Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Ammavari Temple in Burujupeta, Visakhapatnam, is the most beloved temple of the Goddess in the port city. Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Ammavaru – a form of Goddess Lakshmi – was the family deity of the old Rajas of Visakhapatnam, and today she is worshipped by people of every background as the Mother who watches over the city. The temple is famous for two rare features: the Goddess sits open to the sky, with no roof over her, and the shrine stands in the middle of a road.
The Story of the Temple
According to tradition, the Goddess was first worshipped inside the old Visakhapatnam Fort – the name Burujupeta itself comes from the bastion (buruju) of the fort nearby. When the fort was attacked, her image was hidden in a well for protection. The image was taken out of the well in 1912 and installed in the middle of the road, where it stands today. Devotees say the Goddess made it known in dreams that she wished to remain without a roof over her head, and so the sanctum was left open to the sky.
Another well-known story tells that when the image was once moved aside to widen the road, a plague broke out in the town. Believing that the Goddess's displacement had brought the calamity, the people returned her to her original place – and the disease, it is said, came to an end. Since then no one has disturbed her place in the middle of the road.
The Goddess
The image of Kanaka Mahalakshmi is regarded as Swayambhu (self-manifested), and one of her arms is missing. Local tradition gives a moving explanation: the Goddess is said to have given up her arm herself, vowing never to bestow her wealth upon the ungrateful. Devotees pray to her for prosperity, protection and the well-being of their families.
Festivals and Worship
- Margasira Masotsavam – the temple's grandest celebration is a month-long festival in the month of Margasira (usually November–December), when devotees throng the temple every day. During the festival the temple offers annadanam to devotees daily, with the largest gatherings on the Thursdays and on the final day.
- Thursdays – Thursday is the most auspicious day of the week for the Goddess, and the temple is especially crowded.
- Dasara / Devi Navaratri and Deepavali are also celebrated with special worship.
Visitor Information
- Timings: the temple is listed as open round the clock, with daily rituals in the early morning, at noon and in the evening. Please check locally on festival days.
- Margasira crowds: the Thursdays of Margasira are extremely busy; come early in the morning.
- Location: because the shrine stands in the middle of the road, traffic moves around it; take care when crossing.
- Etiquette: traditional dress is recommended; remove footwear before approaching the shrine.
How to Reach
- By Road: the temple is in Burujupeta, in the old town area of Visakhapatnam near the port; city buses and autorickshaws reach it easily.
- By Train: Visakhapatnam railway station is about 4 km away.
- By Air: the nearest airport is Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Bhogapuram (VTZ), about 50 km away by road.
Nearby Temples
About 22 km away is the great Narasimha kshetra of Simhachalam, and in neighbouring Vizianagaram is the Sri Pydithalli Ammavari Temple, famous for its Sirimanotsavam.
