Sri Kanaka Durga Temple
Goddess Kanaka Durga, with Lord Malleswara Swamy (Shiva)
Photo: Saishna96, CC BY-SA 4.0Legend
Tradition holds that the sage Indrakila performed severe penance here. When the Goddess appeared, he begged her to reside on his head, and so the hill became her home, Indrakeeladri. From here, devotees believe, Durga slew the demon king Mahishasura and freed the people of this land. The main idol, about four feet tall, shows her with eight arms, standing over Mahishasura and piercing him with her trident.
Why this temple matters
The temple stands on Indrakeeladri hill on the banks of the Krishna river in Vijayawada. Its official name is Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam, honouring the Goddess together with Lord Malleswara. A Telugu inscription of 1229 CE records a gift to 'Bejawada Malleswaradeva at Indrakiladri'. Built in the Dravidian style, it is the great centre of Dasara, when the Goddess is worshipped in ten divine forms.
What devotees pray for here
Career Growth
Devotees approach Kanaka Durga, the slayer of Mahishasura, for courage and success in their work, asking her to clear obstacles before a new job, an exam or a new venture. Many climb Indrakeeladri during Dasara to begin something new with her blessing.
Wealth & Prosperity
Kanaka means gold, and the golden Durga is prayed to for prosperity in the home. On the Fridays of Sravana, women gather here for the Varalakshmi Vratam, praying for the family's well-being and plenty.
Peace & Family Harmony
Families come seeking protection and calm from the mother who, devotees believe, freed this land from Mahishasura. Many prefer the early-morning darshan after the Suprabhata Seva to sit quietly before her.
Festivals
- Dasara / Sharan Navaratri (September–October): the Goddess worshipped in ten forms over the nine nights and Vijayadashami, with Chandi Homam
- Teppotsavam: the boat festival held as part of the Dasara celebrations
- Sakambhari Utsavam (Ashadha month, June–July): a three-day festival celebrating nature's abundance
- Varalakshmi Vratam (Fridays of Sravana, July–August): more than 20,000 people take part
Poojas & rituals
- Suprabhata Seva at 3 AM, the first service of the day (introduced in 2018)
- Abhishekam to the Goddess
- Alankaram with silk and naivedyam offerings
- Chandi Homam during Dasara
- Varalakshmi Vratam on the Fridays of Sravana
- Darshan of Lord Malleswara Swamy and the sub-shrines on the hill
Personal predictions for your own birth chart, pooja booking and prasad delivery are in the SantoBaba app.
How to reach
The temple is on Indrakeeladri hill beside the Krishna river in Vijayawada, about 10 minutes from Vijayawada railway station and the main bus stand. Vijayawada airport is about 20 km away, and Hyderabad about 275 km by road. Devasthanam buses run up the hill about every 20 minutes.
Timings
The temple opens around 2:50 to 3 AM, with Suprabhata Seva at 3 AM, followed by abhishekam, alankaram and naivedyam. Darshan continues through the day into the night; check the day's closing time with the devasthanam. During Dasara the crowds are very heavy.
Rules & dress code
Follow the devasthanam's rules for darshan and the instructions of the staff on the hill. Traditional clothes are the safe choice. Expect long queues during Dasara and plan extra time.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Kanaka Durga temple?
Dasara Navaratri (September–October) is the biggest festival, when the Goddess appears in ten forms. Sravana Fridays are special for the Varalakshmi Vratam. Both are very crowded, so plan ahead.
What time does Kanaka Durga temple open?
Very early, around 3 AM. The day begins with the Suprabhata Seva.
How far is the temple from Vijayawada railway station?
About 10 minutes by road. The airport is about 20 km away, and devasthanam buses go up the hill about every 20 minutes.
Can I book a pooja at Kanaka Durga temple without visiting?
Yes. Archana and sevas can be arranged through a priest, and SantoBaba sends you the video and prasadam.
What is the official name of the temple?
Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam, because the Goddess is worshipped here with Lord Malleswara.
Photo gallery
Other temples for Career Growth: Brihadeeswarar Temple · Chilkur Balaji Temple · Sabarimala Temple · Siddhivinayak Temple · Tirupati Balaji Temple
Other temples for Wealth & Prosperity: Jagannath Temple · Mahalakshmi Temple · Siddhivinayak Temple · Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple · Tirupati Balaji Temple · Vaishno Devi Temple
Other temples for Peace & Family Harmony: Akshardham Temple · Badrinath Temple · Golden Temple · Jagannath Temple · Kapaleeshwarar Temple · Kashi Vishwanath Temple · Kedarnath Temple · Meenakshi Amman Temple · Ramanathaswamy Temple · Sabarimala Temple · Shirdi Sai Baba Temple · Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple · Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple