Due to the rush, the darshan of Antaralaya was temporarily suspended from 11:15 am to 2:30 pm to favor the general devotees. | Photo credit: File photo
Devotees thronged Indrakeeladri, the abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga, on Sunday (March 1), with the temple management ensuring a smooth darshan despite the high turnout.
Officials said elaborate arrangements have been made to avoid inconvenience to the pilgrims. Due to the rush, the darshan of Antaralaya was temporarily suspended from 11:15 am to 2:30 pm to favor the general devotees. VIP darshans were also stopped between 11 am and 3 pm
Temple Executive Director VK Seena Naik personally monitored the situation on the ground and issued instructions through wireless communication to regulate the front lines effectively. The free prasadam distribution started at 7 am and continued till 5 pm while Annadanam was provided to about 7,150 devotees. Volunteers supplied drinking water to pilgrims waiting in queues in the summer heat.
Meanwhile, Mr. Seena Naik said preparations are in full swing at the temple for the Maha Kumbhabhishekam, a grand ritual held once in 12 years at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Devasthanam. The three-day event is scheduled from March 6 to 8. The main Kumbhabhishekam will take place on March 8 at 9:34 AM at Mesha Lagnam under the supervision of Vijayendra Saraswathi of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.
The EO reviewed the repairs of Vimana Gopuram, Yagashala arrangements and other engineering works and directed officials to provide adequate facilities, including queue management, distribution of drinking water and prasadam, for the expected influx of devotees.
Besides, Surya Upasana rituals were performed at the temple on Sundays where Vedic scholars performed special prayers for the general welfare and health of the devotees. The Vedic ceremony was organized under the guidance of the temple Vedic Committee and scholars who performed the rituals in accordance with the scriptural traditions. While chanting Vedic hymns, special prayers and offerings were offered to the Sun God Surya, invoking blessings for the general welfare and health and prosperity of the devotees.
Devotees actively participated in the sacred ritual. A few pilgrims directly participated in the ceremony through the Ubhaya Rishi ticket (₹1,000).
Published – 1 March 2026 21:02 IST
