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Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
Kanaka Durga temple to streamline VIP darshan protocol, privilege darshans to reduce congestion
Vijayawada: Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam (SDMSD) temple executive officer (EO) VK Seena Nayak said that the temple body will start streamlining the VIP protocol darshan and privilege darshans between 11 am and 1:30 pm, when the rush of common devotees is usually high in the general and free darshan queue lines at the temple premises. Addressing the media on Monday, EO Seena Nayak said that the temple authorities have expedited various ongoing development works, including the construction of the Annadanam complex and Laddu Potu, which are being built on war footing to be completed before the upcoming Dasara festivities. Speaking on the occasion, the EO informed that the reconsecration ritual of the newly constructed Navagraha Mandapam will be held for three days on June 3, 4, and 5, following the advice of the Vaidika committee members at the temple premises. Pointing to the increasing parking woes atop Indrakeeladri, the EO said that the temple administration has readied a four-acre parking area for devotees in front of the VMC office. Additionally, plans are afoot to utilise the two-acre land belonging to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) near Punnami Ghat for parking. The EO added that the temple administration will operate free bus services from the two parking areas to the temple premises. Subsequently, the EO elaborated that the temple administration is planning to develop Durga Ghat by expanding the right side of the ghat to provide a better experience for devotees taking a holy dip in the river.
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.
