About the Temple
Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is nestled in the Kanipakam Village of Chittoor District. This ancient Ganesha temple is also known as Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple. The prime deity of this temple Lord Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy is a swayambhu, self-manifested idol. A very interesting fact is associated with this temple is that Lord Vinayaka Idol size is increasing day by day. It is believed that the idol will be growing in size until the end of Kaliyuga and then Lord Sri Vinayaka will appear in person.
The temple is believed to be more than 800 yrs old which was constructed in the early 11th century CE by the Chola king Kulothunga Chola I and was expanded in 1336 by the Emperors of Vijayanagara dynasty. This is one of the biggest temples of Shri Ganesha. The well from where Lord Vinayaka manifested is still exist in the temple. The holy water from the well is distributed among the devotees as prasadam in this temple.
Temple View
LegendsAs per the legend of this ancient temple, there were three brothers and each of them had a handicap. One day, they started digging the well for water and suddenly the Iron implement hit a stone like structure. Later, they saw the blood oozing out from the well which made the entire water in the well to turn red. On observing this divine sight, they got rid of their deformities. As soon as the locals came to know about this miracle they tried to deepen the well further.
Temple Idol
The 'swayambhu' idol of Lord Vinayaka 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 rainy season. Another strange feature of the idol is that it is still growing in size. It is believed that the idol will be growing in size until the end of Kaliyuga and then Lord Sri Vinayaka will appear in person.
It is believed that swayambhu idol of Lord Vinayaka is the up-holder of truth. The disputes among the people are resolved by taking an oath. It is a regular practice for the people of this region to take a holy dip in the temple tank and swear before the lord to prove their innocence.
Temple Mandap
Festivals and Celebrations
Vinayaka Chaturti and English New Year Day are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated from Ganesh Chaturthi which goes on for 20 days with all traditional rituals and gaiety. The colourfully decked festive idol is taken out for procession on all the days on different carriages.
The float festival attracts pilgrims from all over the country.
Temple Celebrations
How to reach
By Road: The temple is 10 km away from Chittoor Town. The temple can be reached by Buses or Taxis operated by Government and Private tourist agencies from Chittoor Town.
By Train: The nearest Railway Station is Chittoor Railway Station, which is 10 km away from the temple.
By Air: The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, which is 90 km away from Kanipakam Village.
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