Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple – Sacred Gateway to Shakti in Andhra Pradesh

The Kanaka Durga Temple, officially known as Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga. It is located atop Indrakeeladri Hill on the banks of the Krishna River in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.

Sub-Deities

Malleswara Swamy: A form of Lord Shiva, worshiped alongside Goddess Durga.

Nataraja Swamy: A representation of Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer, symbolizing creation and destruction.
Subramanya Swamy: Also known as Kartikeya, the son of Shiva and Parvati, revered as the god of war.
Valli & Devasena: The consorts of Lord Subramanya, representing devotion and strength.
Hanuman: The Kshetrapalaka (guardian deity) of the temple, ensuring protection and divine energy.
Aparajitha Devi: A powerful goddess located behind Hanuman, facing Goddess Durga.

Highlights

Sacred Location: Situated atop Indrakeeladri Hill, overlooking the Krishna River, offering breathtaking views.
Navaratri Celebrations: The temple is renowned for its Dasara Navaratri festival, where the goddess is adorned in different forms each day.
Self-Manifested Deity: The idol of Kanaka Durga is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), making it a powerful spiritual center.
Architectural Marvel: The temple follows Dravidian architecture, with intricate carvings and a towering Rajagopuram.

Legends

Mahishasura Mardini: The temple is linked to the legend of Goddess Durga slaying the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Arjuna’s Penance: According to the Mahabharata, Arjuna performed penance on Indrakeeladri Hill, where Lord Shiva granted him the Pasupatastra (divine weapon).
Sage Keeludu’s Devotion: The hill is named after Sage Keeludu, who prayed for the goddess to reside there permanently, leading to her manifestation.
Krishna River’s Blessing: The temple’s proximity to the Krishna River enhances its spiritual significance, as devotees believe bathing in the river purifies the soul.

Rituals

Suprabhata Seva: Early morning prayers to awaken the goddess.
Sahasranama Archana: Chanting of 1000 names of Goddess Durga.
Kumkum Archana: Devotees offer vermilion to seek blessings.
Navagraha Puja: Worship of the nine planetary deities.
Annadanam: Free meal service for devotees, a sacred tradition.

Major Festivals

Navaratri (Dasara): The most grand celebration, where the goddess is adorned in different forms each day.
Vasanthotsavam: A spring festival marking renewal and prosperity.
Teppotsavam: A floating festival where the deity is taken on a boat procession in the Krishna River.
Pushpayagam: A floral offering ritual symbolizing devotion.
Parinayotsavam: A divine wedding ceremony of the goddess.

Temple Timings

Opens: 4:00 AM
Closes: 10:00 PM

Darshan Timings

Dharma Darshanam:

4:00 AM – 6:00 AM
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
12:15 PM – 4:00 PM
6:15 PM – 10:00 PM

Mukamandapam Darshanam:

5:00 AM – 5:45 PM
6:15 PM – 10:00 PM

Antharalaya Darshanam:

5:00 AM – 6:00 AM
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
12:15 PM – 4:00 PM
6:15 PM – 10:00 PM

Special Pujas & Sevas

Swarna Pushpaarchana (6th Floor): 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Shivaarchana: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Kadgamalarchana Pooja in Antharalayam: 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM
Sri Ammavari Mahanivedana Halt: 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Sri Ammavari Pancha Harathulu Halt: 5:45 PM – 6:30 PM
Trikalarchana in Antharalayam:

6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple

Free Darshanam:

4:00 AM – 6:30 PM
6:45 PM – 10:00 PM

Abhishekam: 5:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Pancha Harathulu Halt: 5:45 PM – 6:30 PM

Major Sevas & Rituals

Sri Ammavari Vastram Seva: 3:30 AM – 4:00 AM
Laksha Kumkumarchana: 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Sri Chakra Navavaranarchana: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Santhi Kalyanam: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Rahu Ketu Pooja: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Rudra Homam: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Sahasranamarchana & Astotranamarchana: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Rudrabhishekam: 6:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Maha Naivedyam: 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Kesha Khandana: 4:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Pancha Harathulu: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Pallaki Seva: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Swarna Pushparchana: 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Pavalimpu Seva: 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Ganapathi Homam: 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
Mrutunjaya Homam: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM

Getting Here

By Road

Vijayawada has a strong road network, with buses and taxis available from major cities.
APSRTC buses operate frequently from nearby towns and cities.
Temple buses run every 20 minutes from the Vijayawada bus stand and railway station for easy access.

By Rail

Nearest Railway Station: Vijayawada Junction (just 5 km from the temple).
Vijayawada is a major railway hub, with trains connecting to cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Delhi.
Autos and taxis are available from the railway station to the temple.

By Air

Nearest Airport: Gannavaram Airport (about 20 km from the temple).
Flights operate from Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Delhi.
Taxis and buses are available from the airport to Vijayawada city.

Local Transport

Autos and taxis are readily available within Vijayawada.
Temple buses provide convenient transport from key locations.
Walking or climbing steps is an option for those who prefer a traditional approach to reaching the temple.

Temples to Explore

Undavalli Caves & Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple (6 km)