Indrakeeladri Mountain in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, is the sacred pilgrim centre housing one of the most famous and splendorous temples dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga. According to the legend there lived a Yaksha by name Keela who was meditating upon Goddess Durga. Pleased with his penance, Goddess Durga appeared before him to grant him the boon he wished. Keela was so mesmerized by the Goddess that he asked her to stay in his heart forever. Goddess Durga blessed him saying that his desire would be fulfilled after her killing Mahishasura in Kritha yuga and turned him into a mountain with River Krishna flowing at its feet.

As per her boon, she resided on this mountain in the form of “Mahishasura Mardani” with eight arms after killing Mahishasura. Lord Indra and all the Gods from heaven descended to worship her. This way the mountain came to be known as Indrakeeladri (or Indrakiladri).

It is believed that Shiva had blessed Arjuna, the great warrior of Mahabharata on this Mountain.

In the Indrakeela there are several rock-cut temples. These were supposed originally to be ancient temples, but during the course of time, they were completely buried under debris. When quarrying they were revealed, and the rock-out temples were preserved as protected monuments. There is in the temple an excellent stone sculpture, which contains in all its four faces the story of Kiratarjuneeyam.

Many people visit this temple and the number of pilgrims increases in folds every Friday. Every year on Chaitra Shuddha Pournami, Vasanta Kalyanam is performed to Goddess Durga and Lord Malleshwara. Brahmotsavams in the temple are performed in Vasanta Ritu and the kalyaana performed during the utsavams is known as Vasanta Kalyana.