Kanaka Durga temple, Vijayawada

Kanaka Durga temple is a famous Hindu Temple of Goddess Kanaka Durga located Vijayawada is also known as Bezawada / Vijaywada. The temple is located on the Indrakeeladri hill, on the banks of Krishna River.

The temple constructed by the ever-great warrior in the epic Mahabharatha Arjuna as per the legends, encloses the captivating a massive 4 ft high idol of Durga in a standing position overcoming the demon Mahishasura depicting the scene of piercing him with her trident. The idol is in position of eight powerful weapons in her eight hands and is adorned with splendid ornaments and beautiful flowers.

ETYMOLOGY:

Vijayawada is mentioned in legends and myths. It is believed that Lord Shiva blessed Arjuna, great warrior of epic Mahabharatha, locating at the top of a hill known as lndrakeeladri and Arjuna created Vijayawada. Another myth states that Goddess Durga relaxed in this holy place after destroying a Rakshasha and hence the name Land (in Telugu wada) of Victory (in Telugu Vijayam) that is Vijayawada.

HISTORY:

It was built after 12th century by Maharaja Poosapati Madhava Varma, the ancestor of Vijayanagaram Poosapati Kings, according to History. He is the builder of Modern Vijayawada kingdom.

FESTIVALS:

Vasantotsava, Dussehra and Shivratri are the important festivals celebrated here. Numerous devotees from and around the city visit here during the Dussehra festival, to offer prayers and request for the blessings of Durga.

VISITING PLACES:

• This place attracts lots of tourists, main tourist attractions are Undavalli Caves, Prakasam Barrage, Gandhi Stupa on Gandhi Hill, The Mogalarajapuram Caves and Kanakadurga Temple.
• Vijayawada is well connected to nearby tourist attractions like Amaravati, Namburu, Kuchipudi, Kondapalli, Gudivada, Chodavaram, Krishna district, Undavalli caves and Machilipatnam.

HOW TO REACH KANAKA DURGAMMA TEMPLE?

The temple is just a 10 minutes drive from the railway station and Bus stand and about 20 km from airport. Vijayawada is well connected by road, rail and air from all parts of the country.

By Bus:

• APSRTC buses connect Vijayawada with all other cities in Andhra Pradesh. Many tourist bus service providers offer deluxe, super deluxe and A/C bus services from Vijayawada to many major cities in South and Central India, including Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bangalore and Mumbai.

By Rail:

• Vijayawada is an important railway Station on the Chennai - Delhi rail route. The station is connected to all railway stations in India. Regular train services are available from Vijayawada to Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, chennai and other places of India.

By Air

• Vijayawada airport is located at Gannavaram, which is about 20 km away from the city.
• Regular flights services are available from Vijayawada to Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.
• International travelers have to get connecting flights from Hyderabad.
• Taxi services are available from Airport to the city, costing about Rs 400.