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Kanaka Durga Temple

Vijayawada, Krishna, Andhra Pradesh
Goddess Kanaka Durga
More in Andhra Pradesh

Type

Hindu Temple

Deity

Goddess Kanaka Durga

Pincode

520001

A hilltop shrine on Indrakeeladri hill overlooking the Krishna River in Vijayawada, dedicated to Goddess Durga in her Kanakadurga form. Legend holds that the sage Indrakeeladri performed penance here for the goddess to reside on the hill, and its annual Dasara festivities draw enormous crowds.

History & Significance

Significance

Kanaka Durga Temple at Vijayawada is one of the most visited shrines in Andhra Pradesh and one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga — a fierce form of the Mother Goddess seated on the Indrakeeladri Hill beside the Krishna River. The goddess is believed to have slain the demons Mahishasura and Surapadman here. The Vijayawada Dasara is one of the grandest in South India.

History

The temple is ancient, with references in texts like the Durgabhaktitarangini. The current temple structure was expanded and renovated multiple times. During the Vijayanagara Empire, the temple received royal patronage. The Bezawada (Vijayawada) region — named after the Goddess Vijaya — has been a significant religious centre since at least the 9th century CE.

The demon Mahishasura's brother, after Mahishasura's defeat, took the form of an invincible demon called Kiratasura. He obtained a boon from Brahma and began to terrorise the world. Lord Shiva and Vishnu fought him but failed. The Goddess Durga, called upon by all the gods, manifested on Indrakeeladri Hill and slew the demon. As a reward, the gods asked her to remain permanently on the hill to protect the world.

Architecture

The temple is situated on Indrakeeladri Hill (50 metres above the Krishna River), with the city of Vijayawada visible in all directions. The main sanctum is carved into the rocky hill. The 7-storey gopuram is a prominent landmark visible from across the city. A ropeway connects the base to the hilltop. The Kanaka Durga idol inside is adorned with magnificent gold and diamond jewellery.

Plan Your Circuit

Nearby Temples

Closest temples by distance — worth combining into the same trip.

Narasimha

A unique hilltop Narasimha temple where the deity is offered jaggery water (panaka/panakam) instead of milk — the Lord is said to drink the panaka directly and the quantity offered is always consumed. The temple sits atop a conical hill with 1,200 steps; a ropeway is also available.

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Shiva

The ancient Amaravathi site on the Krishna river is both a Buddhist Maha Stupa (2nd century BCE) and the location of the Amareswara (Shiva) Pancharama Kshetra. The Archaeological Museum here houses some of the finest Buddhist sculptures in Asia. A dual heritage of Buddhist and Hindu significance.

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