Devotees wait near the gopuram to enter the VIP darshan queue line at Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: K.V.S. GIRI
The fourth day of Dasara festivities at the Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri witnessed some tense moments on Thursday when some women devotees could not attend the sacred Kumkum Archana, despite purchasing tickets.
The temple corridors turned chaotic as the officials struggled to manage the rush. Devotees expressed frustration, alleging that despite prior assurances of smooth arrangements, common devotees were forced to wait for hours while VIPs were given access to temple on a priority.
NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha joined the queue line himself, personally interacting with devotees to understand their problems. His presence reassured many pilgrims and highlighted the administration’s commitment to resolving on-ground issues promptly.
Joint Collector Ilakkiya and Police Commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu also oversaw the arrangements, coordinating measures to ensure hassle-free darshan for devotees.
Priests performed various rituals, adorning the Goddess in Katyayani Alankaram. They performed special pujas late in the evening. However, for many devotees, the day’s experience was overshadowed by mismanagement of queues and extended VIP privileges, underscoring the need for stricter adherence to schedules and equitable access for all.
A priest offering harati to the processional deity Goddess Kanaka Durga in Sri Katyayani Devi Alankaram atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada on Thursday.
| Photo Credit:
K.V.S. GIRI
From early morning, thousands of devotees trekked to the hill shrine to offer prayers. The deity was adorned in silk, seated majestically on a lion, holding a sword, trident, lotus, and bestowing blessings with her fourth hand. Chanting of ‘Jai Katyayani Mata’ reverberated through the temple premises.
Meanwhile, Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam at Srisailam and Annavaram Satyanarayana Swamy temple offered silk robes to Goddess Kanaka Durga.
Vizianagaram MP Kalishetti Appala Naidu joined common devotees in the queue for darshan, earning praise for setting an example to VIPs.
Published – September 26, 2025 12:09 am IST
