About 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 is Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy is a swayambhu, self-manifested idol. A very interesting fact is associated with this temple is that Sri 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 Sri Vinayaka will appear in person. The well from where Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka manifested is still exist 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 more than 1000 years’ old which was constructed in the early 11th century CE by the Chola king Kulothunga Chola-I. The name of the present Kanipakam village in olden days was called “Viharapuri”.

“KANI” means one and quarter land and, “PAKAM” means flew of water into the land i.e., irrigation. The indication of this was recognized as KANIPARAKAM – ultimately calling as KANIPAKAM which is the Tamil Transcended (Derived) word.

Legends as per the legend of the 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.

The "Swayambhu" idol of Sri Varasiddi 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 swayambhu idol of Sri Varasiddi 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.

Festivals and Celebrations on Vinayaka Chaturthi and English New Year Day are the festivals celebrated in the temple. The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated from Ganesh Chaturthi which goes on for 21 days with all traditional rituals and gaiety. The colorfully 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.

Festivals & Fairs celebrated at the Temple. Brahmostavams for a period of 21 days is the major annual festival. The Brahmostavams will commences from Bhadrapada Suddha Chavithi and be continued for 21 days. During the Brahmotsavam period except temple rituals, Ubhayadara abhishekam other Sevas like Abhishekam, Palabhishekam, Kalyanam, Unjal seva, and Ekathaseva will not be performed. During Brahmosthavams Uthsavamurthulu of Siddi Buddi Sametha Vinayka swamy are decorate specially and taken for procession on various Vahanams in the 4 mada streets of the kanipakam village as detailed below.

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

Further during Brahmotsavam period Annadanam is being arranged continuously from 10 AM to 10 PM to all the visiting Pilgrims with the co- Operation of Philanthropic devotees.