The authorities of the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam in Vijayawada have lodged a complaint with the police against a woman for allegedly filming and posting an objectionable Instagram reel within the temple premises, stating that the act violated temple traditions and religious norms.

According to temple Executive Officer V. K. Seena Naik, the video, which was widely circulated on social media and telecast by several television channels, showed a young woman dancing near the Rajagopuram on the seventh floor of the Mahamandapam inside the temple complex.

The temple administration said the act violated the rules prescribed by the Endowments Department and had hurt the religious sentiments of devotees. Officials maintained that the woman’s conduct was inconsistent with the sanctity and traditions of the temple.

Preliminary inquiries revealed that the video had been uploaded through an Instagram account identified as “Guntur_bhavani_meghapatel”. The footage was reportedly recorded between 1.45 p.m. and 1.47 p.m. on July 30.

The temple authorities submitted a formal complaint to the Station House Officer of the One Town police station under the NTR Police Commissionerate on Sunday, seeking a thorough investigation into the incident. They requested the police to identify the woman seen in the video and initiate legal action in accordance with the law.

Mr. Naik said the actions of a few individuals were hurting the sentiments of a large number of devotees and undermining the spiritual significance of the shrine. He reiterated that the temple administration remained committed to preserving the sanctity, traditions and cultural heritage of the revered temple dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga.

Published - August 02, 2026 06:46 pm IST