Kanaka Durga Temple

Kanaka Durga is the Goddess of power, riches and benevolence. The small but ancient temple of Kanaka Durga, a top the Indra keeladri hill on the banks of the Sacred river Krishna in Vijayawada abounds with legends of historical interest is visited by lakhs of pilgrims for worship during the Navaratri festival which is celebrated with religious fervor, pomp and festivity. Kaalika purana, Durga Sapthashati and other vedic literature have mentioned about Goddess Kanaka Durga on the Indrakeelaadri and have described the deity as Swayambhu, (self-manifested) in Triteeya kalpa.

Indra keeladri is unique in that it has been the chosen abode of Kanaka Durga and her consort Malleswara as Swayambhu (the self-existent one). Here Durga is one the right side of Malleswara as against the tradition of Goddesses taking their position on the left of their consorts. This shows that Shakti is predominant on the Indrakeeladri.

Legend has it that the demons acquired great powers by appeasing the Gods and began harassing the sages on the earth. Goddess Parvathi assumed various forms to kill these demons. It was Kausiki to kill Sumbhu and Nisambhu, Mahishasur mardini to kill Mahishasura and Durga to kill Durgamasura. Kanaka Durga, also an incarnation was called so because she was aglow with golden hues. When the relieved sages prayed Her to stay on earth and bless them. Kanaka Durga asked Keeludu an ardent devotee to take the form of hill to enable Her stay on him. Thus Keeladri became the abode of Durga. She took the form of Mahishasur Mardini with eight arms holding different weapons, riding on a lion and trampling Mahishasura on the hill of Indrakeeladri. Her consort Shiva took his place on an adjacent hill rock as Jyotirlinga. He was worshipped by Deity Brahma with jasmine flowers whereby he got the name of Malleswara Swamy. As celestial beings like Indra visited the place, the hill came to be called Indrakeeladri.

Adi-Shankaracharya visited the temple and installed the Srichakra and initiated workship of Kanaka Durga in vedic ways.

Located in the heart of Vijayawada city, the temple is just a 10 minutes drive from the railway station and Bus stand and about 20km from airport. Vijayawada is located 275 kilometers from Hyderabad. It is well connected by road rail and air from all parts of the country