Durga Devi avatar draws massive crowds on Aashtami
In Short
Special rituals marked the occasion, with Devi Khadgamala Archana beginning at 4 am and Kumkumarchana at 6 am
Share :
Priests performing pujas atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada on Sunday
Vijayawada: Goddess Kanaka Durga was adorned as Sri Durga Devi on the eighth day of the Dasara Sarannavaratri celebrations at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada on Sunday. Thousands of devotees, including a large number of Bhavani devotees, thronged the hill shrine to seek the blessings of the presiding deity on the auspicious occasion of Ashwayuja Suddha Ashtami, also known as Durgashtami or Mahashtami. In view of the heavy rush, temple authorities commenced darshan at 3.45 am, earlier than usual, to facilitate devotees. Temple Executive Officer VK Seena Naik said darshan timings were adjusted in response to the growing influx of devotees. The main temple premises, decorated with flowers, presented an attractive sight and added to the festive atmosphere.
Special rituals marked the occasion, with Devi Khadgamala Archana beginning at 4 am and Kumkumarchana at 6 am. The temple’s puja department staff escorted the ubhayadatas (sponsors of rituals) from the Om Turning to the designated puja mandapam. Worshipped in her powerful Durga Devi form, the Goddess is revered as the vanquisher of evil and the remover of miseries. Devotees offered prayers seeking courage, divine protection, relief from hardships and fear, and blessings for a righteous and peaceful life. Durgashtami holds special spiritual significance during Navaratri, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
With the number of devotees increasing, officials focused on queue management, security and the provision of essential facilities. Drinking water was distributed to devotees and milk was provided to children. Arrangements were also made for the distribution of annaprasadam and the maintenance of sanitation in and around the temple premises. Police personnel regulated the movement of devotees, while CCTV cameras and the command control system were used to monitor the situation and ensure orderly movement through the queue lines. Staff from various departments remained alert to respond promptly to emergencies and assist elderly persons, women, children and persons with disabilities.
NTR district collector Dr G Lakshmisha and Police Commissioner SV Rajasekhar Babu conducted field inspections and interacted with devotees to assess the facilities available to them. They reviewed darshan arrangements, drinking water supply, Annaprasadam distribution, sanitation and security, and instructed officials to address any problems immediately. Temple trust board chairman Borra Radhakrishna (Gandhi), Executive Officer VK Seena Naik, Vijayawada Municipal Corporation Commissioner HM Dhyanachandra, and officials from various departments coordinated the arrangements to ensure the festivities ran smoothly.
Meanwhile, officials conducted a trial run of the Hamsa Vahanam for the Teppotsavam at Durga Ghat. Collector Dr Lakshmisha, Police Commissioner Rajasekhar Babu, EO Seena Naik, Sthanacharya Shivaprasad Sharma and officials from various departments inspected the arrangements.
They reviewed safety measures and precautionary steps to ensure the event ran smoothly and devotees remained safe. Goddess Kanaka Durga will be adorned as Sri Mahishasura Mardini Devi on the ninth day of Dasara Sarannavaratri celebrations, Maha Navami, on Monday (October 19), at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada.
In this powerful form, the Goddess symbolises the triumph of good over evil by slaying the demon Mahishasura. The special alankaram represents divine courage, strength and the restoration of dharma.
Devotees are expected to visit the hill shrine in large numbers to seek the blessings of the presiding deity, praying for protection, prosperity, courage and relief from hardships. The Mahishasura Mardhini Alankaram holds special spiritual significance during Navaratri, reminding devotees of the victory of righteousness over evil.
