Latest news with #KanakaDurga
Time of India
20-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kanaka Durga temple gears up for month-long Shravana Masam celebrations
Vijayawada: The iconic Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada is gearing up for the month-long Shravana Masam (Telugu month Shravanam) celebrations, scheduled from July 26 to August 24. Temple's executive officer (EO) Seena Nayak announced that elaborate arrangements are underway to facilitate smooth darshan and participation of thousands of devotees during the auspicious Telugu month. The EO highlighted that after Dasara, the Shravanam celebrations are the second-most significant festival at the temple. Special pujas will be held every Tuesday and Friday, with a major focus on the grand Varalakshmi Vratham . On the second Friday of Shravanam month, falling on August 8, the presiding deity, goddess Kanaka Durga, will be specially adorned in the form of goddess Varalakshmi, and the Varalakshmi Vratham will be performed in solitude within the sanctum. Around 40,000 devotees are expected for darshan that day and elaborate arrangements will be made. In a major attraction, the temple is organizing a free Varalakshmi Vratham on August 22, the fifth Friday of Shravan. This large-scale event is expected to draw nearly 2,000 women devotees. To manage the turnout effectively, prior registration has been made mandatory. All registered participants will receive free prasad and pooja material. The EO further stated that special festivities will be conducted from August 8 to 10, including garland offerings and traditional rituals. Another highlight is the Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, to be held on August 16, which includes elaborate pujas and a ceremonial cow worship in the evening. To ease crowd management, the temple authorities have urged devotees to book darshan tickets in advance and avoid last-minute rush during weekends and festival days. "We are committed to provide hassle free darshan to devotees. The auspicious month of Sravanam will be observed with utmost devotion. Entire schedule is confirmed following the suggestions of Vedic committee of the temple," said EO Seena Nayak
Time of India
14-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kanaka Durga temple to enhance fire safety measures
Vijayawada: In a proactive move to enhance safety at the Kanaka Durga temple at Indrakeeladri, temple authorities initiated comprehensive fire safety measures to protect the thousands of devotees who visit daily. Temple executive officer VK Seena Nayak held a crucial meeting with fire safety officials at the temple premises on Monday, following a written request seeking expert assistance to prevent fire accidents, especially in sensitive areas such as the Maha Mandapam, kitchens, and laddu and annadanam preparation zones. With daily footfalls running into thousands, and festival crowds expected to cross one lakh devotees, officials emphasised the urgent need for robust fire prevention strategies. A team of fire officers, along with the temple engineering staff, conducted a detailed inspection of the Indrakeeladri temple premises on July 11. The team submitted their findings and recommendations during Monday's meeting. Fire officials advised on critical safety enhancements, including the installation of fire extinguishers, emergency exit pathways, smoke detection systems, and upgraded wiring and electrical checks in high-risk zones such as the Maha Mandapam and the temple's kitchens. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo EO Seena Nayak assured that devotee safety is the top priority, especially given the temple's growing footfall during special occasions. He directed the engineering department to immediately float tenders for implementing the fire safety upgrades as recommended by the fire officials. He also reiterated the temple's commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for pilgrims who visit the Goddess with deep devotion. With these steps, the Durga temple administration hopes to not only safeguard devotees but also set a benchmark in temple safety management across the region.
New Indian Express
11-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Devotees perform Giri Pradakshina at Durga temple on Guru Purnima
VIJAYAWADA: Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam (SDMSD) organised the sacred Giri Pradikshina around Indrakeeladri Hill on the occasion of Aashada Pournami and Guru Purnima on Thursday. Devotees from across Vijayawada and neighbouring areas thronged the Kanaka Durga temple to take part in the ritual. Temple Executive Officer (EO) V.K. Seena Naik, along with his family, offered special prayers and ceremonially broke a coconut to commence the event. Devotees, chanting hymns in praise of Goddess Durga, offered coconuts to Goddess Kamadhenu Kanaka Durga at the temple's toll gate and began their 7-km trek around the hill. The Giri Pradikshina route covered Kummaripalem Centre, Nalugu Satambala Centre, Vidyadharapuram, Sitara Junction, Milk Project, Chitti Nagar, and Brahmin Street before returning to Indrakeeladri. Thousands participated in the spiritual procession, offering prayers to Goddess Kanaka Durga and Lord Malleswara Swamy. The temple town was filled with festive fervour as pilgrims walked with devotion. The programme was designed by the temple authorities and the Vedic Committee, inspired by the Tiruvannamalai Girivalam tradition. 'Circumambulating Indrakeeladri on a full moon day is believed to fulfill wishes, as celestial deities are said to dwell here on this auspicious day,' EO Seena Naik said. The procession was enriched with devotional music, thappeta and kolatam folk dances, bhajans, and Vedic chants, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Guru Purnima, Shakambari festival celebrations attract thousands
Vijayawada: was celebrated with immense spiritual fervour and devotion across Vijayawada on Thursday. Temples witnessed a massive influx of devotees who participated in special rituals and festivals marking the auspicious occasion. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Sai Baba Temple at Mutyalampadu saw thousands of devotees throng its premises in the early hours to take part in the sacred Abhishekam ritual. The temple resonated with chants and spiritual hymns as the faithful paid their respects to Sai Baba, expressing gratitude on this traditional day dedicated to gurus. Meanwhile, the three-day Shakambari festival concluded at the famed Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam. On the final day, goddess Kanaka Durga was adorned in Shakambari Devi attire, draped in leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits, symbolising her role as the nurturer of vegetation. Thousands of pilgrims were delighted to witness the goddess in this rare form. To mark the occasion, the sanctum sanctorum was artistically decorated with farm produce, giving it a vibrant, earthy look. Vedic scholars conducted Satha Chandi Yagam and Poornahuti, invoking blessings for prosperity and good rains. As part of the celebration, over 12,000 devotees were served 'Kadambham', a special dish prepared with fresh vegetables and dal. Pilgrims praised the smooth arrangements. "Despite the heavy crowd, I had darshan in just 40 minutes," said K Nagaraju from Paruchuru, Prakasam district. Durga temple executive officer Seenanayak expressed joy over the festival's success and thanked staff and volunteers for their efforts. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Special shirga darshan was arranged to manage the heavy footfall, while prasadam counters distributed decorated vegetables to eager devotees. At the Malleswara Swamy temple (Shivalayam), Rudra Abhishekam and special prayers were conducted as part of Guru Purnima rituals. Meanwhile, the Shakambari festival at Sri Bhramaramba Malleswara Swamy Temple in Srisailam also concluded, with Vedic rituals praying for good rainfall and a bountiful harvest.
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Grand ‘Ashadha Purnima' celebrations held at Indrakeeladri
The Indrakeeladri, abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga, resonated with devotion and vibrant cultural fervour on the occasion of 'Ashadha Purnima', as thousands of devotees participated in the 'Giri Pradakshina' organised by the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam, here on Thursday. The goddess was adorned in a splendid 'Swarna Kavacha' (golden armour) and appeared to devotees in the form of Sakambari Devi, decorated with a variety of dry and fresh fruits, and vegetables. The temple's senior priest, Shivaprasad, alongside the vedic committee, and other archakas, performed the 'Saptashati Homam', 'Maha Vidya Parayanam', 'Shanti Paushtika Homam', and 'Kushmanda Bali'. Speaking on the occasion, temple executive officer V.K. Seena Naik said that prayers were offered for timely rains, bountiful harvest, and the prosperity of the nation and the State. Over the three days — from July 8 to 10— approximately 36 tonnes of vegetables, fruits, and dry fruits were used to decorate the sanctum sanctorum and sub-shrines. Devotees were offered 'Kadambam prasadam', prepared with vegetables, free of cost throughout the celebrations. As part of 'Guru Purnima', also known as 'Vyasa Purnima', a special felicitation ceremony was held honouring spiritual teachers and Vedic scholars. Those felicitated included: Tangirala Venkateswara Ghanapati, vedic scholar from the Devasthanam; Shankaramanchi Shivaprasad, senior chief priest of the temple; Ahitagni Guntur Sri Ramachandra Somayajulu, vedic scholar from Krishnalanka. Mr. Seena Naik, along with his spouse, initiated the 'pradakshina' with special pujas and coconut breaking rituals. Devotional fervour marked the procession with performances of 'Kolatam' (traditional stick dance), bhajans, sankeertanas, cultural presentations, and vedic chants by scholars. The route passed through Ghat Road temple, Kummaripalem Centre, Vidyadharapuram, Milk Factory, Chittinagar, Kothapet, Brahmin Street, and culminated at Indrakeeladri, with thousands of devotees walking in reverence and seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga and Lord Malleshwara. In conjunction with the full moon day, the temple witnessed the conclusion of the three-day 'Mahapurnahuti celebrations. The events included Kalashodvasana, Marjanam, Prasadam distribution, and the ceremonial conclusion (Utsava Samapti) of the festivities.
