On Sunday, the seventh vibrant day of the Dasara festival, a sea of devotees ascended Indrakeeladri, eager to offer their heartfelt prayers to Goddess Kanaka Durga, beautifully adorned as Sri Maha Chandi. Temple officials reported an impressive turnout, with 95,687 pilgrims having successfully completed their darshan.
Hamsa Vahanam being readied for the Dasara Utsavams organised by Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam at Durga Ghat in Vijayawada on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
G.N. Rao
The seamless flow of pilgrims, despite the overwhelming numbers, was a testament to the meticulously coordinated efforts by the temple administration, local police, municipal services, and health departments, ensuring a safe and organized experience for everyone.
Prominent figures, including Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh and his family, were seen offering their prayers. BC Welfare Minister S. Savita, accompanied by Weaving and Handloom Commissioner Rekha Rani, presented sacred ceremonial garments and performed special pujas. Minister Savita highlighted the success of free darshan amenities, such as dedicated buses for women, which significantly eased the journey for pilgrims traveling from afar. She also took time to visit health camps and personally engage with the devotees.
Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand and Vijayawada MP Kesineni Shivnath (affectionately known as Chinni) also paid their respects at the temple. Speaking to the media, Mr. Shivnath assured that extensive preparations were underway to manage an anticipated crowd of 1.75 to 2 lakh devotees on Monday, a particularly auspicious day marking Mula Nakshatra, the birth star of the goddess. He emphasized that no special passes would be needed and kindly requested all pilgrims to uphold discipline.
In a proactive measure, authorities across NTR district, including the police and Endowments Department, are utilizing advanced technology for constant surveillance and crowd management. District Collector G. Lakshmisha issued a crucial advisory, cautioning devotees against bathing in the Krishna River due to elevated water levels and urged everyone to strictly adhere to safety protocols, particularly those accompanying children and elderly individuals.
The vibrant nine-day Dasara celebrations are slated to culminate on October 2. It is widely believed that offering prayers to Goddess Kanaka Durga in her Maha Chandi avatar bestows blessings of good health, abundant prosperity, and the fulfillment of cherished desires upon her devotees.