Indrakeeladri Durga temple draws nearly 25,000 students on Sri Panchami

The Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri witnessed an overwhelming turnout on the occasion of Sri Panchami, with nearly 25,000 students visiting the hill shrine to seek the blessings of Goddess Kanaka Durga for success in education and examinations, on Friday (January 23).

Students, accompanied by parents and teachers, began arriving as early as 4 a.m., marking the auspicious day traditionally associated with the commencement of learning. The temple atmosphere remained vibrant throughout the day, reflecting a blend of devotion and academic aspiration.

On the occasion, Goddess Kanaka Durga was adorned in the attire of Goddess Saraswati, symbolising wisdom and knowledge. Priests performed special rituals, including Saraswati Mantra Havanam, Saraswati Homam, Sahasra Kumkum and Pushparchana, lending a festive and spiritual aura to the temple premises.

Temple Trust Board Chairman Borra Radhakrishna (Gandhi), Executive Officer V.K. Seena Naik, Chief Priest Durga Prasad and Sthanacharya Shiva Prasad Sharma offered pens and flowers to the presiding deity as part of the Sri Panchami celebrations. The Maha Mandapam on the sixth floor, decorated for the occasion, emerged as a major attraction, where pens and prasadam were distributed to thousands of students. Several Trust Board members and special invitees participated in the programme.

Parents performing aksharabhyasam of their children at the Trisakthi Peetham located beside Pandit Nehru Bus Station in Vijayawada on Friday on the occasion of Vasantha Panchami celebrations.
| Photo Credit:
G. N. RAO

Adding further significance, Aksharabhyasam ceremonies were conducted both at the Indrakeeladri temple and at Sri Trisakthi Peetam, the Maha Kali temple near Pandit Nehru Bus Stand. Children, seated on the laps of their parents or elders, were initiated into learning by writing alphabets for the first time.