Navaratsavam Archives

15/Aug/2022

Kanaka Durga Temple is a famous temple in Andhra Pradesh. It is situated on Indrakiladri mountain on the bank of river Krishna in Vijayawada city. It is the second largest temple in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Kanaka Durga Temple comes to mind when the name Vijayawada is mentioned. The idol of Amma in the temple is about four feet high. Adorned with dazzling jewels and flowers. The idol has eight arms. Each hand has a different weapon. Mahishasura is in a posture piercing his heart with a trident.

Interesting Facts About Kanaka Durga Temple:

Mata is known as Mahishasura Mardini. Kanaka Durga Mata is worshipped as Mahishasura’s Mardhini because she killed the demon Mahishasura. Mata is known as Swayambhu. That is, devotees believe that Mata herself appeared here in Treta Yuga. Many legends describe the importance of this place. The most important story among them is that this place was once barren land. Because of the rocky terrain, the Krishna River does not flow from here. Then, Lord Shiva arranged for the river Krishna to flow from here. Thus, this land became another famous Sthala Purana, the demon Mahishasura attacked this place. The people living in this region were afraid of the demon Mahishasura. A sage called Indrakila made a terrible vow to the mercy of Mother Kanakadurga.

Appreciated by Indrakilu’s penance, Mata appeared and asked Indrakilu what boon he wanted. Indrakilu asked Mata to measure and tie the game of demons on his head. Mata granted his wish and killed Mahishasura. Back in Vijayawada, this whole area is full of peace and blessings. Since then, devotees started worshiping this mother with devotion.

After that, this temple was built to mark this event. There is a four feet tall idol in this temple. Ammavara holds eight types of weapons in her eight hands. Amma is seen slaying the demon Mahishasura with a spear. This form is very powerful. Creating such a picture at home will remove all negativity. Goddesses are beautifully decorated with jewelry. Soundarya Rasi is the mother.

Sthala Purana:

In the past, a Yaksha named ‘Keludu’ used to perform severe penance for Goddess Durga on the banks of the Krishna River. Appreciated by his penance, Amma asks him to ask for a boon. So the Yaksha asked, ‘Mother, grant me a boon so that you will always be in my heart. Hearing that, Amma smiled and said, ‘Okay, Keela. You stay in the form of a mountain in this very holy river of Krishna. I will fulfill your wish after killing the Asuras in Krita Yuga’.

Happy with the words of Amma, Keilu turned into a mountain and waited for Amma. Later Durgamma appeared on Keeladri in the form of Mahishavardhi after releasing Mahishuna who was conquering the world. Subsequently, every day they came to the place where all the goddesses of Indradri worshiped and started worshiping the goddess. Hence it called Indrakiladri. The name ‘Kanakadurga’ fixed for the goddess because she is very beautiful.

The story of Mallikarjuna:

After that, Lord Brahma performed Shatashwamedayaga for Lord Shiva with the intention of measuring Lord Shiva on Indrakiladri. Satisfied with this, Lord Shiva appeared here in the form of Jyotirlinga. It is said that the name Mallikarjuna got the name Mallikarjuna because Lord Brahma worshiped the radiant Lord with Mallikadamba flowers.

According to another legend, in Dwaparayuga, when Arjuna performed penance on Indrakiladri for Pashupatastra to test him, Lord Shiva came as Kirataka and wrestled with Arjuna and praised Arjuna’s devotion and blessed him with Pashupatastra. Swamy known as Mallikarjun because he wrestled here.

The history behind the name Vijayawada:

Before Krita Yuga, a Yaksha named Keeluda appeared as penance about Ammavara and asked her to remain in his heart. Ammavaru asked Keelu to stand as a mountain after slaying the demon in Krit Yuga and said that she would stand on that mountain. Keeladu turns into Keeladri and waits for Ammavari. Keeladri became Undrakeeladri as the Indra deities frequented here to worship the Goddess. Mahishasuramardhi who shines here has become Kanaka Durga because of her shining with Kanakavarnam. Here Arjuna performed penance for Lord Shiva and received Pasupatastra from Shuva. So, this area became Vijayawada.

Kshetra Purana:

The shrine of Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy is located on the Indrakiladri mountain on the banks of the Krishna River. It said in the Kshetra Purana that Goddess Durga appeared here as Swayambhu (Herself). It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya visited this goddess during their tours and worshiped Sri Chakra here. Every year hundreds of thousands of people visit this temple.

Indrakilu, the sage who could not bear the pain of the demons, did penance on Goddess Durga and made the goddess reside on him, and killed the demons. While praying to Harinchamavi, the mother stood there on Indrakiladri (Indrakila’s hill). It also believed that Arjuna did penance for Lord Shiva on this hill. This temple has a special place in Hindu mythology. Shiva Leelas, Shakti Mahimas, etc. observed here and there on the premises of the temple.

Navratri Festivals:

Dussehra Navaratsavam is held every year for this Goddess Durga. In this Dussehra Navaratsavam, an avatar is given darshan every day. During these nine days, nine incarnations are given darshan.

Darshan time:

Dharma Darshan: Devotees can visit Durgamma from 4:00 am to 9:00 pm. There is no need to pay any fee for this.

Mukhamandapam: From 4:00 AM to 5:45 PM, and again from 6:15 AM to 9:00 PM, the time allocated for this darshan. Only one person should go inside during this darshan.

Special Darshan: Special Darshan has been arranged in this temple. 5:00 am to 5:45 p.m., and back at 6:30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Two times have been allocated for this darshan.

Antaralayam Darshan : This darshan can be visited from 4 AM to 5:30 PM and again from 6:15 PM to 10:00 PM. Each person has to pay 300 rupees and get a ticket to visit the hall. Malleswara Swamy

Kanaka Durga Temple Visiting Timings:

4:00 am – 6:30 pm & 6:15 pm – 10:00 pm (Free Visit).

How to reach Kanaka Durga Temple:

There are devasthanam buses to reach the hill. City buses also go up the hill. Vijayawada well connected by air, rail, and bus. Trains, buses, and flights come from all parts of the country. There are free bus services from the Vijayawada bus stand and railway station to Kanakadurgamma temple. Private autos and taxis also ply up the hill. Devotees can also reach the hill on foot.

Bus Route:

Both the Telugu states have convenient bus routes to Vijayawada Kanakadurgamma temple. Vijayawada has transport facilities from all parts. There is a bus service from Hyderabad city approximately every half hour. On the occasion of the festival, the government will arrange more buses especially. Distance from various places in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to Vijayawada in km

From Hyderabad – 267
From Vizag – 382
From Tirupati – 409
From Warangal – 237
From Guntur – 32

Railway Route:

Vijayawada Railway Junction is the biggest on South Central Railway. So.. this temple can be reached by train from all parts of India. This Vijayawada Junction is located on major highways like Chennai-Howrah and Chennai-Delhi. Moreover, various passenger, express, and super-fast express trains in the country are connected with Vijayawada. Moreover, because this area is one of the most developed places in the country there are railway ways to reach here.

Airway:

20 km to Vijayawada. Gannavaram Airport is nearby. Those coming by air can visit Durgamma in just 30 minutes by landing at this airport. Flights are available from Hyderabad city to Vijayawada every 30 minutes.

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