Devotees thronged Indrakeeladri, abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga, on Sunday (March 1), with the temple management ensuring smooth darshan despite the heavy turnout.Officials said elaborate arrangements were made to prevent inconvenience to pilgrims. In view of the rush, Antaralaya darshan was temporarily suspended from 11:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to prioritise general devotees. VIP darshans were also halted between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Temple Executive Officer V.K. Seena Naik personally monitored the situation on the ground, issuing instructions through wireless communication to regulate queue lines efficiently. Free prasadam distribution began at 7 a.m. and continued until 5 p.m., while Annadanam was provided to about 7,150 devotees. Volunteers supplied drinking water to pilgrims waiting in queues in the summer heat.Meanwhile, Mr. Seena Naik said preparations were in full swing for the Maha Kumbhabhishekam of the temple, a grand ritual held once every 12 years at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Devasthanam. The three-day event is scheduled from March 6 to 8. The main Kumbhabhishekam will be performed at 9.34 a.m. on March 8 in Mesha Lagnam under the supervision of Vijayendra Saraswathi of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.The EO reviewed the repairs to the Vimana Gopuram, Yagashala arrangements and other engineering works, directing officials to ensure adequate facilities, including queue management, drinking water and prasadam distribution, for the expected influx of devotees.Additionally, Surya Upasana rituals were conducted at the temple on Sunday with Vedic scholars performing special prayers for universal wellbeing and devotees’ health. The Vedic ceremony was organised under the guidance of the temple’s Vedic committee and scholars, who performed the rituals in accordance with scriptural traditions. Special prayers and offerings were made to Sun God, Surya, amid the chanting of Vedic hymns, invoking blessings for universal welfare and the health and prosperity of devotees.Devotees actively participated in the sacred ritual. Several pilgrims took part directly in the ceremony through the Ubhaya Rishi ticket (₹1,000).Published - March 01, 2026 09:02 pm IST