Sri Swayambhu Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Devastanam Kanipakam temple, Chittoor

Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple is a medieval temple with Ganesha as its major deity, also known as the Shrine of Water, and is located in the Chittoor district’s Irala Mandal. Because of its miraculous idol, the regal Kanipakam temple has enormous religious significance and importance. The water in the compound is thought to be holy and capable of curing a variety of abnormalities.

Because it is a Vinayaka Temple, pilgrims visit it before heading to Tirupati. Despite being a significant crowd drawer and a fast-rising complex, the authorities also maintained the Kanipakam temple. This one-of-a-kind Ganesha sanctuary is located in the middle of a river. Its importance stems from its purity and rich heritage.

History:

The magnificent temple was built in the early 11th century by Chola king Kulothunga Chola I and expanded in 1336 by Vijayanagara dynasty monarchs. Because of its proximity to the Bahuda River, the name Kanipakam is a combination of Kani (wetland) and pakam (flow of water into a wetland). When Kulothunga Chola built the temple, he also added a Siva Temple to the complex. It was to demonstrate his devotion to both Bhagwan Shiva and Ganesha.

Kulothunga Chola was a pious man who devoted his life to restoring and renovating old temples as well as constructing new ones. The architecture used during the temple’s growth due to Kulothunga Chola’s increasing power may also be found in Malaysia’s Kedah region. He was a Sun God devotee, and the structure of the Kanipakam Vinayaka temple is quite similar to the Pudukottai temple he built.

Architecture of Sri Swayambhu Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Devastanam Kanipakam temple, Chittoor

Many stories surround the famed idol that inspired the creation of the Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple. The most famous tradition is of three farmers who were born dumb, blind, and deaf. They required water to irrigate their fields. They discovered a dried-up well and started to dig deeper. When one of them began the work, he was surprised to see his iron implement collide with a stone-like creation. As he dug further, he discovered that blood was pouring from the stone. Because of the blood, the entire body of water quickly turned red. He summoned the other two farmers to observe the event.

Their defects had vanished because they had been present for such supernatural action. When the locals learned of their miracle, they flocked to the well, where they resolved to deepen it. They couldn't, though, since a self-manifested idol of Vinayakar sprouted from the waters of that exact well.

The idol is still there in the well, and its water branches are perineal and permanent. The well overflows during the monsoon season, and the water is distributed to believers as Tirtham or holy water.

The river Bahuda, on the banks of which the temple is built, has a well-known narrative. Sanka and Likhita, two brothers, were on a pilgrimage when the younger brother Likhita became hungry. Ignoring his elder brother's caution, he plucked and ate a mango from a nearby mango garden.

Sankha felt deceived and reported his activities to the ruler, who punished Likhita by taking away both of his arms. A miracle later occurred as Likhita was swimming in the Bahuda river. Both of his arms had been returned! When the ruler heard this, he nicknamed the river 'Bahuda,' which means "human arm."

How to reach Sri Swayambhu Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Devastanam Kanipakam temple, Chittoor?

By Train: The nearest railway station is Tirupati, located 70 kilometres away from the temple. Local transport is available from the railway station.

By Air: The nearest airport is the Tirupati Airport located 86 kilometres away from the temple. Local transport is available from the airport.

By Bus: Buses ply from the Tirupati Bus Station located 72 kilometres away from the temple. Local transport is available from the bus station.