Kanaka Durga Temple
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Through Andhra Pradesh, India and Saraswati
Goddess legend
The popular legend is about the triumph of Kanaka Durga over the demon King Mahishasura. It is said that the growing menace of demons became unbearable for the natives. Sage Indrakila practiced severe penance, and when the goddess appeared the sage pleaded to her to reside on his head and keep a vigil on the wicked demons. As per his wishes of killing the demons, Durga made Indrakila her permanent abode. Later, she also slayed the demon king Mahishasura freeing the people of Vijayawada from evil.
At the Kanaka Durga temple, the enchanting 4-foot-high (1.2 m) icon of the deity is bedecked in glittering ornaments and bright flowers. Her icon here depicts her eight-armed form, each holding a powerful weapon, in a standing posture over the demon Mahishashura and piercing him with her trident. The goddess is the epitome of beauty.
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Sub-shrines
Other than Kanaka Durga, more deities are housed within the temple complex. Those deities include Malleswara Swamy, Nataraja and Kartikeya, Valli and Devasena. Malleswara and Nataraja Swamy's shrines are located at the northeast corner of the temple, while Subramanya, Valli, and Devasena are located on the north side of the main temple. Hanuman is the kshetrapalaka (guardian) of the temple, and behind him, there is Aparajitha Devi. Both are located on the temple's backside and in the direction facing Devi. When you go up the hill, there will be Shrines of Abhaya Anjaneya and Kamadhenu Devi.
Worship
Kanaka Durga Temple is synonymous with Vijayawada. It is mentioned in the sacred texts.
It is mentioned in the Hindu scriptures that the deity in the Sri Kanaka Durgamma Devasthanam is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manifested, hence considered very powerful.
During the month of Sraavanam, Varalakshmi Vratam is performed on all Fridays with special reverence. More than 20,000 people attends the celebrations during this month.
Special pujas are performed during Dasara also called Navaratri. The festival of Dasara is celebrated here in this temple every year. A large number of pilgrims attend the colourful celebrations and take a holy dip in the Krishna River. Ten forms of Kanaka Durga are worshipped in the period of 10 days (Nine days of Navratri and one day of Dussehra). The ten forms are:
- Swarna Kavachalankrita Durga
- Bala Tripurasundari
- Annapurna
- Gayatri
- Lalita Tripura Sundari
- Saraswati
- Mahalakshmi, she is adorned as Mahalaxmi on the seventh day
- Durga
- Mahishasura Mardini
- Raja Rajeswari Devi
Inscriptions of different dynasties are found in the temple.
Transport
Located in the heart of Vijayawada city, the temple is just a 10 minutes drive from the railway station and Bus stand and about 20 km from airport. Temple buses are available at bus stand and railway station for every 20 minutes. Vijayawada is located 275 kilometers from Hyderabad. It is well connected by road, rail and air from all parts of the country.
Sakambhari festival
The annual Sakambhari festival is celebrated in Ashadha month with deep piety and ceremonies. During the three-day-long festival, Kanaka Durga assumes the form of Sakambhari or Banasankari Amma of the Banashankari Amma Temple, wherein prayers are offered to the Goddess to bless all vegetables, agriculture, and food so that they are plentiful and capable of nourishing the multitude. Sakambari festival is celebrated from Sukla Paksha Thrayodashi to Purnima, of Ashadha month every year. Goddess Sakambhari temple is situated in Shivalik Mountain range near to Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.