VIJAYAWADA: The Kanaka Durga Temple will be open 22 hours a day from 1 am to 11 pm during the 12-day Krishna Pushkaram, according to the temple’s executive officer, A Surya Kumari. Elaborate preparations for the 24 lakh devotees expected are being made by the temple authorities for providing them darshan.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Surya Kumari said that a toll-free number - 1 800 425 9099 - has been set up for providing pilgrims with temple timings and for giving feedback and donor information, she said.
Kumari said that VIPs will be allowed to get their darshan of the Goddess from 9 am to 10 am and from 3 pm to 5 pm. However the free darshan queue will not be disturbed during the VIP darshan. A control room will be set up at Mallikarjuna maha mandapam to monitor the flow of queue lines, she said.
The EO said Nayee Brahmins will be assisting pilgrims at Durga, Bhavani, Punnami Ghats. Arundel Satram, the present tonsure hall will be closed during the Pushkarams. Idols and temple replicas have been placed at the Railway station, RTC bus stand, Polkampadu and Sitanagaram for the convenience of pilgrims. Annadanam will be offered to 25,000 pilgrims everyday in the temporary sheds developed on Arjun street, she said.
Kumari added that around 1,000 NSS volunteers will offer their service to devotees at the temple during the river festival to ensure that devotees are provided a pleasant experience.