Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu released a book, ‘Sri Kanaka Durga The Universal Mother’ brought out by The Hindu, atop the hill shrine here on Wednesday.
Mr. Naidu showered praises on The Hindu for its efforts in publishing the book that encapsulates the Kanaka Durga temple’s history, religious significance, traditions, rituals and developments during last few decades. “The Hindu, known for its high values, has brought out very good book. I appreciate its efforts in publishing such good books and I wish other media organisations emulate it,” he said.
It was necessary to bring out many books of this kind to publicise the historical importance of the local temples, he said. Such books help in attracting the tourists as well.
Many more books of this kind could be planned where in aspects such as manifestations of goddess Kanaka Durga can be highlighted, he added.
The book exhaustively covers all aspects of the Kanaka Durga temple supported by eye- catching photographs. The writers muse over Bezwada nostalgia besides art and culture of the Krishna district.
From pre-dawn rituals to sweeping changes that are being put in place, the special volume has everything an ardent devotee would expect.
The book elucidates on Sakambari festival, the celestial boat ride on Vijaya Dasami day, ‘gajula utsavam’ (when the temple is decorated with bangles), manifestations of Kanaka Durga and initiation into spiritual path (Bhavani Deeksha). Sages, artistes who made Andhra proud, caves and caverns rich in history and temples sanctified by the river Krishna all find place in the book.
Mr. Dasu Kesava Rao coordinated the content for the book. Mr. Naidu’s wife Bhuvaneswari, Endowments Minister P. Manikyala Rao, Water Resources Minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao, Vijayawada MP Kesineni Srinivas (Nani), MLC Budha Venkanna, Vijayawada (West) MLA Jaleel Khan, Temple Executive Officer A. Surya Kumari, The Hindu’s Resident Editor K. Venkateshwarlu and others were present.