Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy

Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy at kanipakam is called with the name Sri Swayambu Varasidhi Vinayaka Swami. It is one of the popular Lord Ganesh temples in India. The word swayambu describes that it is self-manifested/ self-created. Even the location Kanipakam has its own meaning, ‘Kani’ means wetland and the word ‘pakam’ means the flow of water in the wetland.

The temple dedicated to Sri Swayambu Varasidhi Vinayaka Swami is located in Kanipakam, a village in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the ancient and significant temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha in the region.

History of Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy:

There is a glorious history of Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy temple. According to the data, it is said that it was constructed in the early 11th century. In the later period, emperors of the Vijayanagara dynasty expanded it. It was popular only within the surrounding areas of Chittoor. Because of AP tourism development programs, it became famous and widely known over the past 10- 15 years. Kanipakam temple is near to Tirupati. You find a number of buses running from Tirupati.

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Legend :

Legend of Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy temple: In the olden days due to scarce water, people used to cultivate their farms by drawing water from wells. According to temple history data, there were three brothers who were handicapped, they used to live by cultivating a small piece of land. Once the water in the well, they used to use for cultivation dried up. 

In order to continue cultivation, one of the brothers got into the well and tried to dig the well deeper. Surprisingly he stuck with a stone-like formation where he saw blood oozing out of the stone and within no time the well-turned red with blood. With the sight, all three got cured of their abnormalities. By seeing this miracle the villagers started digging the well deep then they found “Sri Swayambu Varasidhi Vinayaka Swami”. Villagers started offering coconuts and prayers. It is said that whoever the devotee leaves his liked/addicted work (smoking, drinking, etc…) his wish will get fulfilled.

Specialty of Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy: 

The specialty of Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy is that the idol is believed to be self-manifested or self-formed (swayambu), which means it was not created by human hands. According to the temple legend, the idol emerged on its own from the earth at the very spot where the temple stands today. The idol of the Lord Vinayaka is said to be increasing day by day.

Accommodation at Kanipakam Temple: 

Temple Guesthouses: The temple administration provides guesthouses for pilgrims. These guesthouses offer basic amenities and are usually affordable. It is advisable to book in advance as they can get busy, especially during festivals and peak pilgrimage seasons.

Private Hotels and Lodges: There are several private hotels and lodges located near the temple. These establishments offer a range of accommodations, from budget to mid-range and sometimes even luxury options. They provide various amenities like comfortable rooms, Wi-Fi, room service, and sometimes even in-house restaurants.

Dharmashalas and Choultries: There are also several dharmashalas (charitable accommodations) and choultries (community accommodations) available near the temple. These places offer simple rooms at nominal charges or sometimes even on a donation basis. They are suitable for budget-conscious pilgrims and provide basic facilities.

Online Accommodation Platforms: Utilizing online accommodation platforms such as Booking.com, OYO, or Airbnb can be a good option to find nearby hotels, guesthouses, or homestays. These platforms provide a wide range of choices and allow you to compare prices, read reviews, and make online bookings.

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Places to visit in and around Kanipakam Temple:

Sri Kalahasti Temple: Located about 55 kilometers from Kanipakam, Sri Kalahasti Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is famous for its architectural grandeur and is considered one of the Panchabhoota Sthalas (temples representing the five elements). The temple is known for its Vayu Linga and attracts devotees from far and wide.

Tirupati: Situated approximately 75 kilometers from Kanipakam, Tirupati is one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in India. The town is renowned for Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy Temple, situated atop the Tirumala Hills. Devotees visit Tirupati to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple attracts millions of pilgrims every year.

Chandragiri Fort: Located about 45 kilometers from Kanipakam, Chandragiri Fort is a historical fort built in the 11th century. It served as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire for a brief period. The fort showcases a blend of architectural styles and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular tourist attraction for history enthusiasts.

Talakona Waterfall: Situated around 80 kilometers from Kanipakam, Talakona Waterfall is the highest waterfall in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Surrounded by lush greenery and the Sri Venkateswara National Park, the waterfall offers a serene and picturesque setting. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the waterfall and explore the nearby nature trails.

Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park: Located approximately 85 kilometers from Kanipakam, the Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park is one of the largest zoological parks in Asia. Spread over an extensive area, the park is home to a diverse range of animal species. It offers a unique opportunity to observe wildlife and learn about conservation efforts.

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Kanipakam Temple Opening Hours:

Morning Timings:

Darshan: 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM (Suprabhatha Darshanam)

Sarva Darshan: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Abhishekam: 5:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Seva/Pooja Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Afternoon Timings:

Darshan: 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM

Maha Nivedana: 12:30 PM

Evening Timings:

Darshan: 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Maha Harathi: 6:30 PM

FAQ:

Where is the Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple located?

The Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is located in the Kanipakam village of Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is about 100 kilometers from Tirupati.

What is the significance of Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple?

The temple is known for a self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesha, which is believed to be growing in size. It is considered highly auspicious, and people visit the temple to seek blessings and fulfill their wishes.

Are there any entry fees to visit the temple?

Many Hindu temples in India do not charge entry fees. However, some temples may have fees for special darshan (viewing) or pujas (ritual offerings). It’s advisable to check with the temple administration for information on any associated fees.

What are the major festivals celebrated at Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple?

The Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy temple celebrates various Hindu festivals with great fervor, including Vinayaka Chaturthi, Maha Shivaratri, and Navaratri. Vinayaka Chaturthi is the most significant festival celebrated at the temple.

What are the rules and dress code for visiting the temple?

Temples in India often have specific dress codes, such as modest and traditional attire. It’s advisable to wear modest clothing, and it’s common to remove your shoes before entering the inner sanctum. Additionally, it’s customary to maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor within the temple premises.

Can I take photographs inside the temple?

Photography rules may vary from temple to temple. Some temples allow photography in certain areas, while others do not permit it. It’s best to inquire with the temple authorities about their specific photography policy.

What are the specialities of the Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple?

The Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is a very special temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The main deity, Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy, is a swayambhu, or self-manifested, idol. The idol is made of a black stone and is said to be growing in size every day.

The temple is also known for its holy water, which is believed to have healing powers. Devotees often bathe in the water to cure various ailments.

What are some of the popular sevas offered at the Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple?

Some of the popular sevas offered at the Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple include:

• Archana: This is a ritual in which the priest offers prayers to the deity.
• Abhishekam: This is a ritual in which the deity is bathed in holy water.
• Aarathi: This is a ritual in which the deity is offered a garland of flowers and incense.
• Prasadam: This is a token of blessing given to devotees by the priest.

How to reach Kanipakam Temple:

By Air: 

The nearest major airport is Tirupati Airport, which is approximately 75 kilometers away from Kanipakam. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kanipakam.

By Train: 

The nearest railway station to Kanipakam is Tirupati Railway Station. It is well-connected to major cities in India. From Tirupati, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kanipakam, which is about 65 kilometers away.

By Road:

From Tirupati: Kanipakam is located around 65 kilometers from Tirupati. You can take a taxi or a bus from Tirupati to reach Kanipakam. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

From Chennai: Kanipakam is around 170 kilometers from Chennai. You can drive via Chennai-Tirupati Highway (NH-716) or take a bus or taxi from Chennai to Tirupati and then proceed to Kanipakam.

From Bengaluru: Kanipakam is approximately 240 kilometers from Bengaluru. You can drive via Bengaluru-Chittoor Highway (NH-75) or take a bus or taxi from Bengaluru to Tirupati and then continue to Kanipakam.

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