Sun Jul 06 14:19:12 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Thousands of devotees flocked to the Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada on Sunday for “Aashaada maasam,” a period dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga. Women offered “bonum” and saris to the deity, and children dressed as the goddess added to the festive atmosphere. Due to the high volume of visitors, protocol darshan was temporarily suspended to prioritize public access. The temple administration made special arrangements for sare-bearing groups and ensured smooth operation of services like prasadam distribution. The temple also announced the upcoming “Sakambari Devi Utsavam” from July 8 to 10, inviting devotees to participate and contribute.
**News Article:**
**Massive Crowds Throng Kanaka Durga Temple for ‘Aashaada Maasam’**
**VIJAYAWADA -** The Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri Hill was inundated with devotees on Sunday as thousands gathered to celebrate “Aashaada maasam,” a period dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga. The temple echoed with chants of “Jai Durga Bhavani” as women offered “bonum” (rice cooked in a pot) and saris to the presiding deity, while young girls dressed as the goddess participated in the festivities.
Due to the sheer volume of devotees, temple authorities suspended protocol darshan between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to prioritize general public access. Executive Officer V.K. Seena Nayak noted the unusually high turnout and implemented special arrangements for sare-bearing groups, including designated access points and managed queue lines. Efforts were also made to prevent unauthorized fee collection at footwear counters and cloakrooms.
The temple also announced the “Sakambari Devi Utsavam,” a three-day festival from July 8 to 10. Devotees are invited to participate in the festivities and contribute cash, vegetables, and fruits towards the celebrations. The EO encourages generous donations to ensure a grand and successful Utsavam. The temple is under copyright of THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD. or its affiliated companies.
First Piper 