Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple also known as Vinayaka Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to lord Ganesha in Kanipakam, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India. “Kani” means wetland, and “Pakam” means the flow of water into the wetland. The temple is located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The location is exactly 11 kilometres from Chittoor and 68 kilometres from Tirupati Balaji.

The temple’s main deity, Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy, is a swayambhu, or self-manifested murti. A fascinating fact about this temple is that the size of the Sri Vinayaka murti is gradually increasing day by day. The temple was built in the 11th century by Chola king Kulothunga Chola I and expanded in 1336 by the Vijayanagara Kings. Ganesha. The idol of ‘Swayambhu’ Vinayaka is inside ‘Kalyani’, the lake where the idol was originally discovered. It is believed that Lord Vinayaka, the temple’s main idol, manifests himself, which is why it is also known as Swayambhu Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple.

Legend of Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple

According to legend, there once lived three farmers with physical deformities who were born dumb, deaf, and blind. They owned a plot of land. In the past, water was drawn from the well using a Piccota system (two people standing on a wooden log to pump the water out). While one of them irrigated the field through the channels, the other two relied on the piccota to pump water from the well.

On one such operation, when they discovered that the water in the well had dried up and they could no longer pull water out of it, one of them entered the well and began digging. He was astounded to see the iron implement to strike a stone-like formation, causing blood to come out and turning the entire water in the well red. Following this divine experience, all three became normal, removing their deformities.

As soon as the villagers learnt about this miracle, they rushed to the well and attempted to deepen it further. However, their attempt failed, and Bhagwan Vinayaka’s ‘Swayambhu’ murti (self-manifested) emerged from the well’s swirling waters. Villagers offered coconuts, and the thirtham began to flow, covering the nearby area of 1.25 acres of land. Kani is a Tamil word meaning 1.25 acres of land. Parakam means “flowing water.” As a result, the village became known as Kani Parakam, which eventually evolved into ‘Kanipakam’.

Even today, the murti remains in the original well, and the springs are perennial and fresh. During the rainy season, the well overflows with holy water. Tirtham, or holy water from the well, is offered to devotees.

History of Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple

The Kanipakam Vinayaka temple was built in the early 11th century by Chola king Kulothunga Chola I and expanded in 1336 by the Emperors of the Vijayanagara dynasty. Bhagwan Ganesha’s murti in this temple is gradually increasing in size! Currently, one can see the murti’s knees and abdomen.

In 1947, a devotee named Sri Bezawada Siddaiah of Aragonda Gollapalli village in Andhra Pradesh presented Him with a silver kavacha (armour) that fit the murti perfectly. It no longer fits the murti because it has grown in size. Since 1945, silver Kavacham of various sizes has been on display at the temple’s main entrance. It is worth noting that water will remain at the same level around the murti throughout the year. This sacred water is distributed as theertham to all devotees.

The architecture of Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple

There are the inner, front, and large pavilions from the Sanctum Sanctorum. The deity can only be seen from the narrow inner pavilion, where a Mushika or rat-carrier of God faces the deity. The idols of Vinayaka and Kumara Swami can be seen on either side of the front pavilion. Mushika is accompanied by Siva’s carrier, Nandi, a bull.

A wall is constructed around the temple. There is a three-story Rajagopura. A water tank faces the tower. One can bathe or wash one’s feet and hands before entering the temple. There are two Dhwajastambhas here: one is carved from rock and the other has a metal cover.

There are two Chola temples here. One is the Manikantheswara temple (Manivandeeswaram), which was built by Kullottunga Chola 3 in 1116 A.D., while the Varadaraja temple is also said to have been built during this period.

Facts about Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple

• The Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is located in Kanipakam, 11 kilometres from the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.
• The temple is 68 kilometres from Tirupati. The temple is one of the unique temples in Andhra Pradesh, which is well-known for its temples in Tirupati, Tirumala, and Sri Kalahasthi. Kanipakam is a small town, but the Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka temple is well known.
• The idol is believed to have grown in size until the end of Kaliyuga when he appears in person. The idol is said to incarnate on its own, or to be “Swayambhu”.
• People believe that the idol in the well grows year after year. The icon’s armour made as an offering 50 years ago, no longer fits.
• The temple holds great religious significance because of the idol, which is thought to be a miracle. According to popular belief, the deity’s idol will grow throughout the Kaliyug, and Sri Vinayaka will appear.
• The well from which the idols manifested is still present in the temple. The water from the sacred well is the Theertham (holy water) distributed to devotees.
• The temple’s water is considered holy and is thought to cure a variety of deformities. Before visiting Tirupathi, devotees usually pay a visit to the Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple.
• People settle disputes by swearing a special oath in front of an idol. Those involved in the dispute take a holy dip in the river and swear to the deity.
• If a person has sinned, he may voluntarily confess it as soon as he bathes in the holy river and enters the temple. The temple is known for its purity and rich history.
• Visitors to this sacred site believe that taking a ‘Special Oath’ can help them resolve disputes.

Famous Festivals In Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple

Millions of people visit the Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple every year to celebrate all of the festivals that are held here.

• Ganesh Chaturthi is a significant celebration in this temple. It takes place in either September or August. It marks the beginning of a series of Hindu celebrations and is typically observed for five days.
• Bhadrapada Month Celebrations – Every year people from distant places gather in this place to offer prayers and seek blessings from the Lord Ganesha. It occurs in August or September, which is the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, and the celebrations last more than a month.
• Brahmotsavam – The temple celebrates Brahmotsavam and the Lamps Festival. Brahmotsavam is traditionally celebrated for twenty days every year beginning with Vinayaka Chaturthi.
• Vijayadasami – Vijayadasami is another major festival in Morgaon Ganpati temple. It is celebrated in September or October along with Navaratri, a major Hindu festival.
• Akshaya Tritiya – Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious day observed in temples throughout May. On this day, special Poojas to the Lord are performed. The benefits of Jaap, Yagya, and Punya are thought to last a devotee’s entire life and never diminish. Akshaya Tritiya, like Ugadi and Vijayadashami, is regarded as one of the days with no negative consequences.

Best Time to Visit Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How to Reach Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple

The famous Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple is accessible by various modes of transport.

By Air: The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, which is 86 kilometres away from the Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple. Local transport is available at the airport.

By Rail: The nearest train station to reach Kanipakam is Chittoor Railway Station which is 12 km From the temple. Tirupati is the nearest major railway station which is 70 kilometres from the Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple. Local transport is available at the railway station.

By Road: The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates daily buses between Bangalore and Chittoor. Buses depart from Tirupati Bus Station, 72 kilometres from the Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple. Local transport is available at the bus station.

Also Read – Siddhivinayak Temple Siddhatek