Kanaka Durga Temple

Kanaka Durga Temple

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Located on Indrakeeladri hill on the banks of the river Krishna, the famous Kanaka Durga Temple is synonymous with the city of Vijayawada. Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence is the presiding deity of Vijayawada and is said to bestow her devotees with health, wealth and prosperity. Several legends abound regarding the beginnings of this region. Legend has it that the now verdant Vijayawada was once a rocky uncultivable region with hillocks obstructing the flow of River Krishna. On Invocation to Lord Shiva, He directed the hills to give way to river Krishna and lo behold! the river started flowing unimpeded through the tunnels or "Bejjam" bored into the hills by the Lord. Bezawada derives its name from this miracle. Another legend tells of how Arjuna obtained the Pasupatha astra after great penance to Lord Shiva. The temple was constructed by Arjuna for Goddess Durga. The popular legend is that Goddess Kanaka Durga triumphed over and defeated the demon king Mahishasura. At the Kanaka Durga temple, the enchanting four-foot tall deity is bedecked in beautiful ornaments and sweet smelling flowers and is in a standing posture over the fallen demon Mahishashura, piercing him with her trident, her eight arms holding eight powerful weapons. The goddess is the epitome of fierce beauty. Devotees who throng the temple from all over India are blessed with a glimpse of the powerful idol even before they enter the sanctum sanctorum. The temple occupies an important place in the scriptures. The Vedas mention that the deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is 'Swayambhu' or self-manifested , hence making the region a place of unequalled spiritual significance and attracting pilgrims since time immemorial. You will come across inscriptions of different dynasties here. A short walk brings you to the shrine of Malleswara Swamy. As you climb up the hill, you will come across small images of different deities.