Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple

Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple in central Visakhapatnam is dedicated to the goddess as a giver of wealth and prosperity, and she was once the family deity of the area's former kings. The temple dates from 1872, has a five-tiered gopuram and is one of the wealthiest three temples in the state.

In Buruju Peta, the sanctum has no roof, in keeping with what is believed to be the goddess's wish, and devotees offer worship directly to the idol. Local lore says the idol came out of a well in 1912; after it was moved aside for road widening in 1917, a plague outbreak was blamed on the shift and it was returned to its spot. Margasira month, especially its Thursdays, draws the largest crowds.