
Near the Kanakadurga temple, there is a temple of Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakeeladri hills. Several other deities are carved on the walls of the stairs leading to the hilltop.
Kanaka Durga Temple Timings
Kanaka Durga Temple hours are from 4 am to 9 pm.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the temple is open between 4 am and 10 pm. Private vehicles are also not allowed from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.
There are three different darshanam in the temple: Dharma Darshan, Mukha Mandapam and Antrayam Darshan from 4.00 am to 5.45 pm and from 6.15 pm to 9 pm.
Swarnapushparchana Puja can be performed every Thursday from 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm at Antaryala.
Kanaka Durga is decorated in different ways to represent different goddesses during the Navratri festival. On Vijaya Dasami, the final day of Navaratri, the deities are taken in a swan-shaped boat around the Krishna river, popularly known as “Theppotsavam.”
Staunch devotees typically choose to climb up the steps to reach the temple, despite there being road access.
Conclusion
The Kanaka Durga temple at Vijayawada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh is one of the most visited shrines in the country. Numerous legends and stories surround this holy place dedicated to the goddess. The place comes alive especially during Dasara when lakhs of people wish to seek the blessings of the deity here. People staunchly believe that Kanaka Durga, the goddess of power, riches and benevolence, can bestow them with these qualities if prayed to with true devotion.
