Temples In Andhra Pradesh

Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple | Kanaka Durga Temple

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Kanaka Durga Temple is a famous Hindu temple of Goddess Durga located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is located on Indrakeeladri Hill, on the banks of the Krishna River. Kaalika puraana, Durga sapthashati and other Vedic literature have mentioned Goddess Kanaka Durga in the Indrakeelaadri and described the deity as Swayambhu, (self-manifested) in Triteeya kalpa

Legend of the goddess

According to legend, the now green Vijayawada was once a rocky region strewn with hills that obstructed the flow of the Krishna River. The land was thus disabled to be inhabited or cultivated. The invocation of Lord Shiva for his intervention led the hills to give way to the river. And the river began to flow unhindered with all its might, through the tunnels or “Bejjam” drilled into the hills by Lord Shiva. This is how the place got its name Bezawada.

One of the many mythologies associated with this place is that Arjuna prayed to Lord Shiva at the top of Indrakeela Hill to earn His blessings and the city derived its name “Vijayawada” after this victory. Another popular legend deals with the triumph of the goddess Kanakadurga over the demon King Mahishasura. The growing threat from demons is said to have become unbearable for the natives. The sage Indrakila performed severe penances, and when the goddess appeared, the sage begged her to reside on his head and watch over the evil demons. In accordance with her wishes to kill the demons, Goddess Durga made Indrakila her permanent abode. Later, she also killed the demon king Mahishasura and freed the people of Vijayawada from evil.

At Kanakadurga Temple, the enchanting 4-foot-tall (1.2 m) icon of the deity is adorned with glittering ornaments and flowers. Her icon here represents Her eight-armed form, each holding a mighty weapon, in a posture standing on the demon Mahishashura and piercing it with Her trident. The goddess is the epitome of beauty.

Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the Malleswara Swamy Shrine in Indrakeeladri. When climbing the steps of the hill, one comes across small images of different deities, among which Kanaka Durga, Malleswara and Krishna (river) stand out.

Description

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 built for the goddess Durga by Arjuna. It is connected by steps and a path of ghats.

The temple occupies an important place in the scriptures, as several of the Siva-leelas and Shakti-mahimas were depicted in or around it, making the region a place of unparalleled spiritual significance and attracting pilgrims since time immemorial.

It is mentioned in the Hindu scriptures that the deity in the Kanakadurga temple is regarded as ‘Swayambhu’ or self-manifested, therefore considered very powerful.

Inscriptions of different dynasties are found in the temple.

Special pujas are performed during Dasara, also called Navaratri. The most important are Saraswati puja and Theppotsavam.

Dasara celebrations

The Dasara festival for Goddess “Durga” is celebrated here every year. Large numbers of pilgrims attend the colorful celebrations and bathe in the Krishna River.

Transport

Located in the heart of Vijayawada city, the temple is only a 10-minute drive from the train station and bus stop and about 20 km from the airport. Temple buses are available at the bus stop and train station every 20 minutes. Vijayawada is located 275 kilometres from Hyderabad. It is well connected by road, rail and air from all over the country.