Kanipakam Temple
Sri Varasiddi Vinayaka of Kanipakam – The Living Miracle on Earth
Tucked within the peaceful farmlands of Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district is a revered pilgrimage site where faith is alive in every breath – the Kanipakam temple of Sri Varasiddi Vinayaka. This ancient shrine is more than a spiritual sanctuary; it is a place where truth is revered, miracles are believed, and faith finds its voice.
The Divine Name and Its Origin
The name Kanipakam is deeply symbolic. In Telugu, “Kani” means one and a quarter (land measure) and “Pakam” refers to the flow of water into that land, indicating natural irrigation. Together, the word reflects the miraculous event where sacred coconut water once spread across more than an acre of farmland—a sign believed to be Lord Vinayaka's divine blessing.
The Swayambhu Idol – A Miracle Unearthed
Over a millennium ago, three physically challenged brothers—one blind, one mute, and the other deaf—worked a small piece of land near today's Kanipakam. When their well dried up, one of them entered it to dig deeper. As he struck something hard with a tool, blood began flowing from the spot. This astonishing event not only turned the water red but also restored all three brothers to full health instantly.
When villagers gathered in awe, they discovered a self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol of Lord Vinayaka emerging from the earth, with a visible wound on the forehead where the tool had struck. Unable to remove the idol due to its growing size, the people began worshipping the deity right there.
Why It Is Called Kanipakam
In their joy, the devotees offered countless coconuts to the Lord. The water from these coconuts flowed through irrigation channels, spreading over more than one and a quarter acres. This event came to be remembered as Kani-pakam, symbolizing both the land and the divine water flow.
A Temple Built Around the Deity
Though the exact origins of the temple are unclear, historical records suggest that Kulothunga Chola I constructed the original structure in the 11th century CE. The temple saw expansion during the reign of the Vijayanagara kings around 1336 CE. To this day, water continues to surround the idol inside the sanctum, never drying up—an eternal testament to its sacredness.
The Growing Idol and Silver Kavacham
A truly awe-inspiring aspect of this temple is the ever-growing form of Lord Vinayaka. Back in 1947, a devotee gifted a silver covering that matched the idol's size at the time. Over the years, however, the idol has grown larger, making that covering too small—a transformation that devotees see as a sign of the Lord’s living presence. Today, it no longer fits—a visible sign of the idol’s expansion. Several older kavachams, now too small, are displayed at the temple entrance for devotees to see this miracle with their own eyes.
The Sacred Bahuda River – A Tale of Forgiveness and Divine Grace
A touching legend speaks of two brothers, Sankudu and Likhithudu, who set out to seek the Lord’s blessings. When the younger brother ate a mango without permission due to extreme hunger, the elder reported him to the king, who cruelly ordered both his hands to be cut off. Later, when they bathed in the river near the temple, the younger brother’s hands were miraculously restored. Since then, the river is revered as the Bahuda River—the river of restoration and divine grace.
The Place Where Truth Prevails – “Sathya Pramanala Nilayam”
Kanipakam is not only known for miracles but also for truth-seeking. Disputes among people are brought here to be settled through a sacred oath. Individuals take a dip in the temple tank and then swear before the deity. It is believed that Lord Vinayaka punishes those who lie before him, usually within 40 days. Even during colonial times, the British recognized the weight of these oaths. Till today, the temple is called a ‘Court of Truth’—where divine justice is honored.
The Ganesha Deeksha – A Path of Discipline and Devotion
Many devotees take up the Ganapati Deeksha, a spiritual vow of either 41, 21, or 11 days, during which they follow strict discipline and prayer. While the deeksha can begin at any Ganesha temple, it must conclude at Sri Varasiddi Vinayaka Temple in Kanipakam. Pilgrims believe that fulfilling this vow brings blessings of health, wealth, and success.
Unique Temple Architecture and Orientation
One of the temple’s unique aspects is that the main deity faces north, which is rare for Ganapati shrines. During sunrise, the first rays of the sun gently touch the feet of the idol and gradually move to its head—a divine moment that fills hearts with devotion and wonder.
Tranquil Surroundings and Sacred Landscape
Nestled in Irala Mandal of Chittoor district, Kanipakam lies 12 km from Chittoor town. The temple is surrounded by lush fields and bordered by small hillocks on three sides. A serene temple tank (Koneru) and irrigation channel flow toward neighboring villages like Kothapalli and Thiruvanampalli, blessing the region with fertility. The peaceful climate and spiritual vibrations make Kanipakam an ideal place for prayer and reflection.
Temple Timings:
S.No Timing Seva
1 4.00 A.M To 5.00 A.M SUPRABATHA SEVA
2 5-00 A.M To 5-30 A.M NIJAROOPA DARSHANAM
3 5-30 A.M To 6-00 A.M PANCHAMRUTHABHISHEKAM
4 6-00 A.M To 6-15 A.M MAHA HARATHI
5 6-15 A.M To 7-00 A.M SARVA DARSHANAM
6 7-00 A.M To 7-30 A.M NIJAROOPA DARSHANAM
7 7-30 A.M To 8-00 A.M PALABHISHEKAM
8 8-00 A.M To 8-30 A.M SARVA DARSHANAM
9 8-30 A.M To 9-00 A.M NIJAROOPA DARSHANAM
10 9-00 A.M To 10-00 A.M PANCHAMRUTHABHISHEKAM
11 10-00 A.M To 10-30 A.M SARVA DARSHANAM
12 10-30 A.M To 11-00 A.M NIJAROOPA DARSHANAM
13 11-00 A.M To 12-00 P.M PANCHAMRUTHABHISHEKAM
14 12-00 P.M To 4-30 P.M SARVA DARSHANAM
15 4-30 P.M To 5-00 P.M NIJAROOPA DARSHANAM
16 5-00 P.M To 5-45 P.M PRAMANAM & TEMPLE CLEANING
17 5-45 P.M To 6-15 P.M PALABHISHEKAM
18 6-15 P.M To 6-30 P.M MAHA HARATHI, MANTRA PUSHPAMULU
19 6-30 P.M To 9-30 P.M SARVA DARSHANAM