- Deity
- Goddess Kanaka Devi
- Known for
- Sacred streams for a purifying bath
- Legend
- King Parikshit's Sarpa Yaga
- Nearest city
- Vijayawada
The legend
The temple's story reaches back to the Mahabharata era. King Parikshit, seeking release from his wrongs, is said to have performed a Sarpa Yaga, a serpent sacrifice, on this spot. As the rite went on, Garuda flew overhead carrying a divine snake, and seven drops of its blood fell to the ground. Each drop became a stream.
Seeing the waters as blessed, the king declared that anyone who bathed in them would be freed of sin. That promise has drawn pilgrims ever since, and it remains the heart of worship here.
What to expect
Most devotees begin with a dip in the sacred waters and then go for darshan of the goddess in fresh or dry clothes. Offerings of flowers, coconut, kumkum and turmeric are usual. Families come for vows and thanksgiving, and the shrine tends to be busiest on Tuesdays, Fridays and festival days associated with the goddess.
Tips for your visit
Carry a change of clothes and a small towel if you plan to bathe, and keep valuables to a minimum near the water. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and remove footwear before entering the temple area. Photography inside the sanctum is generally not allowed, so check with the staff before taking pictures.
Combining it with a wider trip
Vijayawada is a good base for Andhra temple circuits, with its airport, a major railway junction and road links in every direction. If you are travelling from Tamil Nadu, we can build this shrine into a longer pilgrimage covering other temples in Andhra Pradesh, with trains or a private car and hotels arranged end to end.
Plan it with us
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will build the route, book the car, driver and hotels, and send you a clear quote.
