Religious Tourism

Kanakadurgamma Temple situated on the banks of river Krishna, Indrakeeladri, Vijayawada. Sri Kanakadurgamma (kanaka durga) is swayambu(self-manifested). It is one of the largest temples in India and 2nd largest temple in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. Temple commonly called as Vijayawada Kanaka Durgamma Temple. In the Krithayuga, Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura who was a disaster for World. Then goddess Durga shined on the Keela mountain with eight arms in the form of MAHISHASURA MARDINI as she had given boon to keela.

On this mountain, goddess Durga had been glowing with the lighting of crores of suns, with golden colour. Since that, Indra and all the deities praised her chanting “KANAKA DURGA” and they had been worshipping her daily. On the left side of Durga Devi there is “Sri Chakaram” & beside that there is a Ganapati Deity. So when we worship the Goddess, all the worships will be performed only to “Sri Chakaram”. Kanaka Durgamma has the Eight arms handling the weapons are Chakra, Conch, Bow and Arrow, Sword, Spear, Club, Trident, Thunderbolt and Lotus.

The “Dasara” festival is celebrated in a very big way here with large number of pilgrims taking part in the festivities. A holy dip in river Krishna (2 kms from RTC Bus stand) is also a big highlight of the place.

Yoga Nanda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple and Siva temples are the key highlights here. It is one of the Pancha Narasimhar Kshetrams in Andhra Pradesh. Among the several shrines of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy that flourished on the holy banks of river Krishna Vedadri is an important one. It is situated just at a distance of 10 kms from ‘chillakallu’ on the Nation High way No.9 from Vijayawada to Hyderabad.

The temple structure is conventional, being brightly colored and ornamented with a variety of images. There is a beautiful image of Narasimha Swami in yoga posture outside the temple premises. The Utsava Idols are extraordinarily high and impressive. The temple has beautiful Raja Gopuram with images of gods and goddesses carved on it. The lower portion of Dwajasthambam is seen inside the mandapam.

Gunadala Mary Matha Church is one of the most popular churches and is a pilgrimage for Christians in Andhra Pradesh. The shrine is situated in Gunadala, a hilly region at Vijayawada. The holy place is also called as the Mary Matha Shrine and is more popularly known as St Mary’s Church.

The holy church is situated on a rocky hill on the Eastern side of Vijayawada City. A grand fest held during February every year attracts people of different religions. This is located at a distance of about 7 kms from RTC Bus stand.

The church has the rare distinction of having an iron cross set up on the hill top. It houses a museum that has a collection of ancient holy relics and precious gifts from followers. The shrine is filled with people on Sundays and on other important festivals and occasions. The annual feast for Our Lady of Lourdes is celebrated with pomp and gaiety. Lakhs of people come from all over India to worship Mother Mary. From February 9 to 11, when the Gunadala Matha Festival is celebrated, more than 5 lakh people come to visit the shrine. Steps are the only way to reach the church.