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Andhra Pradesh Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada
Kanaka Durga temple is one of the most visited pilgrim centers of India. This holy pilgrimage is located in Vijayawada, on the top of the hill, Indrakeeladri hill and on the banks of the holy river, Krishna river in Andhra Pradesh. The temple has been dedicated to one of the most revered goddesses of the city, Goddess Kanaka Durga. As per the records in our Vedas, the temple underwent a self-origin or in other words is self-manifested by the interferences of supernatural forces and hence is called “Swayambhu’. Inside the realms of the temple, there is a huge and enchanting statue of the deity which measures around 4 feet in height and is beautifully adorned with precious ornaments. The statue of the deity is shown as an epitome of power with eight hands and each one of the hands is holding a potent weapon, symbolizing destructor of demons and evil people on earth.
History
According to the legend, an ardent shaakteya devotee by the name Indrakeela wanted to force himself into penance for the evils he had committed in the past. He requested the Goddess Durga to appear and help him give the right punishment. The Goddess appeared and ordered him to assume the form of a huge mountain, now called, The Indrakeeladri Hills. She killed the Mahishaasura and resided on the newly formed mountain. The other popular legend says that once many Gods and Goddesses appeared in their supernatural form in front of the Durga devi and requested her to end the havocs of the powerful demon, Durgama. After killing the demon, she appeared in golden colour, since then she has been popularly called the Kanaka (golden) Durga.
How to Reach
By Air
The temple can be conveniently reached by air. The nearest airport is Gannavaram located at a distance of around 30 km from Vijayawada. After reaching the airport, devotees can take cabs or auto-rickshaws that can easily take you to your divine destination.
By Bus
The bus station that is nearest to the temple is the Vijayawada bus station. On alighting the bus, there is a long stretch of the Ghat road that ends right in front of the temple. You can either choose to travel this distance by foot or take a taxi or an auto plying between the bus stand and the temple.
By Rail
Vijayawada is the nearest railway station near the temple. On reaching the railway station, you can take a taxi or an auto to reach your destination.
Significance
The temple is an epitome of power. It is believed that that many deities like Brahma, Rudra, Vishnu, Parashurama, Indra, Rama, Krishna, Bharadwaaja, Agastya, Markandeya, Aadishankaraacharya, Paandavaas and Sri Krishnadevaraya together worshipped the Goddess Kanak Durgaon this place where the temple is located. Her original avatar that was given the shape of a statue was in the divinely form of Mahishasuramardini. In previous years, the statue form of the Goddess in this temple was popularly worshipped by the Vamachara devotees. They conducted many animal sacrifices to please the Goddess.
Accomodation
The city of the temple, Vijayawada is adequately facilitated with comfortable boarding facilities for the tourists. In fact, the committee looking after the maintenance of the temple makes good staying and eating arrangements for the tourists and countless devotees from all over India who pay visit to the divine Goddess every day.
Time to Visit
The best time to visit the temple is during the month of ChaitraShuddhaPournami. It is during this auspicious time that the ceremony of VasantaKalyanam is performed by devotees to please the Goddess.
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