‘Ashadam Sare’ to Goddess Kanakadurga at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam

Published: 28th Jul, 2022

Context

About

This holy shrine of Goddess Durga is a Swayambhu (self-manifested).
It is the second largest temple in Andhra Pradesh.
Kanakadurgamma Temple situated on the banks of River Krishna in Vijayawada.
It is situated on Indrakeeladri Hills.
The Mythological significance of the place is learned from the story that Arjuna prayed to Lord Shiva on these Hills.

‘Ashadam Sare’:

Hundreds of devotees visit Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam at top of Indrakeeladri to mark the beginning of Pavitra Ashada Sare Utsavalu.
The annual Sare festivities: Large number of devotees will visit the temple and offer Saree to Goddess Kanaka Durga.
On the first day, temple priests and officials under the supervision of chief priest Vishnubhotla Siva Prasada Sharma presented the Sare.
They participated in the procession from Gosalaof Sri Kanaka Durga.

Significance of the Temple

The temple of Kanaka Durga the Goddess of power, riches and benevolence and the presiding deity of Vijayawada is thronged by lakhs of pilgrims for worship during the “Navarathri” festival.
The ancient temple of Kanaka Durga, abounds with legends of historical interest.
Goddess is looking towards north-east with cool smile and bliss. Because of which the devotees are blessed with whatever they pray for.
This is only templein the world where the main diety (moola varlu) are decorated in forms of Sri Saraswati, Sri Maha Lakshmi, Sri Bala Tripura Sundari, Sri Rajarajeswari, Sri Mahishasura mardini, Sri Durga devi, Sri Annapurna devi, Sri Gayatri, Sri Lalitha Tripura Sundari.
Here Durga is on the right side of Malleswara as against the tradition of Goddesses taking their position on the left of their consorts.

Bhakti Tradition links

Adi-Sankaracharyavisited the temple and installed the Srichakra and initiated worship of Kanaka Durga in vedic ways, and avoided animal sacrifice.

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