Heavy rush continues on ninth day of Dasara at Indrakeeladri

Devotees thronged the Indrakeeladri hilltop, the abode of goddess Kanaka Durga, in large numbers on the ninth day of Dasara festivities on Tuesday. By 11 a.m., 53,485 devotees had darshan, and the number rose to 97,935 by evening. Many expressed immense satisfaction, saying the goddess’s alankaram inspires courage, peace, and spiritual insight.

Devotees standing in queue at Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit:
G.N. Rao

Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam authorities adorned the presiding deity in the traditional Durga Ashtami alankaram. The temple attracted massive crowds, with devotees arriving from across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring States to witness the goddess in her specially decorated attire. From the very first day of the festivities, the temple has been bustling with pilgrims eager to experience the spiritual, traditional, and cultural essence of the divine display.

The temple’s evening Veda Sabha, held on the sixth floor of the Maha Mandapam, further enriched devotees’ spiritual experience. With daily new alankaram and continuous arrangements to manage crowds, the Dasara celebrations not only glorify the goddess’s divinity but also uplift the hearts of devotees, reinforcing dharma, virtue, and devotion. Temple authorities, in coordination with the NTR district administration and police, ensured smooth darshan for thousands of devotees. Facilities included battery-operated vehicles, wheelchairs for the elderly and differently-abled, and refreshments such as milk, buttermilk, and biscuits. In the first eight days alone, over 175,000 biscuit packets, 360,000 buttermilk packets, and 6,600 litres of milk were distributed.

Executive Officer V.K. Seena Nayak, along with the Red Cross and volunteer organisations like Helping Hands and Little Hands’ “Shakti Seva,” oversaw operations to provide a serene and fulfilling experience. The Vedic committee and temple priests offered special blessings and prasadam to all visitors. The temple priests will adorn the presiding deity as Mahishasura Mardhini on Wednesday and Raja Rajeswari Devi on Thursday. On Thursday evening, a Teppotsavam, or celestial boat ride, will be conducted.