On the auspicious day of Moola Nakshatram, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, along with his wife Bhuvaneswari, presented silk garments (Pattu Vastrams) to Goddess Sri Kanaka Durga. She was worshipped in the form of Sri Saraswati Devi at the Sri Durga Malleswara Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri.
They were ceremoniously received by Ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy and Kollu Ravindra, Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath, Endowments Commissioner K Ramachandra Mohan, and NTR District Collector G Lakshmisha. These officials extended temple honours including Poornakumbham. Vedic scholars conducted sacred rituals and wrapped a sanctified cloth around the Chief Minister. Then, he and his wife made the offering on behalf of the State.
After darshan, Naidu was blessed with Vedaashirvachanam and theertha prasadam. Minister Ramanarayana Reddy gifted him a portrait of the Goddess.
Speaking to the press, Naidu expressed contentment with the arrangements. He emphasized the administration’s efforts to prioritize the experience of ordinary devotees by streamlining VIP access. He also mentioned the deployment of advanced security measures, including AI-based surveillance.
Naidu shared plans to enhance temple infrastructure for pilgrims, stating, “It is a privilege to offer silk robes to Goddess Durga. I prayed for the prosperity and happiness of the people. Thanks to Her blessings, the Krishna River is flowing well and our reservoirs are full.”
He commended the NTR district officials for efficiently handling the celebrations. He noted that more than 8 lakh devotees had visited the temple, with 1.2 lakh arriving by Monday afternoon.
Naidu reveals infrastructure development plans
Upcoming developments include a ₹26 crore Nitya Annadanam facility to serve 1,500 devotees daily. It is expected to be operational in six months. Additionally, a ₹27 crore Laddu prasadam kitchen is slated for completion in three months. An elevated queue system is also being constructed in Kanaka Durga Nagar.
Naidu announced that the Godavari Pushkaralu in 2027 and Krishna Pushkaralu in 2028 would be celebrated on a grand scale. He proposed integrating Dasara festivities with the Vijayawada Utsav. Moreover, he assured that accommodation for pilgrims would be arranged despite space limitations at Indrakeeladri. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting financially struggling temples.
