Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple or Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy or Indrakeeladri Temple is a famous Shakthi temple situated on the top of Indrakiladri hill on the banks of the Krishna River Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The temple can be reached by steps or by road.
The presiding deities are Sri Kanakadurgeswari (Parvati) and Sri Malleswara Swamy (Lord Shiva). It is believed that this self-manifested deity is considered very powerful. Kanaka Durga’s 4ft tall idol with eight arms, each holding a weapon, standing on top of Demon King Mahishasura and piercing him with her trident is an example of beauty and courage. The idol is beautifully decorated with glittering ornaments and flowers. It is believed that the great scholar and sage Adi Shankara visited here and installed the Sri Chakra in this temple.
Dussehra is celebrated for 10 days and the idol is beautifully decorated with vegetables, fruits and and Bangles. A huge number of devotees visit Goddess Durga temple to seek Maa’s blessings. Kesa kanda is performed at Kalyana Katta from 6.30 AM To 5.30 PM.
Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple Timings:
Free / Dharma Darshanam:
4:00 AM to 6:00 AM
7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
12:15 PM to 04:00 PM
6:15 PM to 10:00 PM
Mukamandapam Darshanam:
5:00 AM to 5:45 PM
6:15 PM to 10:00 PM
Antharalaya Darshanam:
5:00 AM to 5:45 PM
5:00 AM to 6:00 AM
7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
12:15 PM to 04:00 PM
6:15 PM to 10:00 PM
6:45 AM to 04:45 PM
Swarna Pushpaarchana (in 6th floor)
7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Shivaarchana:
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Every Day 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM Kadgamalarchana Pooja
Every Day 11.45 AM to 12:15 PM no darshan for Sri Ammavari Mahanivedana.
Every Day 5.45 PM to 6:30 PM no darshan for Sri Ammavari Pancha Harathulu.
Every Day 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM, 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM Trikalarchana.
Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple Timings:
4:00 am to 6:30 pm and 6:45 pm to 10:00 pm (Free Darshanam)
5:00 am to 11:30 am (Sri Malleswara Swamy Abhisekam)
Every Day 6:30 pm to 6:45 pm halt for Sri Malleswara Swamy Vari Pancha Harathulu
Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple History:
The temple of Devi Kanaka Durga has more than one legend about its origin and history. One legend says that this region was once strewn with mighty rocks which inhibited the flow of the Krishna River, thereby leaving this area uninhabitable. To put an end to this problem, Lord Shiva was called upon who directed the hills to make way for the unobstructed flow of the river. The flow of the river gained strength through the tunnels or “Bejjam”, and hence the name Bezawada was born, which later got modified to Vijayawada.
Another myth claims that Arjuna prayed to Lord Shiva on the top of the Indrakeela Hill for winning his blessings and he was successful in passing the test that Lord Shiva had posed for him and gifted the middle Pandava with Pasupat weapon, and hence the name Vijayawada was coined.
The most famous one obviously has Goddess Durga at its centre. It has two versions. One follows that the goddess visited the mountaintop where the temple is perched upon being worshipped and called by sage Indrakila, who is the inspiration behind the name of the hill range. The sage was tormented by the increasing menace of demons, led by Mahishasura and Durga responded to his plea, slew the demon king and made Indrakeeladri her permanent abode.
Another one is that a Yaksha by the name Keela got a boon from Devi Durga that she would always remain in his heart. Granting him the boon, she said that he would be a mountain and she would perch in the temple nestled within the mountain range when the time comes. After killing Mahishasura, she kept her promise and made her home at Indrakeeladri.
Indrakeeladri Temple Prasadam:
Free Prasadam is offered to all devotees from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Daddhojanam, Kattu Pongali, Pulihora, Bellam Pongali and Sanagalu are offered.
Daddhojanam is offered to the night halt pilgrims at 9:00 PM.
Kanaka Durgamma Temple Anna Prasadam:
Anna Prasadam’s timings are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Pulihora, Rice, Pappu (Dal), Curry, Chutney, Sambar, Buttermilk, and Bellam Pongal is the menu.
How to reach Kanaka Durgamma Temple:
By Air:
Vijayawada International Airport is the nearest airport which is 22 km, Private Taxis are available to reach the temple.
By Rail:
Vijayawada railway station is just 5.6 km from the temple. Private Taxis and Autos are available to reach the temple.
By Road:
Vijayawada is well connected with all major cities in Telangana, Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Private Taxis and Autos are available to reach the temple.
Indrakeeladri Temple Address:
Indrakeeladri,
Mallikarjunapeta,
Durga Temple Ghat Road,
Durga Agraharam,
Vijayawada,
Andhra Pradesh – 520001.
Toll-free Number: 1800 425 9099