Jewel of Amaravati
Perched on the Indrakeeladri Hills on the banks Krishna River nestles the famous Kanaka Durga Temple of Vijayawada, which is now part of Amaravati, upcoming capital of Andhra Pradesh.
Dating back to the 8th century, the temple of Goddess Durga is the second-largest temple in Andhra Pradesh and appears in her Mahishasura Mardani (killer of demon Mahishasura) form with eight arms. The deity, a 1.2-metre-high statue, is seen piercing the demon Mahishasura with her trident.
This ancient temple finds mention in many sacred texts and is one of the 108 Shaktipeethas in the country. Sanctum sanctorum is in the form of a pyramid with delicate stone carvings seen on the surface. The golden crown is the most impressive aspect of this temple and can be spotted miles away.
As per mythology this region was once inhospitable and strewn with rocks which obstructed the free flow of River Krishna. Lord Shiva is said to have made the hills give way making the river flow and as it passed through many tunnels it got the name Bezawada (Telugu Bejjam means tunnel) which later became Vijayawada. Also Arjuna is said to have prayed to Lord Shiva atop the Indrakeeladri Hills. Kanaka Durga slaying Mahishasura atop Indrakeeladri is is part of the legend.
This story is from the September 2017 edition of URBAN VAASTU - Building modern India.
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This story is from the September 2017 edition of URBAN VAASTU - Building modern India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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