Vijayawada:The Sri Kanaka Durga temple on Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada witnessed an overwhelming influx of devotees on Wednesday, with 1.66 lakh people having darshan of the presiding deity by 7 pm on the 11th day of the Dasara Sharannavaratri festivities. The cumulative turnout during the 11 days reached 16,60,359, reflecting the sustained rush of devotees, including Bhavani Deeksha participants, even after the conclusion of the main rituals.
Temple authorities said 1,39,000 devotees had darshan by 5 pm, while another 35,000 were waiting in holding areas along the ghat road and at bathing points. Devotees from north Andhra and the Godavari districts continued to arrive by special trains, APSRTC buses and private vehicles.
Heavy crowds converged on the temple through the Vinayaka temple route in One Town and Kummari Palem Centre. Temple officials and city police regulated the flow at Seethamma Vari Padalu, the Om turning and other congested stretches. Special measures were taken at laddu counters to prevent overcrowding and ensure smooth distribution.
Temple chairman Borra Radhakrishna (Gandhi), executive officer V.K. Seena Naik, board members and other officials monitored the arrangements. Free drinking water, annaprasadam and shower facilities at Bhavani Ghat were provided. About 31 lakh water bottles were distributed free during the first 10 days in coordination with the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation.
The temple also recorded unprecedented laddu sales. A total of 30,69,048 laddus were sold during the first 10 days, against 23,19,201 last year, an increase of 7,49,847. On Wednesday, another 5,08,676 laddus were sold by 6 pm, taking the cumulative figure to 35,77,724. Seena Naik said around five lakh prepared laddus remained in stock, with production continuing to meet demand.
Meanwhile, the temple suspended recommendation‑based darshan in view of the Model Code of Conduct in force for elections across Andhra Pradesh. Only eligible protocol visitors who personally arrive will be permitted darshan under the prescribed rules. Ordinary devotees will continue to have access.
The Dasara festivities concluded successfully with the Maha Purnahuti. Endowments commissioner K. Ramachandra Mohan, chairman Radhakrishna and executive officer Seena Naik thanked officials, staff, police and others for ensuring smooth arrangements in line with the Chief Minister’s directions.
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