Vijayawada is famous all over the world for the temple of Kanaka Durga, also called as Sri Durga Malleswara Swami Temple. The Kanaka Durga temple is situated on Indrakeeladri Hills of Vijayawada. Kanaka Durgamma as the locals call is the presiding deity and is said to be the Goddess of power, riches and goodwill. The temple is said to be the second largest temple in Andhra Pradesh and equally popular as Tirumala.

Mother Kanakadurgeswari seated atop the Indrakilaparvatha at Vijayawada is the supreme Goddess of Andhra Pradesh, attracting lakhs of tourists since time immemorial. This temple occupies a covetable place in the scriptures; for several of the Sivalilas and Saktimahimas were enacted on and around it, making the region a place of unparalleled spiritual eminence of everlasting significance.

The deity in the temple is considered very powerful as it is said to be Swayambhu (self-manifested). The great saint Sri Sri Sri Sankara Bhagavatpadulu (Adi Shankaracharya) visited this temple in 8^th century and installed "Sri Chakra" at the feet of the goddess.

Kanaka Durga temple was constructed during the rule of Moghal rulers where the Moghal Emperor Thanisha, with the assistance of his Ministers Akkanna and Madanna, managed the temple. Their head quarter was based at Kondapalli during that period.

Inside the main temple premises, you can see sub-temples of Lord Sri Malleswara swamyvaru, Sri Nataraja Swami temple located on North East corner of Goddess. Sri Subrahmanyeswara Swami temple is located on North side of main temple.

There are inscriptions of different dynasties found in the temple. Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller visited this temple. Thousands of devotees from various parts of the state and city visit the temple especially during Dussera festival in the month of September/October.

The nine days of Navarathri (in the month of September-October) is celebrated with great pomp. The goddess is decorated in nine different forms on each day- Balatripura Sundari, Gayathri, Annapoorna, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Lalitha Tripura Sundari, Durga Devi, Mahishasuramardini and Raja Rajeshwari Devi. On Vijaya Dasami day, the tenth day, the deities are taken in a swan-shaped boat, beautifully illuminated and decorated with flowers, around the Krishna River. This event is popularly known as "Theppotsavam".

Other interesting legends: There are some more interesting legends related to this temple and Goddess. When Indrakeeladri came in the way of River Krishna all the Gods requested the hill to give way to the river so that it merges with the sea. Keela obeyed and gave a small passage for the river but River Krishna occupied more place than necessary. Not only this, the river also took along with it a part of the hill four miles downstream to Yanamalakuduru, where it is called "Thelukonda" or "floating hillock".

It would be interesting to note that the nose-ring of Goddess Durga is never removed in this temple. As per the legends, Goddess Durga once borrowed the nose-ring of Krishna and did not return it. Krishna took a vow that by the end of Kaliyuga it would take back the nose-ring by raising its level to the hill top.

History of Indrakiladri Mountain: There lived a Yaksha by name Keela who was meditating upon Goddess Durga. Please with his penance, Goddess Durga appeared before him to grant him the boon he wished. Keela was so mesmerized by the Goddess that he asked Her to stay in his heart forever. Goddess Durga blessed him saying that his desire would be fulfilled after She killing Mahishasura in Kritha yuga and turned him into a mountain with River Krishna flowing at its feet.

As per her boon, She resided on this mountain in the form of "Mahishasura Mardani" with eight arms after killing Mahishasura. All the Gods from heaven descended to worship her. This way the mountain came to be known as Indrakeeladri (or Indrakiladri).

Existence of Lord Shiva on Indrakeeladri: Lord Brahma had a thought that even Lord Siva should prevail on this mountain. For this holy purpose, Lord Brahma had performed 'Sata Aswamedha Yaga' to please Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma worshipped lord Shiva with Jasmine flowers (Mallelu) and so Lord Shiva existed in the form of 'Jyothirlinga' on this mountain. Since Lord Siva was worshipped with Jasmine flowers by Brahma Deva, he has attained the name. "Mallesa".

In Dwaparayuga, Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, did penance in the name of Lord Shiva, to seek 'Pasupatastra' (powerful weapon). Lord wanted to test Arjuna and fought with him. Finally Lord Siva pleased with the devotion of Arjuna and offered him Pasupatastra. From that day 'Mallesa' had attained the name 'Malleswara' since He bravely fought with Arjuna. Hence this place is also called as "Phalguna theertha".

In Kaliyuga, great saint Jagadguru Sri Adi Sankaracharya observed that the Malleswara Jyothirlinga was in bad condition and he reinstalled Malleswara Swami at the northern part of the temple of Goddess Durga. You can see that Goddess Durga exists in the southern side of Lord Malleswara (or Mallikeswara) on this Indrakeeladri. Goddess Durga is seen on the right side of Lord Shiva which is against according to Hindu philosophy (any Goddess should always be on the left side of Her consort). This shows that Goddess Shakti is predominant on Indrakeeladri. It is said that this is the reason why this temple attained prominence world over and came to be known as "Kanaka Durga Kshetra".

For further information and bookings of sevas or accommodation, you can contact:

Joint Commissioner and Executive Officer,
Sri Durga Malleswara Swami varla Devasthanam,
Indrakeeladri,
Vijayawada-1,
Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh.
Ph: 0866 - 2423600
Fax: 0866 - 2423800
e-mail: eo_vijayawada@yahoo.co.in

There are some sevas and ritual performed in the temple as follows:

There is free "Darbar Seva" inside the temple on every Friday at 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. For devotees who want to perform Upanayams, Annaprasana, Naming Ceremony, Marriages in the temple, you have the facility just at the cost of nominal amount.

Prasadam: Prasadam is distributed beside new Annadanam Complex, Sivalayam and at the Railway Station between 6:00 am to12:00 noon and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Luggage counter: For those who want to keep your luggage and visit the temple, there are two Luggage Centres- one near Ghat Road and other near Bathing Ghat that will be open from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Annadanam is also provided in the temple. Daily about 600 pilgrims are served food as prasadam and on Friday and Sunday about 1000 pilgrims are served food near Sivalayam from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. 

Accommodation: There are few choultries and rest houses on the hill.

1. Officer's Guest House near Ghat road has 2 rooms (AC and Non AC). But this is just for officers on duty. You can try your luck if you can get an accommodation here. Contact Number: 0866-2423600.
2. Arundal Choultry just opposite to the bathing Ghat has about 28 rooms ranging from Rs.50/- to Rs.150/- only. Contact: 0866-2423600 for further information.
3. Madapati Choultry opposite side of Rajakumar Talkies has about 27 rooms ranging between Rs.100/- to Rs.200/-.

Festivals celebrated in the temple: Navaratrulu in September or October, Sivarathri Kalyanam in February or March and Bhavani Deeksha in November or December.

Please Note:

• Kesakandana (tonsure) facility is available from 5.00 AM to 9.00PM on the Hill and at the bathing ghat (foot of the hill).
• On all Thursdays the darshan to the goddess will be stopped from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm.
• NityaAnnadanam is being provided on all the days from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. Pilgrims can participate in Annadanam scheme and donate liberally to Annadanam scheme.
• Please don't pay any thing at the counters of Kesakandana, Cloakroom or at Footwear stand as all these facilities are provided free of cost to pilgrims.
• For any other information, please contact the temple authorities on 0866-2423600.                                                                                                                     

Bus facility is available to reach the temple from Railway station, Bus Stand and Ratham centre for every 15 minutes. If you are in Vijayawada, you can avail the local transportation to reach the temple which is convenient and economic option. If you are looking for comfort, you can always hire a cab.