Have you ever heard of any temple wherein the prime deity’s size grows every day? The name of such a sacred temple is Sri Varasiddi Vinayaka Swamy Temple and the deity is Lord Ganesha. In this article you will find great information about the deity that grows bigger and bigger every day. It is the famous Sri Varasiddi Vinayaka Swamy Temple or Kanipakam Temple located in Andhra Pradesh. Hundreds of people throng each day here to get the blessings of their beloved God, Lord Ganesha.
Kanipakam Temple Location
Kanipakam temple is located in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Kanipakam is a small village found in Chittoor district (roughly 11 KM from Chittoor bus stand). This temple is shortly known as Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple.
Significance
The most important feature of this temple is the deity is “Swayambhu” (meaning created by its own or self existing in Sanskrit). The Lord Ganesha is believed to become self existent over thousands of years ago in the same place. The deity of Vinayaka is supposed to grow in size until the end of Kaliyuga (last era of incarnation of Lord Vishnu) where the Swamy will appear.
The deity of Lord Vinayaka emerged from the well when three disabled individuals were digging on it to fetch water. Even now, the deity is surrounded by well water. One can see the existence of well still in the temple and the devotees are given the holy water as “Prasad”(devotional offering given to the God).
The temple is supposed to be constructed in 11th century CE by the famous king Kulothunga Chola1 of Chola dynasty.
Resolving Dispute
Many people come here to set right any dispute or quarrel among them. People who are in dispute will take an oath after taking a dip in the holy water tank in this temple. They are supposed to tell only the truth on this time, failing which it is believed the Lord will punish them. Even today, people from several villages nearby regard this ritual more than that of a Court verdict. And the temple authorities collect Rs.516/- for swearing in or oath taking ceremony.
Kanipakam Temple Timings
Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple opens for darshan at 5AM and closes at 12PM. In the evening, the darshan timings are from 4PM to 9PM.
Transport – How To Reach Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple
Temple is well connected by road and railways. This is just 11 km from Chittoor bus stop and number of APRSTC buses ply from Chittoor. You can also take an auto-rickshaw to reach this temple.
If you are planning to travel by train the Katpadi (35KM from Chittoor) is the nearest station and Tirupati station is about 70KM. Both Tirupati and Katpadi stations are junctions through which plenty of trains run each day. From railway station you can take a taxi or bus to reach temple.
Tirupati airport is well connected by metro-cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai. Kanipakam temple is about 91 KM from Tirupati airport.
Accommodation
Kanipakam temple devasthanam provides both AC rooms and non air-conditioned rooms at affordable costs. You can book rooms online by visiting the official website. Number of hotels is available very near to temple suiting your budget.
Dress Code
No separate dress-code is strictly followed in this temple. However for devotees who wish to perform Seva like Suprabatham, Kalyanotsavam etc should follow the dress code of the temple. Men can wear white dhoti, pyjama and shirt and women can wear saree/half-saree with blouse or churidhar with upper cloth.