Kanaka Durga Temple :

Kanaka Durga Temple :
Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence is considered the presiding deity of Vijayawada. The temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is regarded as `Swayambhu` or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful. It is said that `Adi Shankara` visited this temple and installed the `Sri Chakra` here. About the origin of the temple, there are several versions. Legends are many, but claims are contradictory. Mata Kanaka Durga, according to one Purana emerged into this world by the power of penance of `Sailasakthui`, a manifestation of Indrakila hill itself to relieve the people from `Asura` menace.

And another version affirms that this holy shrine is one among the eighteen `Shakthipeethas` and she is one of the forms of Sakthi. `Padma Purana` proclaims that Kanaka Durga is a manifestation of Parvati. Such accounts are countless, all eulogizing her glory through several legends. The most popular legend is about the triumph of Goddess Kanaka Durga over the demon king `Mahishasura`. It is said that once upon a time, the growing menace of demons became unendurable for the natives living in this region. The sage `Indrakila`, did severe penance to appease Goddess Kanaka Durga. Pleased, She asked him to spell out his desire. The sage begged Her to reside on his head and keep a vigil on the wicked demons and punish them for robbing the peace of the innocent people. His wish was granted and after killing the demons, Goddess Durga made Indrakila her permanent abode. She later slayed the demon king Mahishasura, freeing the people of Vijayawada from the clutches of evil.

On the way to the Kanakadurga Temple are the rock-cut caves dedicated to Akkana and Madanna, who were ministers in the court of Abdul Hasan Tanashah in the 17th century. A short distance away is another cave that dates back to the 2nd century BC, which hosts the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. Kanaka Durga and Vijayawada are synonymous with each other. Every visitor to Vijayawada, however, busy he may be, never goes back without offering prayers to this goddess. Her devotees believe that when the level of the Krishna River rises and touches the nose ring of the goddess that would be the end of the world.