Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Kanaka Durga Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to goddess Durga located in Vijayawada City in NTR District in Andhra Pradesh, India. Kanaka Durga, the goddess of power and riches is considered the presiding deity of Vijayawada. This temple is considered one of the largest temples in India and second largest temple in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is situated on the Indrakeeladri hill, on the banks of Krishna River.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/09/kanaka-durga-temple-vijayawada-legends.html

History

The temple is believed to be built in 8^th century CE. It is said that Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveler visited this temple. The temple received extensive patronage from Western Chalukyan King Vikramaditya VI during 11^th century CE. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here. Inscriptions of different dynasties are found in the temple.

The Temple

The temple is situated on top of the Indrakeeladri mountain. The sanctum enshrines the image of presiding deity, Kanakadurga / Kanakeswari / Mahishasura Mardini. She is about four feet tall. She is eight armed holding several weapons. She is in standing posture over the demon Mahishasura and piercing him with her trident. The presiding deity is Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested) and considered very powerful.

Kanaka Durga is worshipped as Kanaka Mahalakshmi, Mahalakshmi form of Durga. All the poojas related to Lakshmi devi are performed in the temple. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here. The sanctum is covered with gold. There is a shrine for his consort Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakeeladri mountain adjacent to this temple. There is a hillock on the southern side of this temple.

It is carved with sculptures with inscriptions indicating the names of the gods and goddesses. Shrines of Krishna, Kali, Ganesha, Anjaneya, Nataraja, Sivagamasundari, Nagendra Swamy and Subramanya can be seen in the temple premises. Lord Anjaneya Swamy is the Kshetrapalaka (place guardian) of this temple. He is present near a big fig-tree in front of the temple. The temple has two Choultries near the temple for the benefit of the devotees.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 04.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 04.00 PM. to 09.00 PM.

Festivals

Navaratri is the most famous festival celebrated here. The Goddess Shakambhari festival is celebrated for three days during the month of Ashadha every year. It is celebrated from Sukla Paksha Thrayodashi to Purnima, of Ashadha month every year. Chaitra Brahmotsavam, Vasantha Navaratri, Saraswathi Pooja and Theppotsavam are the other festivals celebrated here. Varalakshmi Vratam is performed on all Fridays during the month of Shraavana.

Prayers

Devotees pray for safety from enemies and for prosperity in life. People perform abishek and archanas for Goddess Kanaka Durga. 

Contact

Kanaka Durga Temple,

Indrakeeladri, Vijayawada,

NTR District – 520 001

Andhra Pradesh, India

Phone: +91 866 2423 600 / 2425 744

Web: https://kanakadurgamma.org

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Vijayawada Junction Railway Station, 42 Kms from Vijayawada Bus Station, 23 Kms from Vijayawada Airport and 35 Kms from Amaravathi. Vijayawada is well connected to other parts of Andhra Pradesh and India by all means of transport.

Location