As the temple is located on hilltop, devotees need to climb 400 steps to reach this magnificent temple. Alternatively, there is a lift facility available for senior citizens.
A pilgrimage to Vijayawada is complete only after visiting the Kanaka Durga Temple. Devotees are fascinated by the beauty of the goddess and feel spiritually elevated after having the darshan of Kanaka Durgamma. In Telugu language, this beautiful city Vijayawada is known as the “Land of Triumph” or “City of Victory”.
Deity of Kanaka Durga
The deity of Kanaka Durga Maa is swayambu, or self-manifested, and is 4 ft tall. She is anointed with turmeric paste, adorned with gold ornaments and bright fragrant flowers with a smile on her face. Kanaka Durgamma is seen as Ashtabhuja Devi, meaning eight-armed goddess. Each arm is holding a powerful weapon. She is seen piercing the demon Mahishasura with her trishul. It signifies the supremacy of victory over wickedness.
The temple also enshrines Sri Malleshwara Swamy, who is placed on the left side of Kanaka Durga. As per the tradition, the male deity is placed on the right and the female deity is placed on the left. But here, Kanaka Durgamma is placed on the right side of Lord Malleshwara, showing the dominance of Shakti.
Kanaka Durgamma is facing northeast with a divine grace on her face. She fulfills the wishes of her devotees who come to her seeking love, strength, wealth, and good health.
Kanaka Durgamma is the only temple in the world where she is glorified and adorned in different forms of Sri Mahalakshmi, Sri Saraswati, Sri Bala Tripura Sundari, Sri Rajarajeshwari, Sri Mahisasura Mardhini, Sri Durga Devi, Sri Annapurna Devi, Sri Gayathri Devi, and Sri Lalitha Tripura Sundari.
Architecture of Kanaka Durga Temple
Kanaka Durga Temple is built on the Dravidian style of architecture. The main sanctum is constructed in the shape of a pyramid. It is a treasure of architectural elegance, with a breathtaking vibrancy that surpasses the standard.
This temple was initially built in the 10th century AD by Chalukya King Thribhuvana Malla; the current structure of this temple was constructed by Chalukya King Pashupati Mahadev Varma in the 12th century.
With the passage of time, the temple underwent restoration and widening. During the 14th and 15th centuries AD, the Vijayanagara Kings refurbished and developed the temple. Later, the Nizams of Hyderabad took control over the temple during the 18th century.
In 1956 AD, the Government of Andhra Pradesh took on responsibility for the temple’s trusteeship to fortify its maintenance for succeeding ages.
Sthala Purana of Kanaka Durga Temple
In ancient times, there was a Yaksha named Keela who performed severe penance upon Durga Maa. Pleased by his devotion, Durga appeared before him and asked him to seek a boon. Being happy by the divine appearance of Durga Devi, he asked like this, “O divine Durga Maa!, you must always stay in my heart. This is the only wish I want you to fulfill.”
Durga Maa gave Keela the boon he had asked for and said, “My dear son, please take the form of a mountain and remain here at the sacred plain of River Krishna. After the assassination of demons in Krithayuga, I will stay in your heart forever.”
As said, the yaksha Keela had been waiting patiently for several ages in the form of a mountain. As Krithayuga arrived, Durga Maa killed the demon Mahishasura, who was creating havoc in the world.
Then she came to Keela Mountain and enshrined herself as Mahishasuramardini, as per the boon given to Keela. The Goddess appeared radiating like millions of Suns, hence many devatas and Indra praised her as Kanaka Durga and adorned her every day. Thus, this mountain got the name “Indrakeeladri.” Another name for this mountain is Kanakachala.
Brahma deva wished Lord Shiva to dwell in this place; hence he conducted the “Shata Ashwamedha Yaga” and worshiped Lord Shiva with jasmine flowers (mallika). Hence Lord Shiva is named as “Mallikeshwara.”
Sri Adi Sankaracharya consecrated Srichakra in this temple and introduced Vedic rituals to worship Kanaka Durga and abolished animal sacrifice.
Places to Visit near Kanaka Durga Temple
Subramanya Swamy Temple: It is located on the top of Indrakeeladri hill, this temple offers a tranquil ambience and sublime beauty, providing a blissful experience to the devotees. Lord Subramanya Swamy is enshrined in a tall pillar in the main sanctum, coated in silver.
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple: It is located on the hilltop of the Mangalagiri hills in Vijayawada. Lord Narasimha Swamy and his consort, Lakshmi Devi, are the main Deities of the temple.
Akkanna Madanna Cave Temple: This is a mid-17th-century divine place located at the base of the Indrakeeladri Hills. Akkanna and Madanna are honoured in this temple, who were the brave ministers of Golconda under Nawab rule.
Undavalli Caves: It is an ancient rock-cut cave; a three-storey structure is a blend of Hindu and Jain culture. The first floor depicts Jain culture; the second floor enshrines Lord Vishnu, while the third is chiseled with sculptures of the bygone era.
Temple Timings of Kanaka Durga Temple
The darshan timings of Kanaka Durga Temple are as follows:
Morning—4:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening—2:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Best Time to Visit Kanaka Durga Temple
The months of October to February are the appropriate time to visit Kanaka Durga temple. The winter season makes the environment very pleasant.
Festivals and Rituals at Kanaka Durga Temple
Dussehra: It is the main festival of this place. This festival is celebrated with great pomp. During this time, the temple witnesses a huge surge of devotees seeking the blessings of Durga Maa.
Shivaratri: It is celebrated in the month of February-March. Mallikeshwara Swamy is worshiped here.
Devotees perform bhajans, offer prayers and stay awake throughout the night by listening to the story of Lord Shiva.
Bangle Festival: It is also known as Gajula Utsavam. This festival is observed on the second day of Shukla Paksha in Karthika Maasa. Women and girls offer bangles to Kanaka Durga Maa as the part of ritual.
Theppotsavam: It is celebrated on Navami Tithi in Shukla Paksha in the Ashwina month. Also known as Hamsa Vahana Seva; during this seva, the deity is brought from Indraneeladri hill to Krishna River for an enjoyable float.
How to Reach Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada
If you plan to visit the Kanaka Durga Temple, and other sacred places, consider taking Tirtha Yatra’s world’s best Bhadrachalam Tour. All arrangements are well taken care of.
If you wish to travel on your own, here are a few options.
By Air: Vijayawada International Airport, also known as Gannavaram Airport, is the nearest airport, which is located 20 Kms away from Kanaka Durga Temple. From here, you can hire a taxi or cab to reach the temple.
By Railways: Vijayawada Junction Railway Station is 4-5 Kms from the temple. It is connected to major cities in India. From here, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By Road: The city of Vijayawada is connected by a well network of buses. From Pandit Nehru Bus Station, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw. Also, you can opt for the city bus to reach the temple.
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