The sacred hills of Indrakiladri in Vijayawada are set to witness an unprecedented spiritual congregation as the annual Bhavani Deeksha Viramana at the renowned Kanaka Durga Temple prepares for a record-breaking turnout in 2025. Temple authorities are implementing large-scale arrangements to manage an estimated influx of nearly 7 lakh devotees, a significant surge from the 4 lakh pilgrims who participated in the rituals last year.
Grand Scale Preparations Underway
Leading the meticulous planning for the five-day Mahotsavam are MP Kesineni Sivanath, District Collector Dr G Lakshmisha, and Temple Executive Officer VK Seena Nayak. In a comprehensive review meeting, EO Seena Nayak directed all involved departments—including engineering staff, assistant commissioners, and clerical teams—to ensure flawless coordination. The event is scheduled to run from December 11 to 15, culminating in the Maha Poornahuti ceremony at 10:30 AM on the final day.
This year's spiritual observances will feature significant rituals such as Agni Pratishtapana, Sata Chandiyagam, and the sacred 9-kilometer Giri Pradakshina (circumambulation of the hill). Three Homagundas (sacred fire pits) have been established for the ceremonies. Special provisions are being made for Guru Bhavanis, who must complete mandatory registrations to participate.
Enhanced Facilities for Pilgrim Comfort
To handle the massive crowd efficiently, temple officials are introducing a series of visitor-friendly measures. These include separate queue lines, significantly expanded waiting halls, and additional parking areas. Devotees can collect prasadam from 19 dedicated counters, with the temple kitchen preparing a staggering 30 lakh prasadam packets, up from 18 lakh in the previous year.
Recognizing the needs of pilgrims performing specific rites, a dedicated tonsuring complex equipped with 950 barbers has been set up. A new Dhobi Ghat (laundry area) will also be operational. To maintain order and safety, security will be reinforced with over 3,000 police personnel and a network of more than 300 CCTV cameras monitoring the temple premises. All paid (Arjita) temple services will remain suspended from December 11 to 16 to prioritize the Deeksha ceremonies.
Digital Guidance for Devotees
Embracing technology for better pilgrim management, the temple has launched the 'Bhavani Deeksha 2025' mobile application. This app is designed to guide devotees with crucial information, including real-time darshan timings, locations of prasadam counters and hygiene facilities, and the detailed route for the Giri Pradakshina.
With this level of detailed planning and infrastructure development, the Bhavani Deeksha Viramana 2025 is poised to become one of the largest and most smoothly conducted spiritual gatherings in the recent history of the Indrakiladri hill shrine, offering a profound experience to lakhs of devotees.
