Giri Pradakshina at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam, Vijayawada

    The Kanaka Durga Temple, a renowned Hindu temple situated in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India, hosts a significant and unique ritual known as Giri Pradakshina. This ritual involves devotees circumambulating the Indrakeeladri Hill, upon which the temple is perched. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga, believed to be an embodiment of the in mother and protector, Goddess Durga. The term "Giri Pradakshina" originates from "Giri," meaning hill, and "Pradakshina," referring to the act of walking around a sacred place. Therefore, Giri Pradakshina entails the circumambulation of the Indrakeeladri Hill, creating a spiritual connection between devotees and the goddess. This practice goes beyond the physical act of walking; it carries deep symbolic significance. .         It symbolizes life's journey, replete with challenges and triumphs, and signifies the unwavering quest for in guidance and grace. Inspired by the Giri Pradakshina tradition at Tiruvannamalai's Arunachalam temple in Tamil Nadu, Kanaka Durga Temple is now conducting monthly Giri Pradakshina. In this version, devotees cover a 7-kilometer distance around Indrakeeladri hill. On average, around 100 devotees partake in the ritual daily, with approximately 500 devotees participating on the full moon day each month. The temple's Vedic committee, in alignment with the shastras (sacred texts), has orchestrated this monthly event. Starting at 6 am on every full moon day, the Pradakshina commences at the Sri Kamadhenu Devi temple, situated at the beginning of the Kanaka Durga temple complex.        The path traverses through various landmarks, including Kummaripalem, Nalugu Stambala center, Sitara Junction, Kabela, Milk Project, Chitti Nagar, Kothapeta, Nehru Bomma Center, culminating at the Kanaka Durga temple at 8 am. This orchestrated Giri Pradakshina carries the essence of devotion, unity, and spiritual rejuvenation. Rooted in tradition and spirituality, it symbolizes a collective journey of faith and underscores the enduring significance of seeking blessings and grace from Goddess Kanaka Durga.