Grand ‘Ashadha Purnima' celebrations held at Indrakeeladri
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
7 days ago
- 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
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- The Hindu
Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada announces schedule of Sravanam month rituals
Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam, Indrakeeladri, has announced a schedule of special religious programmes throughout August 2025, marking the auspicious Sravanam month of the Sri Vishwavasu Nama Samvatsaram. The temple authorities have made elaborate arrangements for key events including Pavitrotsavams from August 8 to 10, Varalakshmi Vratamon August 8, Samoohika Varalakshmi Vratam on August 22, and Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, featuring the traditional 'Utti Kottu' (pot-breaking ceremony) on August 16. The temple priests will conduct the Pavitrotsavams from August 8–10 with the traditional Trayahnika Deeksha to promote universal well-being and to atone for both known and unknown ritual lapses. Rituals including Udhaka Shanti, Ganapati Puja, Mandap Aradhana, Homas, and Vedaparayanam will be performed in the Yagasala. The three-day event will conclude with Poornahuti and other rites. During these three days, all paid (Arjitha) services—both in-person and virtual—will be suspended. However, daily rituals for the main and sub-temple deities will continue in private, performed by temple priests. On August 8, Varalakshmi Vratam will be observed in Ekantam (privately) by the temple priests. The presiding deity in the main temple will be adorned as Sri Varalakshmi Devi for the occasion. To enable women devotees to participate in the sacred ritual, a Samoohika Varalakshmi Vratam will be held on August 22, the fifth Friday of Sravanam, at the 6th floor of Sri Mallikharjuna Maha Mandapam in two batches. The first session, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., will be a paid service (₹1,500 per participant), while the second, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., will be conducted free of cost. Applications for the free Vratam will be accepted from August 18 at the temple's toll-free counter during working hours. Only one woman per application will be permitted. Participants will receive prasadam kits containing 150g kumkum, blouse piece, bangles, laddu, pulihora, poornam, and Shakti kankanam. Women performing the Vratam will be allowed darshan of the Goddess through a special queue. On Sri Krishna Janmashtami, August 16, celebrations will begin at 8 a.m. with Sri Krishna Puja and Go Puja at Ashirvachana Mandapam. A religious discourse by temple scholars will be held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by the vibrant Utti Kottu festivities from 6:30 p.m. onwards, near the 7th floor of the Sri Mallikharjuna Maha Mandapam, in front of the Rajagopuram.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- 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.
