New Delhi: In Visakhapatnam city of Andhra Pradesh, the 'Vasavi Sri Kanyaka Parameshwari' temple has special significance during Navaratri. Like in many goddess' temples across country, the goddess of this particular temple is decorated in 10 different avatars from start of Navaratri till Dasara.
However, the highlight is Mahalakshmi Avataar, wherein goddess Sri Kanyakaparameshwari is decked up with currency notes and gold traditionally every year.
The temple belongs to a business community from Visakhapatnam which pools in currency notes and gold from natives every year to decorate the temple. This year the collections have swelled up to Rs four crores that has been used to decorate the walls and the floors where the goddess idol has been kept at the temple.
Almost 8 Kg jewellery worth Rs 2 crore and another Rs 2.5 crore as currency notes have been gofted this year which has been used to decorate the temple interiors. About 200 people have made donations for the temple which is believed to be almost 140 years old.
"Our devotees voluntarily bring in currency and gold and the same is used to decorate the goddess. We make a note of every currency note and the gold that is offered and the same is returned to its rightful owner the next day. It is a sentiment and belief that it is a good omen,'' informs Suresh Kumar, secretary of Sri Vasavi devi temple.
Every day during Navaratri, goddess Kanyaka Parameshwari gives darshan in different avatars as follows:
Balatripurasundari Devi
Annapurna Devi
Lalitha Devi
Gayatri Devi
Mahalakshmi Devi
Saraswati Devi
Ganga Devi
Gowramma Devi
Rajamathangi Devi
Kolkata Kali Matha.
