Shakambhari Festival Draws 2 Lakh Devotees to Kanaka Durga Temple
The temple witnessed an unprecedented rush as the culmination of Sakhambhari Mahotsavam coincided with the Guru Purnima and Ashada Sare festival
Vijayawada: More than two lakh devotees thronged the famous Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada during the three-day Shakambhari festival, which concluded successfully on Wednesday amid elaborate arrangements by the temple administration.
The temple witnessed an unprecedented rush as the culmination of Sakhambhari Mahotsavam coincided with the Guru Purnima and Ashada Sare festivals. The events drew thousands of pilgrims from across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states, starting from the early hours of Wednesday.
The entire premises reverberated with chants of "Jai Kanaka Durgamma" on the occasion.
According to temple authorities, over two lakh devotees had darshan of Goddess Sri Kanaka Durga during the festivities held from July 27 to July 29. Around 79,800 devotees received free Kadamba prasadam, while 20,790 devotees partook in the free Annaprasadam served by the temple.
To facilitate quicker darshan following the heavy influx of pilgrims, the Devasthanam temporarily suspended the Antaralaya darshan. It allowed entry only through the Bangaru Vakili. VIP, protocol, and recommendation-based darshans had also been suspended.
Special rituals conducted on the occasion of Guru Purnima included Kumkuma Puja, Chandi Yagam, and Khadgamala Archana, which received an overwhelming response. Devotees turned out in large numbers to offer prayers to the deity, who had been adorned in the traditional Shakambhari Alankaram with vegetables, fruits, and greens.
Temple executive officer V.K. Seena Naik and Trust Board chairman Borra Radhakrishna (Gandhi) personally monitored arrangements, including drinking water supply, prasadam distribution, queue management, security, and medical services.
Later in the evening, the EO conducted an extensive inspection of ongoing engineering works in preparation for the forthcoming Dasara festivities. He reviewed the progress of the new Annadanam complex, Laddu Pottu, queue complex, and other infrastructure works. He directed engineering officials to expedite and complete all the remaining works well before the annual Dasara celebrations.
