Over 1 lakh devotees visit Durga temple on Day 2
In Short
- The temple witnessed a steady flow of devotees from various parts of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states
- The authorities made arrangements for the smooth conduct of the rituals and darshan
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Priests performing Kumari Puja and Suvasini Puja as part of the Dasara festivities atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada on Monday
Vijayawada: Sri Kanaka Durga Devi gave darshan to devotees in the divine Alankaram of Sri Gayatri Devi on Monday, the second day of the Dasara Sarannavaratri Mahotsavams at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada. More than one lakh devotees visited the hill shrine on the second consecutive day of the festivities to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the presiding deity.
The temple witnessed a steady influx of devotees from various parts of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states. Devotees offered prayers to Sri Gayatri Devi, who is revered as the Mother of the Vedas and symbolises knowledge, wisdom, intellect, spiritual enlightenment and righteous thinking. Many prayed for their children’s educational progress, family well-being, peace and prosperity.
According to Hindu spiritual tradition, Gayatri Devi occupies a special place as the embodiment of the sacred Gayatri Mantra, which is believed to guide the intellect towards the right path. The second-day Alankaram conveys the message of cultivating wisdom, concentration, good conduct and spiritual awareness.
As part of the day’s religious programme, a special Devi Khadgamala Archana was performed in accordance with temple traditions at the newly established puja mandapam between 4 am and 5 am. The first session of special Kumkumarchana rituals commenced at 6 am, enabling devotees to participate in the worship and offer prayers to the Goddess.
The temple authorities made arrangements for the smooth conduct of the rituals and darshan, keeping the large turnout of devotees in view. Officials and temple staff coordinated with the district administration and other departments to regulate the movement of pilgrims and maintain order along the queue lines.
NTR district collector Dr G Lakshmisha and Endowments Department Commissioner K Ramachandra Mohan inspected the facilities being provided to devotees at Indrakeeladri and reviewed the arrangements on the ground. They interacted with officials and assessed the amenities available to pilgrims waiting in the queue lines.
Collector Dr Lakshisha directed officials to ensure an uninterrupted supply of drinking water throughout the queue lines and take immediate corrective measures wherever disruptions occurred. He emphasised that the large turnout of devotees required continuous monitoring and prompt action to prevent inconvenience. He also instructed officials to pay special attention to sanitation, the maintenance of toilets and the orderly movement of devotees through the queue lines. The collector stressed that all departments concerned should work in close coordination to address issues as they arose. The district administration, Endowments Department, temple authorities and other line departments were directed to remain vigilant throughout the festivities. The Collector emphasised that devotees’ grievances should be identified at the field level and resolved without delay to ensure a comfortable and peaceful darshan.
With the Sarannavaratri festivities drawing large crowds to Indrakeeladri, the temple authorities and district administration continued to focus on crowd regulation, basic amenities and the smooth conduct of religious rituals. The temple administration, in coordination with the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC), ensured a continuous supply of drinking water along the queue lines from the Vinayaka temple. Free cloakroom facilities and footwear stands were also provided to enable devotees to leave their belongings and footwear safely before proceeding for darshan.
Free prasadam distribution continued at the Maha Mandapam premises, while extensive laddu prasadam counters were operated at Kanaka Durga Nagar to meet the demand from devotees. The arrangements were intended to reduce inconvenience to pilgrims during the rush hours. Special transport facilities were also organised for devotees participating in special pujas. Free vehicles were made available from Kummaripalem Centre to transport them to the hilltop. After the completion of pujas and darshan, vehicles were arranged near the foot overbridge beyond Rathham Centre on Canal Road to ferry devotees back to Kummaripalem.
Information centres and public address systems were used to provide regular updates on facilities and guide devotees. The arrangements covered drinking water, prasadam distribution, transport and queue management, with the objective of ensuring a peaceful and convenient pilgrimage. On the third day of the Dasara Sarannavaratri festivities, falling on Ashwayuja Shuddha Thadiya, Goddess Kanaka Durga Devi atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada gives darshan as Sri Annapurna Devi, the Goddess of food and nourishment.
Holding a golden ladle and a bowl of food, she symbolises abundance and sustenance. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva sought alms from her to emphasise the importance of food. Devotees worship the Goddess, seeking blessings for good health, prosperity and freedom from hunger and poverty.
