Thousands offer worship to Goddess Durga on auspicious day

Vijayawada, Oct 6 (UNI) Thousands of pilgrims offered worship in the temple atop the Indrakeeladri hill here on the occasion of 'Mulanakshatram', the birth star of Goddess Kanakadurga today.

The pilgrims, who reached the temple late last night waited in the queue for hours for darshan of the Goddess.

Andhra Pradesh Endowment Minister J Rathnakar presented silk garments to the Goddess on behalf of the state government.

Vehicles were not allowed to the top of the hill due to heavy rush of pilgrims on the auspicious occasion for worship.

Police made elaborate security arrangements at the temple in view of terror threats.

A huge 'laddu' weighing 110 kg prepared to mark the occasion, was the cynosure of all eyes at the temple. The Vijayawada Hotel Owners Association presented the laddu to the temple. The laddu was made with 35 kg of ghee, 25 kg of dry fruits, sugar and resins at a cost of Rs 25,000.

The float festival would be held on October 8, while 200 Vedic pandits would be felicitated tomorrow after a 'Vedic sabha'.

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