Kanaka Durga Temple is Second largest temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located on the Indrakeeladri hill in the city of Vijayawada on the banks of Krishna River. For enquiry contact temple office telephone no : 0866-2425744, 0866-2423600
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Legend of Goddess
According to a legend, the now verdant Vijayawada was once a rocky region strewn with hillocks that were obstructing the flow of River Krishna. The land was thus rendered unfit for habitation or cultivation. Invocation to Lord Shiva led to His directing the hills to give way to river Krishna. And lo! the river started flowing unimpeded with all its might, through the tunnels or "Bejjam" bored into the hills by Lord Shiva. That is how the place got its name Bezawada.[citation needed]
One of the many mythologies associated with this place is that Arjuna prayed to Lord Shiva on top of Indrakeela hill to win His blessings and the city derived its name "Vijayawada" after this victory. Yet another popular legend is about the triumph of goddess Kanakadurga over the demon king Mahishasur. It is said that once upon a time, the growing menace of demons became unendurable for the natives living in this region. Sage Indrakila, took to severe penance and when the goddess appeared, the sage begged Her to reside on his head and keep vigil on the wicked demons. As per his wishes, after killing the demons, goddess Durga made Indrakila Her permanent abode. Later She also slayed the demon king Mahishasur freeing the people of Vijayawada from the evil clutches of the demon.[citation needed]
At the Kanakadurga temple, the enchanting four-foot high icon of the deity bedecked in glittering ornaments and bright flowers, with eight powerful weapons in eight hands is in a standing posture over the demon Mahishashur and piercing him with her trident. The goddess is the epitome of beauty.
Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakiladri. By ascending the steps on the hill, one comes across little images of different deities, prominent among them being Kali, Shiva and Krishna.
Kanaka Durga Temple is synonymous with Vijayawada. It is mentioned in the sacred texts.
This is the place where Arjuna obtained the Pasupatha astra after his great penance for Lord Shiva. The temple was constructed for Goddess Durga by Arjuna. It is connected by steps and a ghats road.
The temple occupies an important place in the scriptures as several of the Sivalilas and Saktimahimas were enacted on or around it, making the region a place of unequalled spiritual significance and attracting pilgrims since time immemorial.
It is mentioned in the vedas that the deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is regarded as 'Swayambhu' or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful.
Inscriptions of different dynasties are found in the temple.
Dasara Celebrations
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Special pujas are performed during Dasara also called Navaratri. The most significant are Saraswati puja and Theppotsavam.
The festival of Dasara for Goddess Durga is celebrated here every year. A large number of pilgrims attend the colourful celebrations and take a holy dip in the Krishna river.
Transport
Located in the heart of Vijayawada city, the temple is just a 10 minutes drive from the railway station. Vijayawada is located 275 kilometers from Hyderabad. It is well connected by road rail and air from all parts of the country
Devasthanam's Dasara festivities
Sri Kanaka Durga Devi, the chief deity of the temple is portrayed as blessing the visiting devotees in various forms (avatars) during the ten day festival. A symbolic representation of the 10 forms of triumph of good over evil, this form (known as 'Alankaram') of the day is chosen as per the astrological star of each day, in accordance with the lunar calendar. This year, the devotees are being blessed according to the following schedule of Alankarams:
1.- SRI SWARNA KAVACHALAKRUTA DURGA DEVI
2. - SRI BALA TRIPURA SUNDARI DEVI
3. - SRI GAYATRI DEVI
4. - SRI ANNAPURNA DEVI
5. - SRI LALITHA TRIPURA SUNDARI DEVI
6. - SRI SARASWATI DEVI
7. - SRI MAHA LAKSHMI DEVI
8. - SRI DURGA DEVI
9. - SRI MAHISHASURA MARDHINI DEVI
10. - SRI RAJA RAJESWARI DEVI.
