Goddess Kanaka Durga
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Goddess Kanaka Durga Temple (Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India) According to a legend, the now verdant Vijayawada was once a rocky region strewn with hillocks that were obstructing the flow of River Krishna. The land was thus rendered unfit for habitation or cultivation. Invocation to Lord Siva led to His directing the hills to give way to river Krishna. And lo! the river started flowing unimpeded with all its might, through the tunnels or "Bejjam" bored into the hills by Lord Siva. That is how the place got its name Bezawada.
One of the many mythologies associated with this place is that Arjuna prayed to Lord Siva on top of Indrakeela hill to win His blessings and the city derived its name "Vijayawada" after this victory. Yet another popular legend is about the triumph of goddess Kanakadurga over the demon king Mahishasura. It is said that once upon a time, the growing menace of demons became unendurable for the natives living in this region. Sage Indrakila, took to severe penance and when the goddess appeared, the sage begged Her to reside on his head and keep vigil on the wicked demons. As per his wishes, after killing the demons, goddess Durga made Indrakila Her permanent abode. Later She also slayed the demon king Mahishasura freeing the people of Vijayawada from the evil clutches of the demon.
At the Kanakadurga temple, the enchanting four-foot high icon of the deity bedecked in glittering ornaments and bright flowers, with eight powerful weapons in eight hands is in a standing posture over the demon Mahishashura and piercing him with her trident. The goddess is the epitome of beauty.
Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakiladri. By ascending the steps on the hill, one comes across little images of different deities, prominent among them being Kali, Siva and Krishna.
How far : About 275 km from Hyderabad
How to go : Air: Vijayawada is connected by air from Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. Rail: It is well connected by rail with every city in India Road: buses from Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Nellore.
Where to stay : AP Tourism's Krishnaveni Motel, Sitanagaram or Star Hotels / Janata Hotels.
What to see : Kanaka Durga temple, Bhavani island, Mary's temple, Gandhi Stupa, Prakasam Barrage, Hazarath Bal Mosque, Victoria Jubilee Regional Museums and Rajiv Gandhi Park, Undavalli Caves, Kuchipudi, Kondapalli.
A pleasant journey through the rich coastal delta of the state takes you to Vijayawada, the "City of Victory", which lies between the Krishna river and its tributary, Budameru. Encircled by a cluster of high hills, Vijayawada is the heart of Andhra Pradesh and the historical, cultural, political and literary center. The place is famous for its luscious mangoes, the classic form of Telugu language and not but not the least, as the abode of Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence, the presiding deity of the city.
