A special yoga training programme ‘Yogandhra’ was launched at the hill shrine of Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada on Sunday (June 7, 2026).The programme commenced at the Mahamandapam on the sixth floor of the temple complex and was conducted from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Yoga instructor Garre Rajesh led the inaugural session, providing training and awareness on yoga postures, pranayama and meditation to temple employees, priests and a large number of devotees.Temple Trust Board Chairman Borra Radhakrishna (Gandhi) participated in the session and performed yoga along with the staff members.Addressing the gathering, he said there is an inseparable relationship between temples, which serve as centres of mental peace, and the practice of yoga, which helps calm and strengthen the mind. He appealed to local residents and devotees to participate in large numbers in the free yoga sessions, which will be conducted at the temple till June 20 in the run up to the International Day of Yoga observed on June 21.Among those present at the inaugural programme were Deputy Executive Officer Kishore Kumar, Trust Board members Avvaru Srinivasa Rao and Penumatsa Raghava Raju, special invitee Velagapudi Shankara Babu, temple officials and staff.The temple administration also distributed free prasadam and drinking water to all devotees who attended the event. The initiative aims to promote physical well-being, mental wellness, and greater awareness of yoga among devotees and the general public. Published - June 07, 2026 07:51 pm IST