Kanaka Durga Temple, Indrakeeladri

Sthala Puranam

Demons had become a menace and the people could not bear them. The sage Indrakila did severe penance. When the Goddess appeared, he asked her to live on his head and protect the people from wicked demons.

She made Indrakila's hill her home and killed the demon Mahishasura, freeing the people of Vijayawada from fear.

Tradition also links the hill with Arjuna, who is said to have prayed to Shiva here. 'Vijayawada' is read as the 'place of victory'.

Speciality

• The temple stands on Indrakeeladri hill above the Krishna river.
• During Dasara (Navaratri) the Goddess is decorated in a different form each day, with a Chandi homam and a boat festival (Teppotsavam) on the river.
• Bhavani devotees take a diksha (vow) and wear red in the cool months, ending with a pilgrimage here.

Festivals

• Dasara / Navaratri (September–October)
• Teppotsavam (boat festival)
• Bhavani Deeksha (December)

How to reach

Before you go

• Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
• Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
• Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
• Dasara days are extremely crowded. Special darshan tickets, where offered, are sold at the temple's own counters.

Prayers for this temple

• Durga Gayatri
• Durga Chalisa
• Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu
• Devi Suktam