Australian Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs, Multicultural Affairs and International Education Julian Hill visited the Sri Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada on Saturday during his visit to Andhra Pradesh.
Hill, who was accompanied by an official Australian delegation, was received by Temple Executive Officer V.K. Sheena Nayak and temple chairman Borrra Gandhi at the Rajagopuram. The delegation was welcomed with traditional temple music and Vedic chants.
The minister had darshan of the presiding deity, Sri Kanaka Durga, and took part in special prayers conducted at the temple. Temple authorities later briefed the delegation on the temple’s history and the religious importance of Goddess Kanaka Durga, while Vedic scholars offered traditional blessings.
As part of the ceremonial welcome, Hill was presented with temple shawls, a framed image of the Goddess and sacred prasadam by the temple authorities.
The visit formed part of Hill’s broader engagements in Andhra Pradesh, where education, international cooperation and community ties have been among the areas of interest during discussions with state and institutional representatives.
Security arrangements around Indrakeeladri Hill and the temple precinct were strengthened for the visit, with police deploying additional personnel under the supervision of Vijayawada City Police Commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu.
The visit was attended by the temple’s chief priests, officials and staff members.
Temple visits by international dignitaries are common during official tours of India and are often included as cultural and heritage engagements alongside government and institutional meetings.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
