Kanaka Durga Temple

Kanaka Durga Temple is Second largest temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located on the Indrakeeladri hill in the city of Vijayawada on the banks of Krishna River.For enquiry contact temple office telephone no : 0866-2425744, 0866-2423600

Legend of Goddess

According to a legend, the now verdant Vijayawada was once a rocky region strewn with hillocks that were obstructing the flow of River Krishna. The land was thus rendered unfit for habitation or cultivation. Invocation to Lord Siva led to His directing the hills to give way to river Krishna. And lo! the river started flowing unimpeded with all its might, through the tunnels or "Bejjam" bored into the hills by Lord Siva. That is how the place got its name Bezawada.Fact|date=April 2007

One of the many mythologies associated with this place is that Arjuna prayed to Lord Siva on top of Indrakeela hill to win His blessings and the city derived its name "Vijayawada" after this victory. Yet another popular legend is about the triumph of goddess Kanakadurga over the demon king Mahishasura. It is said that once upon a time, the growing menace of demons became unendurable for the natives living in this region. Sage Indrakila, took to severe penance and when the goddess appeared, the sage begged Her to reside on his head and keep vigil on the wicked demons. As per his wishes, after killing the demons, goddess Durga made Indrakila Her permanent abode. Later She also slayed the demon king Mahishasura freeing the people of Vijayawada from the evil clutches of the demon.Fact|date=April 2007

At the Kanakadurga temple, the enchanting four-foot high icon of the deity bedecked in glittering ornaments and bright flowers, with eight powerful weapons in eight hands is in a standing posture over the demon Mahishashura and piercing him with her trident. The goddess is the epitome of beauty.Fact|date=April 2007

Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakiladri. By ascending the steps on the hill, one comes across little images of different deities, prominent among them being Kali, Siva and Krishna.

Description

Kanaka Durga Temple is synonymous with Vijayawada. It is mentioned in the sacred texts. [cite web
url=http://www.indiantraveldestinations.com/states-of-india/andhra-pradesh-travel/kanaka-durga.html
title=Kanka Durga
publisher=
accessdate=2006-08-20 ]

This is the place where Arjuna obtained the "Pasupatha astra" after his great penance for Lord Shiva. The temple was constructed for Goddess Durga by Arjuna. It is connected by steps and a ghats road. Fact|date=April 2007

The temple occupies an important place in the scriptures as several of the Sivalilas and Saktimahimas were enacted on or around it, making the region a place of unequalled spiritual significance and attracting pilgrims since time immemorial. [cite web
url=http://www.durga-puja.org/devi-kanaka-durga-temple.html
title=Devi Kanaka Durga, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
publisher=
accessdate=2006-08-20 ]

It is mentioned in the vedas that the deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is regarded as 'Swayambhu' or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful.Fact|date=April 2007

Inscriptions of different dynasties are found in the temple. [cite web
url=http://www.krishna.gov.in/eldistrict2/GetPageContent.aspx?OrganizationID=3&LinkNodeIndex=0.0.2&LinkName=Tourism
title=Kanaka Durga Temple
publisher=
accessdate=2006-08-20 ]

Dasara Celebrations

Special pujas are performed during Dasara also called Navaratri. The most significant are Saraswati puja and Theppotsavam.Fact|date=April 2007

The festival of Dasara for Goddess Durga is celebrated here every year. A large number of pilgrims attend the colourful celebrations and take a holy dip in the Krishna river. [cite web
url=http://www.aptourism.com/apservlets/jsp/iplaces3.jsp?&THEME=Pilgrim+Centres&LOCATION=Vijayawada&DISTRICT=Krishna&infoId=78
title=Kanaka Durga Temple
publisher=
accessdate=2006-08-20 ]

Transport

Located in the heart of Vijayawada city, the temple is just a 10 minutes drive from the railway station. Vijayawada is located 275 kilometers from Hyderabad. It is well connected by road rail and air from all parts of the country

Devasthanam's Dasara festivities of 2007

Sri Kanaka Durga Devi, the chief deity of the temple is portrayed as blessing the visiting devotees in various forms (avatars) during the ten day festival. A symbolic representation of the 10 forms of triumph of good over evil, this form (known as 'Alankaram') of the day is chosen as per the astrological star of each day, in accordance with the lunar calendar. This year, the devotees are being blessed according to the following schedule of Alankarams:

12-10-2007 - SRI SWARNA KAVACHALAKRUTA DURGA DEVI

13-10-2007 - SRI BALA TRIPURA SUNDARI DEVI

14-10-2007 - SRI GAYATRI DEVI

15-10-2007 - SRI ANNAPURNA DEVI

16-10-2007 - SRI LALITHA TRIPURA SUNDARI DEVI

17-10-2007 - SRI SARASWATI DEVI

18-10-2007 - SRI MAHA LAKSHMI DEVI

19-10-2007 - SRI DURGA DEVI

20-10-2007 - SRI MAHISHASURA MARDHINI DEVI

21-10-2007 - SRI RAJA RAJESWARI DEVI

References

External links

* [For enquiry contact temple office telephone no : [phone], 2423600]
* [http://www.greattemples.com/ Get more information about Kanaka Durga Temple]
* [http://www.vijayawadakanakadurga.com/ Devasthanam Official Site]
* [http://www.samasya.com/religion/durga/kanaka_durga/index.html Good information]
* [http://www.durga-puja.org/devi-kanaka-durga-temple.html Brief Information]
* [http://www.acharyaonline.com/kanakadurga.htm History of the place]
* [http://www.durga-puja.org/devi-kanaka-durga-temple.html Devi Kanaka Durga, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh]
* [http://www.aptourism.com/apservlets/jsp/iplaces3.jsp?&THEME=Pilgrim+Centres&LOCATION=Vijayawada&DISTRICT=Krishna&infoId=78 Kanaka Durga Temple]
* [http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/09/stories/2005100902990200.htm Heavy rush expected at Kanaka Durga temple]
* [http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/10/stories/2005101014890300.htm Thousands throng Durga temple]