Vijayawada, Sep 25th: Lakh of pilgrims offered worship in the temple atop the Indrakeeladri Hill here on Friday the occasion of 'Mulanakshtram', the birth star of Goddess Kanakadurga. The pilgrims, who reached the temple late Thursday night waited in queue for hours for 'darshan' of the Goddess, who was attired in the form of 'Saraswati Devi.' The devasthanam had allowed the pilgrims for 'darshan' since 0150.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah worshipped Goddess Durga at 1752 hrs in the evening and presented silk saree and pure pearls to the presiding deity on behalf of the state government. On behalf of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), officials presented 'Pattu Vastrams' (Silk Vestments) to the Goddess, as Goddess Kanakadurga is deemed to be the sister of Lord Venkateswara.

Thousands of Bhavani devotees ended their 40-day 'Deeksha' (Austerity) by having 'darshan' and offering 'Irumudi' to the presiding deity from Friday till September 30. Vehicles were not allowed to the top of the hill due to heavy rush of pilgrims and vehicular traffic from Hyderabad and other places passing near the temple had been diverted. Police made elaborate security arrangements at the temple to prevent any untoward incidents. The 'Teppotsavam' (boat festival) would be held on September 28.