INDIAN TREASURES

Bezawada Kanaka Durgamma Shrine -  YV Ramakotaiah

Prayer is a scourge for the devil. It is an exposure of what man is to what he ought to become. Worship is the great medicine of the Great Physician for tired bodies and weary souls. It opens the doors of abundant life. So, no greater calamity can befall a nation than the loss of worship.

The mention of Bezawada (now Vijayawada) may conjure up visions of one time squalor, but only in those who do not know of the spiritual importance of the town. Situated on a hill called Indrakiladri, Kanaka Durga temple on the banks of River Krishna is famous throughout the country. The temple can be reached both by a flight of steps and by cars via the newly constructed Ghat Road. Adjacent to the shrine, there is a small sacred tank cut out of rocks. There is another temple nearby where the presiding deity is Lord Malleswara. It is said that Adi Shankara visited the temple and installed “Sri Chakra.” During Dasara, every year, special celebrations are held at the temples, which are tastefully and lavishly decorated. Durga Devi is treated to a unique celebration on the final day of Navaratri festival which coincides with Dasara. The idol is placed on a “Hamsa Vaahana” (swan-shaped float) and paraded on the waters of the Krishna river. This is known as float festival (Teppotsavam).

© “The Alpha Foundation”, Hyderabad 500 082. .

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