Vijayawada: The decades-old ritual of Giripradakshina witnessed a significant rise in participation this year, with thousands of devotees circumambulating the sacred Indrakiladri hill, home to the Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada. Devotees walked an eight-kilometre path around the hill, showcasing their unwavering devotion during the Bhavani Deeksha season.
Traditionally, devotees from Vijayawada perform Giripradakshina before entering the queue lines for Bhavani Deeksha Viramana (relinquishment). However, this year, devotees from distant regions also joined the ritual, drawing parallels to the famed Giripradakshina practice at Tiruvannamalai (Arunachalam) in Tamil Nadu.
To ensure a smooth experience, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation ensured the path was free from potholes and stones, while the city police installed route boards for better guidance. “I have been observing Bhavani Deeksha for four years, but this is my first Giripradakshina. It feels just like the experience in Arunachalam,” shared M. Rambabu, a devotee from Jangareddy Gudem.
The second day of the five-day Bhavani Deeksha Viramana on Sunday drew massive crowds. By 5 pm, temple authorities estimated over 60,000 devotees visited. A large number of visitors from West Godavari, Alluri Sitaramaraju, and Ambedkar Konaseema districts were seen seeking blessings at the Kanaka Durga temple.
Traditionally, devotees from Vijayawada perform Giripradakshina before entering the queue lines for Bhavani Deeksha Viramana (relinquishment). However, this year, devotees from distant regions also joined the ritual, drawing parallels to the famed Giripradakshina practice at Tiruvannamalai (Arunachalam) in Tamil Nadu.
To ensure a smooth experience, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation ensured the path was free from potholes and stones, while the city police installed route boards for better guidance. “I have been observing Bhavani Deeksha for four years, but this is my first Giripradakshina. It feels just like the experience in Arunachalam,” shared M. Rambabu, a devotee from Jangareddy Gudem.
The second day of the five-day Bhavani Deeksha Viramana on Sunday drew massive crowds. By 5 pm, temple authorities estimated over 60,000 devotees visited. A large number of visitors from West Godavari, Alluri Sitaramaraju, and Ambedkar Konaseema districts were seen seeking blessings at the Kanaka Durga temple.
