The Kanaka Durga Temple, also known as Sri Kanaka Durga Devi Temple or Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam, is a famed Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India, atop the Indrakeeladri hill, overlooking the Krishna River.
The temple is an architectural marvel, built in the Dravidian style. It is one of the most revered temples in South India and is believed to be a Swayambhu kshetra, meaning the self-manifested abode of Goddess Durga.
Getting There
The Kanaka Durga Temple is situated in the heart of Vijayawada and is well-connected by public transport.
- By Air: The Vijayawada Airport (VGA) is 20 kilometers away from the temple. Taxis and cabs are readily available from the airport to take you to the temple.
- By Train: Vijayawada Junction (BZA) is a major railway station and is just a 10-minute drive from the temple. You can easily hire autos, taxis, or rickshaws from the station to reach the temple.
- By Road: Vijayawada is well-connected by national highways to other parts of Andhra Pradesh and South India. If you are traveling by car, you can park your vehicle at the foothills of Indrakeeladri and take the steps or ropeway up to the temple.
Temple Timings
The temple is open on all days of the week. Here are the timings:
- Morning: 4:00 AM to 5:45 AM
- Evening: 6:15 PM to 10:00 PM
Darshan
There are different types of darshans (visits) available at the Kanaka Durga Temple:
- Dharma Darshanam: This is a free darshan, where you can have a glimpse of the deity from a distance. There is usually a long queue for this darshan.
- Mukha Darshanam: This darshan costs INR 100 per person and offers a closer view of the deity's face.
- Antralayam Darshanam: This special darshan costs INR 300 per person and allows you to enter the sanctum sanctorum and get a close view of the idol.
Festivals
The Kanaka Durga Temple is a site for major Hindu festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the most prominent ones:
- Dasara (Dussehra): This ten-day festival is the most important festival celebrated at the temple. The temple sees a huge rush of devotees during this time. The idol of Goddess Durga is adorned with beautiful decorations, and special pujas are performed.
- Navaratri: This nine-day festival preceding Dussehra is also a time of great devotion and celebration at the temple.
- Varalakshmi Vratam: This puja is performed by women on all Fridays during the holy month of Shraavana. Over 20,000 people attend the celebrations during this month.
Things to Keep in mind
- Dress modestly when visiting the temple.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple sanctum.
- Mobile phones must be switched off or kept in silent mode inside the temple premises.
- Leather goods are not allowed inside the temple.
- There are cloakrooms available at the temple where you can store your belongings.
Your visit to Vijayawada will be incomplete without a visit to the Kanaka Durga Temple. It is a sacred place with a rich history and culture, and a must-visit for anyone traveling to Andhra Pradesh.