Vinayaka Temple or Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is a Hindu temple of Ganesha. It is located at Kanipakam in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India.[1] The temple is about 11 km from Chittoor and 68 km from Tirupati.
| Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple | |
|---|---|
Svayambhu Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple | |
 Kanipakam temple entrance and koneru in front | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Chittoor district |
| Deity | Ganesha |
| Festivals | Vinayaka Chavithi |
| Location | |
| Location | Kanipakam |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Country | India |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Dravidian architecture |
| Completed | 11th century CE |
| Website | |
| Kanipakam Temple | |
Legend
editAccording to legend, there were three brothers who were mute, deaf and blind. They were digging a well to fetch water to their field. The device they were using fell into the well hitting hard object. When they dug further, blood started to gush out of the well and the three got rid of their disabilities. The villagers rushed to the spot and found deity of Ganesha. Villagers dug further, but they were not able to find the base of the deity. The deity sits in the well which is always full of water.[2]
The idol has apparently gotten larger over time. This is evidenced by the fact that a silver armour of the deity from 50 year ago, doesn't fit today. Currently only the knee and abdomen of the deity is visible.[2]
History
editThe temple was constructed in the early 11th century CE by the Chola Emperor Kulottunga I and was expanded further in 1336 by the Emperors of Vijayanagara.[3]
Presiding deity
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Vinayaka is the presiding deity of the temple. As per legend, it is believed that the deity is Svayambhu(Self-manifested). The deity is seen in the well, full of water always.
Administration
editThe temple is under the control of Endowments department of Andhra Pradesh which will appoint a trust board of 15 members to administer the temple.[4]
Festivals
editAnnual brahmotsavams will be celebrated for 21 days starting from Vinayaka chavithi day. The processional deity of Vinayaka will be taken in a procession on different vahanams on these days amidst large number of pilgrims across the country.[5]
In Popular Culture
editReferences
edit- ^ "The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Kanipakam temple to be developed". www.hindu.com. Archived from the original on 1 May 2008. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ a b Sengar, Resham (31 August 2017). "The shocking history of Kanipakam Ganesha Temple is a must-know this Ganesha Chaturthi". The Times of India. Chittoor. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ "index (Devasthanam Official Site) | Sri Varasiddi Vinayaka Swamy Vari Devasthanam". tms.ap.gov.in. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
- ^ "Kanipakam temple board constituted". The Hans India. 4 August 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
- ^ "All set for Kanipakam temple fest". The Hans India. 4 September 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2018.
- ^ Filmi-beat. "Filmi-beat".
External links
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