Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi is the presiding deity of Visakhapatnam locals. The temple is located in Burujupeta of Visakhapatnam city. In so far as Sthalapuranam of this Temple is concerned, there is no authentic information. It is learnt that Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Ammavaru is the family deity of the then “Rajas of Visakhapatnam”.
There is an interesting story attached to the origin of the Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi temple. According to the locals, the idol of the presiding deity, Ammavari, was found in the well that was located near the fort of the then Rajas. In 1912 it was removed and placed in the center of the road. To widen the same road, the Municipal Council thought of moving the statue to another place and therefore installed it on the corner of the road.
Immediately after the whole incident, that is, in 1917, the city began to suffer from the disease called Plague and many people died in the village. Seeing the general condition, people were scared and realized that everything happened due to the movement of the idol from one place to another. And, to protect the city from this deadly disease, they bought the statue back to its original place where it was previously installed.Due to the re-erection, the village was freed from the plague and the villagers had a sign of relief. Since then, the idol of Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi is worshiped by people with full faith and devotion.
Another important factor that draws visitors from all walks of life is the annual Margasira Masa Mahotsavam festival, which lasts for a month every year. Thousands of devotees flock to this temple during this time to see the Goddess and offer their prayers to her.