Kanaka Durga Temple also known as Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple, is located on the banks of the Krishna River in the Indrakeeladri Mountains of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the most famous temples in South India. The shrine, Sri Durga Malleswara Swami Temple, dates back to the eighth century. The temple can be reached by steps or by road. The temple is regarded as one of the most sacred and powerful temples in the region. It is believed that Goddess Durga manifested herself on the hill where the temple stands. It is also one of the Shakthi Peethas or holy shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva’s consort, Goddess Shakti.

The origin and installation of Kanaka Durga Devi in Vijayawada are unknown. The Kanaka Durga Temple’s beauty must be seen to be believed. She is said to be Swayambu or self-manifest. She also assumes the role of Chandi, the destroyer of the demon Durgama, who was wreaking havoc on the peace-loving residents of Dakshinapatha. Mother Kanaka Durgeswari, seated atop the Indrakilaparvatha in Vijayawada, is Andhra Pradesh’s supreme goddess, attracting lakhs of tourists since immemorial.

Story Behind Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada

According to legend, the demons gained great power by appeasing the gods and began harassing the earth’s sages. Goddess Parvathi took on various forms to defeat these demons. “Kausiki killed Sumbhu and Nisambhu, Mahisasura Mardini killed Mahishasura, and Durga killed Durgamasura.”Kanaka Durga, aglow with golden hues, prayed for Her to remain on earth and bless them. Kanaka Durga asked Keeludu, an ardent devotee, to take on the form of a hill so that She could stay with him. Thus, Keeladri became Durga’s abode. She assumed the form of Mahisasura Mardini, with eight arms holding various weapons, riding a lion and trampling Mahishasura on the hill of Indrakeeladri.

Shiva, her consort, became Jyothirlinga on an adjacent hilltop. Lord Brahma worshipped him with jasmines (Mallelu), giving him the name Malleswara Swamy. The hill became known as Indrakeeladri after celestial beings such as Indra visited it.

History of Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada

Kanaka Durga Temple, or the holy seat of Kanaka Durgamma, has a long history. It was constructed in the eighth century by Mogalaya ruler Thanisha and managed by his ministers’ ministers, Akkanna and Madanna from Kondapalli. Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese traveller, also visited this temple. Kanaka Durga Temple contains inscriptions from various dynasties that bear witness to ancient times.

The temple grounds also contain sub-temples for various deities. The temples of Lord Sri Malleswara Swami and Sri Nataraja Swami are located on the northeast corner, while the temple dedicated to Sri Subrahmanyeswara Swami is located to the north of the main temple.

Kanaka Durga temple is one of those rare temples that are supposed to be self-manifested, Swayanbhu. Sri Sri Sri Sankara Bhagavatpadulu (Adi Shankaracharya) visited the temple and placed the Sri Chakra at the Goddess’s feet.

The architecture of Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada

Kanaka Durga’s deity is known as Swayambhu, or self-manifested, and is revered for her power. The 4-foot-high idol of Kanaka Durga with eight arms, each holding a weapon, standing over the demon king Mahishasura and piercing him with her trident exemplify beauty and courage. The idol is exquisitely decorated with glittering ornaments and flowers. The Kanaka Durga temple is also known to contain inscriptions from various dynasties.

Malleswara Swamy’s shrine is located adjacent to the Kanaka Durga temple on the Indrakeeladri. Arjuna is believed to have installed Vijayeswara. Thribhuvana Malla, the Western Chalukya King of the tenth century, made significant contributions to the temple’s expansion.

Facts about Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada

• Kanaka Durga Temple is located on the Indrakeeladri hill on the banks of the Krishna River in Vijayawada, about 4 kilometres from the Vijayawada railway station.
• In the Dwaapara Yuga, Arjuna performed great penance on Indrakeeladri for Lord Shiva to obtain the most powerful Astra, Paashupataastra.
• Later, Lord Shiva appeared to fulfil Arjuna’s desire and addressed him as Vijaya (victorious). Following Arjuna’s victory, the place became known as Vijayawada.
• The goddess is depicted with eight arms, each holding a powerful weapon, and standing over the demon Mahishasura.
• The temple’s exact origins are unknown, but it contains inscriptions from various dynasties. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra there.
• Malleswara Swamy’s shrine is located adjacent to the Kanaka Durga temple on the Indrakeeladri. Arjuna is believed to have installed Vijayeswara.
• Thribhuvana Malla, the Western Chalukya King of the tenth century, made significant contributions to the temple’s expansion.
• Navaratri, Saraswati puja, and Theppotsavam are the main festivals held at this temple. Thousands of devotees from across the state have gathered at the temple following a holy dip in the Krishna River.
• Adi-Sankaracharya visited the temple, installed the Srichakra, and began Kanaka Durga’s vedic work.
• The spiritual atmosphere of the temple provides peace to the hearts and minds of the devotees.

Festivals In Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada

• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct). The nine-day Navarathri festival culminates on Vijaya Dasami Day, when people worship arms and perform ayudha Pooja. Local chieftains used to throw lavish celebrations for the festival.
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).
• Diwali – Diwali is one of the most admired and auspicious festivals in the town.
• Mahashivratri– A grand fair is organized at the temple during the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

Best Time to Visit Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada

This place is heavenly and spiritual; you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How to Reach Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada

By Air: The nearest airport is Vijayawada International Airport, which is 25 km away.

By Railway:  The nearest railway station is Vijayawada Railway Station, which is 3 km away from the temple.

By Roadways: Vijaywada is well-connected by road, with numerous government and private buses operating to and from the town. To go to the temple. The nearest city is Vijaywada which is 6 km away from the temple.

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