Temple

Located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Kanaka Durga Temple is a famous hindu Temple of Goddess Durga. The temple is located on the Indrakeeladri hill, on the banks of Krishna River. Goddess Kanaka Durga is considered to be Swayambhu (self-manifested). Apart from Kanaka Durga, Lord Shiva is also worshipped here as Malleeshwara. Therefore the temple is also known as Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam.

Legend

There are many legends associated with the temple. According to one legend, a Yaksha named Keela, a great devotee of Goddess Durga, did great penance. Pleased with the devotion of Keela, Durga appeared before him. When asked about his wish, Keela prayed to Durga to stay in his heart forever. Durga blessed him that his wish will be fulfilled in Kritha yuga and turned Keela into a mountain with River Krishna at its feet. As per the boon, Goddess Durga came to reside on the mountain after killing the demon Mahishasura. Durga resided in the mountain in the form of Mahishasura Mardani with eight arms. It is  believed that all the Gods desceneded from heaven to worship her. Hence the mountain came to be known as Indrakeeladri. Lord Brahma wanted Lord Shiva to reside in the mountain along with Goddess Durga. Lord Brahma performed  'Sata Aswamedha Yaga' to please Lord Shiva. Brahma worshipped Shiva with jasmine flowers (Mallelu). Pleased with Brahma, lord Shiva agreed to reside on the mountain in the form of 'Jyothirlinga'. Shiva has attained the name 'Mallesa' since he was worshipped by brahma with jasmine flowers.
According to the legends, Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, did severe penance to Lord Shiva to obtain the Pasupatha astra. Shiva wanted to test Arjuna so he fought with him. Pleased with Arjun's devotion, Shiva gave Pasupatastra to Arjun. Lord Shiva attained the name 'Malleswara' since he bravely fought Arjuna. The place is also called as 'Phalguna Theertha'.

Architecture

The temple is situated at the top the Indrakeeladri hill on the banks of the Sacred river Krishna. There are stairs and ghat road to approach the temple. The temple structure is covered with gold paint. The enchanting 4-foot-high (1.2 m) icon of the deity is bedecked in glittering ornaments and bright flowers. The Idol of Goddess Durga is shown eight arms, each holding a powerful weapon, in a standing posture over the demon Mahishashura and piercing him with her trident.

Darsan Info

The Temple is open from 5.00 AM to 10.00PM on all the days except on Thursdays when it is closed from 1.00 PM to 5.00 PM.

Dharma Dharshanam - 4:00 AM to 5:45 PM, 6:15PM to 10:00 PM
The Dharma Dharshanam is free to all devotees.
 
Mukha Mandapam - 4:00AM to 5:45 PM, 6:15 PM to 10:00 PM
A nominal fee for Mukha Mandapam has to be paid by the devotees.

Antaralayam Dharshanam - 5:00AM to 5:45 PM, 6:15 PM to 9:00 PM
Devotees has to pay a nominal fee for Antaralayam Dharshanam.

Devotees are expected to bathe in the Krishna River before visiting the Temple. Also they are advised to visit Malleswara swamy Temple without fail .

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean clothes before entering the temple.

Famous Festival

Dussehra Navratri Festival                                                                                                            Vasantotsavam or Vasanta Navaratri in Chaitra masam
Shakambari Navaratri in Ashada masam
Maha Sharan Navaratri or Durga Devi Navratri in Ashwayuja masam

Culture

Andhra Pradesh has a rich and diverse culture. Andhra Pradesh is definitely a priceless gem present in the tiara of Indian glory. The uniqueness of this state is distinctly observed from its diverse religions and communities followed by Andhra people. Vijayawada is practically the centre of Andhra in all its aspects.It is a city on the banks of the Krishna River, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a municipal corporation and the headquarters of Vijayawada (urban) mandal in Krishna district of the state. It is called as "The Business Capital of Andhra Pradesh".

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Temple Rituals

There are daily, weekly, periodical rituals performed in temple. Goddess Durga is worshipped with chanting of Lalitha Sahasranama daily.Everyday 10 'Rithwiks' perform Laksha Kumkumarchana according to the 'Sasthra'and devotees may also participate.

Special Rituals

Special poojas are performed during dussehra and also called durga navaratrulu. The most significant are Saraswati puja and Theppotsavam. Santhi Kalyana Pooja ritual is performed in temple. It is believed that people who are suffering from matrimonial disturbances, disorders of planets, and ailments get relief by performing this pooja.

Additional Info