Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple (Kanipakam), Andhra Pradesh

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Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is located in Kanipakam Village of Chittoor District. This ancient Ganesha temple is also known as Kanipakam Vinayaka temple. The main deity of this temple is Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy is a swayambhu, a self-manifested idol. A very interesting fact associated with this temple is that the size of the Sri Vinayaka idol is increasing day by day. It is believed that the idol will grow in size until the end of Kaliyuga and then Sri Vinayaka will appear in person. The well from which Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka manifested still exists in the temple. The holy water from the well is distributed among the devotees as prasadam in this temple. The temple is believed to be over 800 years old and was built in the early 11th century by the Chola king Kulothunga Chola-I. The name of the present village of Kanipakam in ancient times was called “Viharapuri”.

“KANI” means a quarter of the land and “PAKAM” means that the water flowed to the land, that is, irrigation. The indication of this was recognized as KANIPARAKAM – finally called as KANIPAKAM, which is the Tamil word Transcended (Derived).

Legends According to the ancient temple legend, there were three brothers and each of them had a disability. One day, they started digging the well for water and suddenly the iron implement struck a stone-like structure. Later, they saw blood gush out of the well, causing all the water in the well to turn red. By observing this divine vision, they got rid of their deformities. As soon as the locals found out about this miracle, they tried to deepen the well further.

Sri Varasiddi Vinayaka’s idol “Swayambhu” emerged from the well. Later, people built a temple around the well. Even today the idol is in the original well and the springs of the well are perpetual. The holy water from the well overflows during the rainy season. Another strange feature of the idol is that it is still growing in size. Sri Varasiddi Vinayaka’s swayambhu idol is believed to be the defender of truth. Disputes between people are resolved by taking an oath. It is a regular practice for the people of this region to take a holy bath in the temple tank and swear before the lord to prove their innocence.

The festivals and celebrations in Vinayaka Chaturthi and the English New Year’s Day are the festivals that are celebrated in the temple. The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated from Ganesh Chaturthi, which lasts 21 days with all the traditional rituals and joy. The colorful festive idol is carried in the procession every day in different carriages. The float festival attracts pilgrims from all over the country.

Festivities and fairs held in the temple. Brahmostavams for a period of 21 days is the main annual festival. The Brahmostavams will start at Bhadrapada Suddha Chavithi and continue for 21 days. During the Brahmotsavam period, except for temple rituals, Ubhayadara abhishekam and other Sevas such as Abhishekam, Wordhishekam, Kalyanam, Unjal seva and Ekathaseva will not be performed. During Brahmosthavams, Siddi Buddi Sametha Vinayka swamy’s Uthsavamurthulu are specially decorated and carried to the procession in various Vahanams on the 4 mada streets of Kanipakam village, as detailed below.

Vinayaka Chavathi Festivals & Fairs celebrated at the Temple are:(Bhadrapada Sudha Chavithi)

1st day – Pushpa Kavallu, Abhishekam

2nd day – Dvajarohanam,abhishekam and Hamsa Vahanam

3rd day – Nemali(Peakcock) Vahanam

4th day – Mushika Vahanam

5th day – Abhishekam,chinna shesha vahanam,pedda Sesha Vahanam

6th day – Vrishabha Vahanam

7th day – Gaja Vahanam

8th day – Rathotsavam

9th day – Bikshandi Seva Thiru Kalyanam Aswa Vahanam

10th day – Dwajajarohanam, Vadayathu Utsavam and Ekantha Seva

11th day – Adhikara Nandi Vahanam

12th day – Ravana Brahma Vahanam

13th day – Surya Prabha Vahanam

14th day – Chandra Prabha Vahanam

15th day – Yaali vahanam

16th day – Vimanotsavam

17th day – Kalpa Vriksha Vahanam

18th day – Poolangi Seva

19th day – kamadenu vahanam

20th day – Pushpa Pallaki Seva

21st day – Theppotsavam

Transport

By Road:

Regularly A.P.S.R.T.C buses are available from Chittoor and Tirupati. Kanipakam is 11 km from Chittoor and 75 km from Tirupati.

By Train:

The nearest railway station is Chittoor. It is well connected to Bangalore, Chennai and Tirupati via Train. There are trains that travel via Katpadi or Tirupati, but do not touch Chittoor. In such cases, Katpadi (just 35km from Chittoor) or Tirupati (70 km from Chittoor), are convenient points to alight. From Katpadi/Tirupati, you can reach Chittoor by train or bus.

By Air:

Tirupati(Renigunta) is the nearest airport. Direct flights are available from Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai to Tirupati.And the distance from Renigunta Airport to Tirupathi is 16K.M.And Tirupathi To Kanipakam is 75 KM by Bus or Vehicle