Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence is considered the presiding deity of Vijayawada. The temple is set on Indrakila hill. A temple of Lord Malleswara is also within the city area. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed Sri Chakra here. Special celebrations are held here during Dasera festival.

At the Kanakadurga temple, the enchanting four-foot high icon of the deity gleams into sight even before one enters the garbha griha. The goddess with eight hands and equipped with eight powerful weapons is seen in a standing posture over the demon Mahishashura and piercing him with her trident. The Goddess bedecked in glittering ornaments and floral decorations is the epitome of beauty. Devotees worship goddess Kanakadurga to bestow them with health, wealth and prosperity.

The temple authorities at the Kanakadurgeswari shrine have made elaborate arrangements for devotees to have darshan from different points. The first is the special darshan from within the sanctum sanctorum in close proximity of the deity and the second special darshan is from just outside the sanctum sanctorum. The third type of darshan is from a distance. The temple remains open for darshan from 4.30 a.m up to 10.30 p.m. Archanas are performed at 4.30 a.m, 8.00 a.m, 2.00 p.m, and 6.00 p.m. Lakshakumkum archana is performed everyday, except on Friday and Sunday. Chanting of mantras and devotional music euphonises the air in the mornings creating a serene atmosphere.