By Sri Durga Malleswara

Copyright thehindu

Thousands of devotees thronged Indrakeeladri on Sunday, the seventh day of Dasara, to offer prayers to Goddess Kanaka Durga adorned as Sri Maha Chandi. Temple authorities said 95,687 devotees had darshan.

Coordinated efforts by the temple administration, police, municipal and health departments facilitated smooth movement despite heavy turnout.

Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh offered prayers with his family, while BC Welfare Minister S. Savita presented ceremonial garments and performed pujas along with Weaving and Handloom Commissioner Rekha Rani. Ms. Savita said free darshan facilities, including special buses for women, enabled pilgrims from distant places to visit without difficulty. She also inspected health camps and interacted with devotees.

Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand and Vijayawada MP Kesineni Shivnath (Chinni) visited the temple. Mr. Shivnath told mediapersons that elaborate arrangements were in place to handle 1.75–2 lakh devotees expected on Monday, coinciding with Mula Nakshatra, the goddess’s birth star. He said no special passes would be required and urged devotees to maintain discipline.

Meanwhile, NTR district authorities, police, and the Endowments Department are deploying technology for continuous monitoring. Collector G. Lakshmisha, citing high water levels in the Krishna, advised devotees not to bathe in the river and to follow safety protocols, especially for children and senior citizens.

The nine-day festivities will conclude on October 2, with the goddess’s Maha Chandi avatar believed to bestow health, prosperity, and fulfilment of wishes.