Latest news with #KanakaDurga
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Kanaka Durga temple will conduct re-consecration of ‘Navagraha Mandapam' from June 3, says Executive Officer
Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasathanam will conduct the re-consecration (punah prathistha) of the 'Navagraha Mandapam' atop Indrakeeladri, the abode of goddess Kanaka Durga, on June 3, 4 and 5. Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Kanaka Durga temple Executive Officer V.K. Seena Naik said that the temple management is aiming to complete the Annadanam Building and Laddu Preparation Unit to operationalise them by Dasara. The Stone Yagasala and Puja Mandapams will be made available by the month of Shravan. Buses will be arranged from the Bus Station, Railway Station, and Punnami Ghat to Indrakeeladri Hill for devotees' convenience. Steps are being taken to resolve traffic issues on the hill, he said. The EO said that the temple has chalked out plans for the expansion of Durga Ghat. Measures are being taken to expand and further develop Durga Ghat. Referring to the parking arrangement, he said that a 4-acre holding area is being developed near Seethamma Vari Paadalu for vehicles. If necessary, an additional holding area will be arranged at the TTD site, near Kummari Palem Centre. VIP darshan Mr. Seena Naik said that the temple is regulating the VIP darshan atop Indrakeealdri. The VIP darshans are suspended daily from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. due to Naivedyam (offering to the Goddess). It was personally observed that halting the queue during this time caused inconvenience to elderly, disabled persons, and children. Hence, VIP darshan timings are being regularised. A detailed format is being used to collect information regarding VIP visitors for darshan, he added.
New Indian Express
21-04-2025
- New Indian Express
Daylight theft at Kanaka Durga temple raises security concerns
VIJAYAWADA: A daylight theft at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam (SDMSD) atop Indrakeeladri has raised serious concerns over poor security and lack of full-time CCTV surveillance. A family from Hyderabad, travelling to Amalapuram for a wedding, parked their car near the Om turning point and went for darshan of presiding deity Kanaka Durga. Upon returning, they found the car door open and gold ornaments weighing around 20 grams, worth Rs 3 lakh, missing from their luggage. The family alerted security personnel and checked CCTV footage but found that the location had no surveillance cameras. They later lodged a complaint with One Town Police, who registered a case and began investigation. Inspector Guru Prakash of One Town Police said that based on initial investigation, the accused likely conducted a recce and targeted the car parked in an unsecured zone. A Clues team collected forensic evidence from the scene. The incident has triggered concerns among devotees, who urged the temple authorities to strengthen surveillance and deploy adequate security staff to prevent such incidents. In 2021, the State police geo-tagged 58,871 temples across all 26 districts and carried out security audits. Temple protection committees were also formed involving locals to safeguard religious premises. A senior temple official, speaking anonymously, said most audit recommendations remain unimplemented due to administrative delays. 'Only 20 per cent of the temple area is under CCTV surveillance,' the official said. Devotees have demanded round-the-clock monitoring and swift execution of proposed security upgrades to ensure safety of pilgrims and their belongings.
