About Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada

Overview

Kanaka Durga, Goddess of power, is the presiding deity of Vijayawada. The city derives its name from the Sri Kanaka Durga Devi Temple goddess, also known as Vijaya. Kanaka Durga Temple is officially known as Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam. The idol of Maa Durga, which is 4 feet high, is made of gold. She is depicted as an eight-armed fierce goddess, with her foot over the demon Mahishasura and her trident pointing towards him.

Goddess of Kanaka Durga Temple

The temple of the most powerful female deity is situated on the Indrakila hill along the river. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is 'Swayambhu' or self-manifested; hence, it is regarded as influential.

Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada History

Sri Kanaka Durga Devi Temple has been mentioned in various scriptures and literature since time immemorial. It is said that the western Chalukya King Tribhuvanamalla of the 10th century A.D. built the Kanaka Durga temple. On the southern side of the temple, a hillock bears inscriptions that indicate Gods and Goddesses' names. The hillock also contains several sculptures, most of which are figures of Goddess Durga, as given in the mantra sastras.

Architecture

The architectural style of Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada is Dravidian, with its sanctum sanctorum built as a pyramid. The hours spent on intricate stone carvings serving as decor are noticeably visible, with a golden crown that adorns the temple and serves as an attraction. The main idol of Goddess Durga sits inside, embellished with gold ornaments and fragrant yellow flowers. Malleswara Swamy Temple is inside the complex, and the female deity poses right of the male deity, making this Temple one of a kind.

Significance

The devotees climb 400 temple steps, filled with a spiritual aura, to the courts of Maa Durga to seek spiritual bliss. The idol of the Goddess is Swayambhu (Self-manifested) and is embellished with beautiful ornaments, making it visually astonishing. The Kanaka Durga Vijayawada Temple is a masterpiece of architectural splendour, with an awe-inspiring positive energy flow that transcends the ordinary. The devotees come here to seek blessing from the mother, a warrior against all evil. The temple holds mythological value and attracts believers for its grand architecture, panoramic sights and divine power.

Key Insights into Sri Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada

Best Time to Visit

Kanaka Durga temple is recommended to be visited during the winter season since the environment is pleasant at that time. The months from October to February are considered appropriate for visiting.

Festivals Celebrated at Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada

Vijayawada Kanaka Devi Temple celebrates, glorifies and honours many festivals praising the female deity of the Temple, Goddess Kanaka Durga. The much-celebrated nine days of Navaratri are a central attraction among devotees and pilgrims from around the country who experience the celebrations after a holy dip in the sacred Krishna River. Kanaka Durga is worshipped in nine different forms each day of the Navaratri. She is known and glorified as Bala Tripura Sundari, Gayathri, Annapoorna, Mahalakshmi, Saraswathi, Lalitha Tripura Sundari, Durga Devi, Mahishasura Mardini and Raja Rajeswari Devi. There are customs like 'Snapana Abhishekam,' 'Archana,' 'Maha Naivedana Harathi,'and many more to appease the Goddess.

On the tenth day, called the Vijaya Dasami or Dasara, the nine forms of Goddesses are taken on a procession in Hamsa Vahanam (swan-shaped boat) around the holy river. This festival is widely popular among the pilgrims and is known as Theppotsavam.

During the Ashadha month (between June and July), the festival of Goddess Sakambhari is celebrated. Goddess Kanaka Durga assumes the form of Shakambhari or Banashankari in this three-day festival. Devotees offer prayers and praises to the Goddess to bless their agriculture and crops. They seek the deity's blessings to nourish their families and endow their future.

How to Visit

Dress Code to be Followed at Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada

Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple's dress code includes traditional attire for both men and women. Men primarily wear a dhoti or kurta as their attire. Women traditionally have to wear sarees or kurtas with a dupatta or scarf. These dress codes are established to protect the temple's sanctity and adhere to its regard.

Do's & Don'ts

• Do take a bath and wear clean clothes before darshan.
• Do take ancient rituals and customs in regard.
• Do follow the dress code laid out by the temple authorities.
• Don't smoke or drink inside the temple or before the darshan.
• Don't chew tobacco or spit inside the temple.
• Don't carry your phone inside the temple.

Darshan/Pooja/Seva

Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple Timings

Kanaka Durga Temple Timings are from 4 am to 9 pm. The temple allows darshan between 4 am to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. There are restrictions for private vehicles, which are prohibited from 10 am to 2 pm. Darshanam has three types: Dharma Darshan, Mukhamandapa Darshanam and Antaraalaya Darshanam.

Kanaka Durga Temple Pooja Timings

Kanaka Durga Temple Seva Timings

Note - These timings and prices may vary depending on the temple's schedules and changes in the pooja process. Therefore, confirming the timings and prices with the temple authorities is advisable before visiting.

Mythological Legends of Kanaka Durga Temple

The Goddess of Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada, takes her name after Indra, and deities praise her with chants of Kanaka Durga after she defeats the demon king Mahishasura. She resides in Indrakeeladri Hills as a boon to a yaksha named Keela, who became a mountain to accommodate the Goddess.

Stories and references to Goddess Kanaka Durga are seen in Durga Saptashati, Kaalika Purana and many other Vedic works of literature. As it is said, Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva at the place with Mallika (Jasmine) flowers. Hence, Lord Shiva received the name Mallikeswara. At the northern part of the Kanaka Durga Temple, Sri Adi Sankaracharya installed Malleswara Swamy with Sri Chakra and started the practice of worshipping Goddess Kanaka Durga in Vedic ways.

At the brink of Dvapara Yuga, Pandava Putra Arjuna penanced to please Lord Shiva, who blessed him with Pasupatha Astra. The eldest Pandava Yudhishthira installed the statue of Malleswara Swamy after the elongated battle of Mahabharata.

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The Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada symbolises deep faith, devotion and spiritual refinement. Innumerous believers pursue to glimpse the majesty of the temple's architecture and aura, which kindle a profound affinity with the Goddess. With each step towards the temple, one can feel the sacred sight of the absolute feminine deity that illuminates one's soul with devotion. Devotees must come to the holy shrine to get blessings for contentment and a successful life.

FAQs

1. What is the Speciality of Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada?

The idol of the Goddess is Swayambhu (Self-manifested) and is embellished with beautiful ornaments, making it visually astonishing.

2. How many steps are there in Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple?

There are 400 steps in the Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple.

3. Is there an entry fee for Kanaka Durga darshan?

Yes, there is the provision of free entry for the darshan.

4. Is there any accommodation near Kanaka Durga temple?

Yes, there are accommodations near the temple and they vary according to your preferences.

5. Is photography allowed inside the Kanaka Durga temple?

No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple.

6. How can I book a special puja or seva for the Kanaka Durga Temple?

You can book the puja through the temple website or the BookMyDarshan package.

7. Are there any festivals or occasions when visiting the Kanaka Durga temple is especially recommended?

The Navratri festival and the Vijaya Dasami days are highly recommended for all the devotees of Goddess Durga.

8. Is Kanaka Durga temple accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, the temple is accessible to people with disabilities.