Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Arjuna Street Mallikarjunapeta Indrakeeladri,

Vijayawada,

Andhra Pradesh 520001

Amman

Kanaka Durga

Introduction

Kanaka Durga Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga. The deity in this temple is also popularly referred as Kanaka Durga. The temple is located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India on the Indrakeeladri Hills on the banks of Krishna River. Kaalika Purana, Durgaa Sapthashati and other Vedic literature have mentioned about Goddess Kanaka Durga on the Indrakeelaadri and have described the deity as Swayambhu, (self-manifested) in Triteeya Kalpa.

Puranic Significance

The popular legend is about the triumph of Goddess Kanaka Durga also popularly known as Kanaka Mahalakshmi over the demon King Mahishasura. It is said that the growing menace of demons became unbearable for the natives. Sage Indrakila practiced severe penance, and when the goddess appeared the sage pleaded to her to reside on his head and keep a vigil on the wicked demons. As per his wishes of killing the demons, Goddess Durga made Indrakila her permanent abode. Later, She also slayed the demon king Mahishasura freeing the people of Vijayawada from evil.

At the Kanakadurga temple, the enchanting 4-foot-high (1.2 m) icon of the deity is bedecked in glittering ornaments and bright flowers. Her icon here depicts her eight-armed form -each holding a powerful weapon- in a standing posture over the demon Mahishashura and piercing him with her trident. The goddess is the epitome of beauty

Festivals

The annual Goddess Sakambhari festival is celebrated in Ashadha month with deep piety and ceremonies. During the three-day-long festival goddess, Kanaka Durga assumes the form of Sakambhari or Banasankari Amma of the Banashankari Amma Temple, wherein prayers are offered to the Goddess to bless all vegetables, agriculture, and food so that they are plentiful and capable of nourishing the multitude.