Huge crowds visit Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada for Moola Nakshatram

More than fifty-eight thousand pilgrims visited the Kanaka Durga temple on Indrakeeladri hill in Vijayawada early Friday morning to offer prayers on the auspicious Moola Nakshatram day, when the deity is worshipped as Goddess Saraswati. Temple organizers and government officials prepared for a total turnout of up to three lakh visitors throughout the day, coordinating with police and the Endowments Department to keep lines moving smoothly while prioritizing general visitors.

Security And Arrangements

Authorities set up four hundred fifty closed-circuit cameras connected to a central control room to watch over the large crowds. Workers handed out drinking water, buttermilk, biscuits, and food packets along the waiting areas and queue pathways. Officials also arranged a backup plan using the Mahamandapam building in case rain disrupted the main route, while experts used special equipment to check the safety of the hill rocks. Police strength reached four thousand four hundred personnel, combining existing duty staff and nine hundred extra officers brought in for the festival.

Technology And Leadership

Digital screens and regular hourly updates kept pilgrims informed about waiting times, which were calculated using data tools. Endowments Commissioner K. Ramachandra Mohan noted that visitor numbers surpassed last year's figures, aided by new QR-code feedback options and digital fixes for issues. Housing and Information Minister Kolusu Partha Sarathy visited the shrine to pray, and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu planned to present traditional silk garments to the deity in the afternoon. Officials also cancelled special VIP entry passes for the day so everyday devotees could reach the inner shrine faster.

Context

Moola Nakshatram is considered the most important day during the Navaratri festival at this temple, drawing massive crowds from across the region. Large South Indian pilgrimage centers frequently deploy thousands of police officers, advanced camera networks, and digital crowd-management tools to handle festival rushes safely.