The temple of Goddess Kanaka Durga on Indrakeeladri witnessed moderate rush on Saturday, two days after the beginning of Navaratri festivities, with thousands of devotees offering prayers.
On the third day of the festivities, the presiding deity appeared as Sri Gayatri Devi. The temple priests performed Suprabhata Seva and other rituals, and the temple was thrown open for the general public for darshan. The crowd was thin from the early hours and there was not much rush even during the evening hours. The queue lines, prasadam counter and bathing ghats wore a deserted look.
At one point, the police and security personnel outnumbered devotees at the hill shrine. About 62,500 devotees thronged the temple.
Temple Executive Officer A. Surya Kumari said that 55,000 devotees had free darshan. As many as 3,200 physically challenged and aged people visited the temple, she said.
As many as 8,834 devotees were provided the free anna prasadam, she said.
Krishna district Collector B. Lakshmikantham made a surprise visit to the anna prasadam hall and other areas of the temple. He tasted the quality of the anna prasadam.
Temple Executive Officer A. Surya Kumari said that buffet meals would be implemented to provide free meals to maximum number of devotees. At least 80,000 devotees would be provided the anna prasadam, she said.
Upon noticing the staff at luggage and chappal stands collecting high amount from the devotees, Mr. Lakshmikantam said criminal charges would be initiated against them. He also removed the rate boards and asked the staff to provide free services to the devotees.