Varasiddhi Vinayaka in Kanipakam

                                            Varasiddhi Vinayaka in Kanipakam
                                      

The temple of Varasiddhi Vinayaka at Kanipakam is an ancient temple built during the Vijayanagar Empire. The temple as well as the deity are interesting, and are gaining popularity among visitors to Tirupati. The legend of the temple relates to three brothers, among whom, one was deaf, one was dumb and one was blind. They tilled their land together and made a living. When their well dried up, they dug another well but were stumped when they were unable to dig after a particular level. When they tried harder, the iron spade hit a stone which began to ooze out blood! The minute the blood oozed out, the brothers lost their deformities, and were stunned to see the sight! The villagers were amazed, and attempted to deepen the well further to see the origin of the blood. Finally, from the waters emerged an idol of Lord Ganesha, who is named 'Varasiddhi Vinayaka' because he makes wishes come true.

About the Temple:-

The temple was established in the early 11th century by Kulothunga Chola, the great Chola King and then developed further by the rulers of the Vijayanagara dynasty. There are many myths and legends associated to the temple.
 According to one legend, there were three brothers who used to live in this village. Each one was born with physical deformities. They were deaf, blind and dumb by birth. As they were farmers, they used to earn their livelihood by cultivating their small piece of land. In ancient times, the water was drawn from the well by the Piccota system.
Therefore, one of those farmers used channels to irrigate their fields, while the other two used to draw water. One day, they came to know that the water in the well dried up. To see the actual cause of it, one of them got into the well and started digging it up. As he was doing his work, his shovel struck a stone like formation. He was shocked to see blood coming out from it. The clear water of the well soon turned into blood red colour. Thus, amazed by this divine experience, all the three brothers got rid of their deformities on the spot. As soon as the villagers came to know about this miracle, they flocked to the well and tried to dig the well further. But their attempt goes in vain as the “Swayambhu” idol of Lord Vinayaka emerged from the whirling waters. The villagers started to offer coconuts with prayers beneath the new idol and as a result, coconut’s water covered the entire area of 1.3 acres. Kani symbolises wetland and Parakam means flow of the water in Tamil. This lead to the name of the village as “Kaniparakam” and later was pronounced as “Kanipakam”. Even today, the original well exhibits the real idol. The springs of the well are considered as eternal. The holy water from the well overflows even today, during every rainy season. The most interesting and striking feature of the idol is that it is still growing in size. The knees and the abdomen of the idol can be seen at present. An avid devotee had offered a “Kavacham” to the Lord fifty years ago and now it doesn’t fit the idol and out of size. Theertham, the holy water from well is offered to every devotee who comes here.

Legend of Kanipakam temple:-

 In olden days due to scarce water, people used to cultivate their farm by drawing water from wells. According to temple history data, their used to live 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, within no time the well turned red with blood. With the sight all three got cured with 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.

The legend behind Bahuda River:-

Long ago there lived two brothers Sankha and Likhita. They were on a pilgrimage to Kanipakam. As the journey was tiring, the younger brother Likhita felt hungry. Disregarding the advice of the elder brother he plucked a mango from the mango grove. Sankha felt bad and reported this to the ruler of that area and pleaded for punishment for the sin committed during the pilgrimage. Thus Likhita was punished severely being deprived of both arms.

Later they took bath in the river near Kanipakam temple. Lo Behold! The chopped arms were restored to Likhita as soon as he had a dip in the sacred waters of the river. These incidents lead the ruler to rename the river as 'Bahuda' (Bahu means human arm). Thus the river beside Kanipakam temple is now known as 'Bahuda River'.

Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka as up-holder of 'Truth':-

This sacred shrine is widely believed to be an upholder of truth and justice. The aura of the Divine Almighty is such that, there are several occasions in which a person accused of a sin voluntarily admits to wrong-doing and sinful acts when he enters the temple premises or takes a dip in the holy water. It is as if the Lord evokes a sense of fearful guilty conscience in the mind of the person and makes him genuinely repent for the same.

Even the pragmatic Western minds of British folks surrendered to the Lord at this sacred altar – During the pre-independence era, the British jury at the Chittoor court used to acquit an accused person if he were to swear at the holy shrine proclaiming his innocence in the issue!
To this day, everyday quarrels between villagers are resolved by the two people involved taking a ‘Pramanam’ – a special oath in which they take a dip in the Pushkarini and testify before the Lord, is believed to be the gospel truth! It is believed that the Almighty casts His divine spell on the parties involved, purifies their hearts of anger, lust, jealousy and envy, thereby making the guilty pray to Him to seek forgiveness. The issues are thus resolved, without the interference of police or middlemen.
Devotees who wish to give up bad habits like smoking or excessive drinking – take a bath in the holy place and take an oath in the temple by contributing Rs. 516/-. This is a Seva called ‘Pramanam’ and hundreds of devotees have reaped the benefit of this special seva at the Kanipakam shrine.
Importance of Lord Vinayaka
First letter of all the mantras is ‘Om’. Om symbolizes ‘Ganapathi’ the God of the Ganas, who fought against the demons and the rakshas (the evil doers). When the yagnas could not be continued and Rishis were not let to live in peace and to continue to perform the rituals they approached Lord Siva. Lord Siva was pleased with the penance of the Rishis and assured them that they would be relieved of their suffering. That was the advent of Lord Vinayaka as the lord of the Ganas assuming the position of Ganadhipathi. Lord Vinayaka is also called Parvathi Thanaya, Ganesha, Lambodara, Gajanana, etc., related to his birth. There are various versions in the Puranas like Padma Purana, Linga Purana, and Siva Purana about his divine birth and existence who is worshipped by Gods too, to overcome obstacles before their start anything. Even Pooja to other Gods and Goddesses begins with invocation to Lord Ganesha. Lord Vishnu proclaimed that worship revolved to any God is futile, if it is not invoked by the blessings of Lord Vinayaka.

The self manifested idol of Kanipakam (Swayambhu):-

The idols are of three types. In some holy places the presiding deities are not man made. They are self manifested. In some places Gods themselves install the idols of other deities. There are some holy places where idols are installed by humans and worshipped. Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka is a self manifested one.
Soulful prayers of ardent devotees are well received and performing Abhishekam to the self - manifested idol fulfils are wishes. People affected by chronic diseases and Grahapeedas (planetary disorders) offer special sevas to the Swayambhu Vigraha and are sure to get relieved from the problems by His Grace.

Important Festivals in Kanipakam:-

1. Vinayaka Chavithi
2. Annual Brahmotsavam: Commences from Ganesh Chaturthi. It is celebrated with all traditional pomp and gaiety. The Utsava Murthi (festive idol) is taken out in procession on all the days colourfully decked on different Vahanams (Carriages). The soulful participation of the devotees is praise worthy. The Float festival attracts piligrims from all over the country.
3. Ugadi (Telugu New Year Day)
4. January 1 (New Year)

Brahmotsavams and Utsavams:-

Brahmotsavam is held in Kanipakam for Lord Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka every year. Starting from Vinayaka chavithi and going on for 20 days during Brahmotsav, Festive idol is taken out in procession into town on different Vahanams.
 The annual Brahmotsavam commences from Ganesh Chaturthi and goes on for 20 days with all traditional pomp and gaiety. The utsavamurthi is taken out in procession on all the days colourfully decked on different carriages. The soulful participation and devotion of the devotees is praise worthy. The float festival attracts pilgrims from all over the country. Different Appearances of God such as Dhwajarohanam, Gramotsavam, Hamsa Vahanam, Peacock Vahanam, Mooshika Vahanam, Shasha Vahanam, Vrishabha Vahanam, Gaja Vahanam, Rathotsavam, Thiru Kalyanam and Vadayathu Utsavam.
 Morning Abishekam is performed on all the days of Bramhostavam. Hamsa Vahanam, around 6-7 P.M when Star Chitta enters Kanya lagnam.

Details of Daily Sevas:-

Suprabatham, Binduteerthaabishekham (4.00 A.M to 5.00 A.M):
 Rs.551/- 2 persons allowed. Devotees will be given 5 laddus, ½ Kg of pulihora, 1 shesha vastram, 1 blouse piece, 1 silver dollar.
Result:
This Seva is for awaking the swamy, its pleasure to have the first Darshan of Swamiji. This can be experienced only by having first Darshan at early Morning.
 Paalabhishekam(7.30 A.M to 8.00 A.M ,12.30 P.M to 1.00 P.M, 2.00PM to 2.30PM , 3.30PM to 4.00 PM and 5.45PM to 6.15 PM):
 Rs. 150/- 1 or 2 persons allowed. Devotees should get minimum of 2 litres of milk.

SankataHaraGanapati Vratham(9.00 A.M to 12.00 Noon):-

Rs. 151/- 1 or 2persons are allowed. Devotees will be given 2 laddus.
Result:
In Ganeshaporanam, this vratham has prominent role. This vratham was performed by Lord Krishna and Bramha. This Vratham can be performed by the couple those who don’t have children, for Business Development, for overcoming all the frustrations and especially for Court Case Salvations.

 Special Abhishekam(5.30AM to 6.00AM, 9.00A.M to 10.00A.M , 11.00A.M to 12.00 noon,1.00PM to2.00PM and 6.15PM to 7.15PM):-

Rs. 500/- 2 persons allowed in the first instance along with children and 3 persons will be allowed later. Devasthanam will supply Pooja samagri.

 Pavalimpu Seva (EkanthaSeva) (9.30 P.M to 10.00 PM):-

 Rs.150/- 2 persons allowed, Devotees should get the pooja samagri.
Result:
 Sri Ganapathi and Ammavaru will be rested in Addala Mandapam in the temple. The newly married couples, couples to have the children, the couples with problems in married life can perform this seva and can get the problems solved.

Nithya Kalyanotshavam:(11.00 AM to 12.00 PM):-

 616/-, 1 person or couple will be allowed per ticket. The devotees will be given shesha vastram, 1 blouse piece, 2 laddus and 2 vadas.
Result:
 The persons who are having KujaDosham (Objections for their Marriage) can get their problems by performing this seva.

Vunjala Seva:(6.30 PM to 7.30 PM):-

 250/-, 1 person or couple will be allowed per ticket. The devotees will be given 1 seshavastram, 1 blouse piece, 2 laddus and 2 vadas.
 Result:
 They devotees will be having chance to keep the lord on their Shoulders and can go round the Temple and they send the lord to Sleep by swinging in the Cradle.

Darshans & Poojas:-

 Special Entrance Darshan:-

 Rs. 10/- per head.
Ordinary queue line:
 Free
Nijaroopa Darshan
 (Morning 5.00 to 5.30,7.00 to 7.30,8.30 to 9.00,10.30 to 11.00 and Evening 4.30 to 5.00):
 Rs. 50/- per head.
Ganapathi Homam(9.00AM to 12.00 Noon):
 Rs. 500/- the Devasthanam will supply Pooja samagri.
Result:
 In Day to day life there is lot of competition and Objections for all the works, in the same way lot of frustrations in Education, Employment, marriage and Business. By Performing this Homam, One can overcome such Frustrations.
 Ganapathi Modaka Pooja (Before 12.00 Noon):
 Rs. 300/- Devasthanam will supply Pooja samagri.
Result:
From the past History, we all know that Lord Vinayaka is Very Fond of Kudumulu; all the Hindus celebrate the Occasions by giving the Kudumulu as Food to Lord Vigneswara.
Ganapathi Sahasra Namarchana
 (10.00 A.M to 11.00 Noon , 1.00 P.M to 1.30 P.M , 3.30 P.M to 4.00 P.M & 6.00 P.M to 6.30 P.M):
 Rs. 150/- Devasthanam will supply Pooja samagri.
Ganapathi Patra Pooja(Before 12.00 Noon):
 Rs. 58/- Devasthanam will supply Pooja samagri.
Shodasa Ganapathi Pooja(Before 12.00 Noon):
 Rs. 500/- Devasthanam will supply Pooja samagri.
Result:
 There are 32 Avatarams of Ganapathi. This pooja will be performed by using 16 of those 32 Avatarams. They will give the prasadams to devotees’ by performing archana to all the 16 Avatarams. Actually we get more peace and happiness by performing archana to one avataram. The result of performing archana to 16 avatarams can be unbelievable.
Moola Mantraarchana(Before 12.00 Noon):
 Rs. 300/- 1 person or couple allowed . It’s performed before 12 in the morning.
Result:
 Ganapathi was Very Fond of Coconuts, this seva can be performed by giving 8 Coconuts to ganapathi. By this one can get blessings from Ganapathi and all the problems will be solved, they can live peacefully.
Polangi Seva(Every Thursday):
 Rs. 1000/- per family. Every Thursday.
Result:
 Sri Ganapathi is decorated by different colour flowers in his Garbalayam and Antralayam. By performing this Seva one can get more wealth through Lakshmi Blessings.
Vahana Pooja:
 Rs. 50/- (Auto & Scooter), Rs. 125/- (Car, Jeep), Rs. 150/- (Other Four wheelers)
Tala Neelalu:
 Rs. 5/- per head. Done near Swami vari Kalyana Katta.
Pramanam:
 Rs. 516/- per each Pramanam.Everyday at 5 Pm
Navagraha Harathi:
 Rs. 2/-
Navagraha Archana:
 Rs. 5/-
Navagraha Tiela Abhishekam:
 Rs. 116/-
Sani Dosha Nivarana Jyothi:
 Rs. 5/-.
Navagraha Santhi:
 Rs. 116/-
Sri Veera Anjaneya Swamy Archana:
 Rs. 5/-
Sri Veera Anjaneya Swamy Harathi:
 Rs. 2/-
Sri SitaRama Kalyanam:
 Rs. 500/-
Sri Veera Anjaneya Swamy Vadamala Pooja:
 Rs. 100/-
Result:
By this, the people who are having ‘Navagraha Dosam’ they can overcome the Dosam. The children’s who are having the problems in future can be eradicated by this Seva.
Akshrabyasam, Anna Prasana:
 Rs. 116/- 2 laddus & 1 Brass dollar will be given. Ticket should be taken before 12pm.
Namakaranam (Naming Ceremony):
 Rs. 116/- & 1 Brass dollar will be given.
Subhakaryamula Aahvana Poojalu:
 Rs. 51/-
Uthsava Murthy Harathi
 Rs. 2/-
Uthsava Murthy Archana:
 Rs. 5/-
MahaHarati (Kumba Harati): 6.00 P.M to 6.15 P.M daily
 Rs.25/-, one person will be allowed, 1 Laddu will be given as Prasadam.


Saswatha Poojas :-

Saswatha Abhishekam:-

 Rs. 2500/- (Once in a year on a particular day. Date choosen by the devotee).

Saswatha Ganapathi Homam:-

 Rs. 2500/- (Once in a year on a particular day. Date choosen by the devotee).

Saswatha Pooja:-

 Rs. 516/- (Once in a year on a particular day. Date choosen by the devotee).
 For Nitya Annadanam Rs. 1116/- is the minimum.

accommodation:-

Kanipakam Devasthanam is offering good accommodation facility for the visiting pilgrims. Following are details of accommodation available at Kanipakam temple premises:-


1. 100 Rooms Choultry (Includes AC and Non AC Deluxe Rooms)

2. V.I.P Suites on Annadana Bhavanam

3. Rooms at Samuhika Kalayana Mandapam

4. Rooms at Maragadambika Kalyana Mandapam

5. Sri Vinayaka Sadan

6. Free Dormitory Hall (Pilgrim Amenities Centre)

How To Reach :-

By Bus:-

APSRTC run direct buses from Tirupati to Kanipakam. Pilgrims can easily reach Chittoor first and from there one can easily reach Kanipakam via taxi and buses.

By Train:-

The nearest train station to reach Kanipakam is Chittoor Railway Station (12 km approx). Tirupati Railway Station is at a distance of roughly 78 km from Kanipakam temple.

By Flight:-

Tirupati Airport, which is at a distance of roughly 84 km is the nearest airport option available to reach Kanipakam.

Contacting the Temple authorities:-

Sri Swayambu Varasidhi Vinayakaswamy
 Vari Devasthanam,
 Kanipakam, Irala Mandal
 Chittoor
Andhra Pradesh India
Telephone: 91-8573-281540 (office), 91-8573-281747 (EO), 91-8573-281547 (PA)
 Fax: 91-8573-281747
 E-mail: info@kanipakamvinayaka.org