Temple

Located in Kanipakam in Chittoor, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple or Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The idol of Lord Ganesha is self manifested. A striking and strange feature of the idol is that it is believed to be ever growing in size. At present, one can see the knees and the abdomen of the idol.

Legend

According to the legends, once there lived three brothers and each brother's had  handicap. One was blind, one was Dumb and the other one was Deaf. For thier livelihood, they cultivated a small piece of land. In olden days water was drawn from the well by way of 'Piccota System'. One brother used to irrigate the field through the channels, and the other two used to ply on the Piccota. One day the well got dried up and they could no longer continue their job. One of the brothers got into the well and started digging it up. He was taken aback to see the iron implement hitting a stone like formation. Later, he was shocked to see blood oozing out from it. Within in a few seconds the entire water in the well turned blood red in colour. Suddenly all the three brothers became normal getting rid of their deformities. As soon as the villagers came to know about this miracle, they came to the well and tried to deepen the well further. But their attempt proved futile because the 'swayambhu' idol (the self-manifested) of Lord Vinayaka emerged from the swirling waters.

Architecture

The temple was built by the Chola king Kulothunga Chola I in the early 11th century CE. It was expanded further in 1336 by the Emperors of Vijayanagara dynasty. The main deity, Lord Ganesh is seated in a well. The idol is said to be growing in size.

Picture Courtesy : commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 1.00 PM and 4.00 PM to 9.30 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to dress appropriately. Clean and conservative dressing is preferred.

Famous Festival

The annual Brahmotsavam commences from Ganesh Chaturthi. It goes on for 20 days with all traditional pomp and gaiety. The utsavamurthi (Festive idol) is taken out in procession on all the days colourfully decked on different vahanams (Carriages). The float festival attracts pilgrims from all over the country.

Culture

Andhra Pradesh has a rich and diverse culture. Andhra Pradesh is definitely a priceless gem present in the tiara of Indian glory. The uniqueness of this state is distinctly observed from its diverse religions and communities followed by Andhra people.An affinity for different cultures and a rare open-mindedness cultivated by a rich history allows for a harmonious way of life in the City of Nawabs.

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Temple Rituals

Suprabatham, Binduteerthaabishekham - 4.00 AM to 5.00 AM
Paalabhishekam - 7.30 AM to 8.00 AM
                             12.30 PM to 1.00 PM
                             2.00 PM to 2.30 PM
                             3.30 PM to 4.00 PM
                             5.45 PM to 6.15 PM       
SankataHaraGanapati Vratham - 9.00 AM to 12.00 PM
Special Abhishekam - 5.30 AM to 6.00 AM
                                    9.00 AM to 10.00 AM
                                    11.00 AM to 12.00 PM
                                    1.00 PM to 2.00 PM
                                    6.15 PM to 7.15 PM
Pavalimpu Seva (EkanthaSeva) - 9.30 PM to 10.00 PM   
Nithya Kalyanotshavam - 11.00 AM to 12.00 PM            
Vunjala Seva - 6.30 PM to 7.30 PM

Special Rituals

The water from the well is offered as Prasad to devotees.
Every evening Satya Pramanam is conducted in the temple. In this event, those accused of cheating others on money matters and cheating women are asked to depose before the Lord if they are really innocent. It is believed that no one can escape punishment awarded by Lord Vinayaka if they dare speak lies.

Additional Info