Vegetable-Decked Kanaka Durga Devi Draws Devotees During Sakhambari Festival
Devotees thronged the Kanaka Durga Temple as the goddess appeared in the Shakambari Devi avatar, adorned with vegetables, fruits and greens.
The three-day Sakhambari Mahotsavam at the Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri here continued with spiritual fervour on Tuesday, with the presiding deity being adorned with a magnificent decoration of vegetables, fruits, paddy saplings and greens.
The special decoration was done with a divine wish that the world remains prosperous, timely rains bless the region and farmers and people enjoy happiness through abundant agricultural produce.
On the second day of the festival, Goddess Kanaka Durga appeared as Shakambari Devi, symbolising Mother Nature, with the sanctum and temple premises radiating a unique spiritual charm with greenery. The divine appearance of the goddess captivated the mood of the devotees.
Temple authorities said that the tradition of decorating the goddess with vegetables, fruits and leafy greens carried a significant message of protecting nature and praying for universal prosperity. Temple priests claimed that devotees offering prayers to Sakhambari Devi during the festival would be blessed with timely rains, plentiful crops and peace and happiness in their families.
They said elaborate arrangements had been made to ensure that devotees faced no inconvenience during the festival. The Sakhambari celebrations will conclude on Wednesday with Maha Poornahuti at 10am.
Devotees from various districts and neighbouring states arrived at Indrakeeladri, describing the darshan of the goddess in Shakambari form as a blessed experience. Several devotees participated in the decoration of fruits and vegetables, while others engaged in preparing kumkum packets as part of the temple service activities.
The Kadambam prasadam emerged as another major attraction of the festival. Prepared traditionally with vegetables and grains, the prasadam offered to the goddess is being distributed among devotees by the temple authorities.
Temple chairman Borra Radhakrishna (Gandhi) said special arrangements were made as per directions from chief minister Chandrababu Naidu to ensure a hassle-free experience for devotees during the Ashada month rush.
The festival, apart from showcasing devotion, also conveys a message about preserving nature and maintaining harmony with the environment.