About Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple
The Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is at Kanipakam, a village about 11 km from Chittoor and roughly 70 km from Tirupati in southern Andhra Pradesh. Lord Ganesha is worshipped here as Varasidhi Vinayaka, the giver of boons, in a form that devotees believe appeared on its own. It is one of the most visited Ganesha temples in South India, and many pilgrims to Tirumala make a stop here on the way.
Local legend tells of three brothers, one mute, one deaf and one blind, who were deepening a well to water their field. Their tool struck a stone, blood began to flow from it, and the brothers were cured at once. The villagers who gathered found the image of Ganesha there and could not reach its base, so worship began in the well itself. Devotees believe the idol is slowly growing, pointing to old silver coverings that no longer fit. Temple accounts credit the Chola king Kulottunga I with building the shrine in the 11th century, with later additions under Vijayanagara. Kanipakam is also known for the custom of taking a sacred oath before Vinayaka to settle disputes, which people regard as binding.
The temple follows the Dravidian style, with a gopuram at the entrance and pillared halls leading to the sanctum. The deity sits within the original well, which stays filled with water, and only part of the image is visible. The complex is busy and well organised, with queue lines, and there are shrines of Shiva as Manikanteswara and of Vishnu as Varadaraja nearby. The river Bahuda flows close to the village.
Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 4:00 AM to 9:30 PM, with darshan continuing through most of the day. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Suprabhatam | Early morning, around 4:00 AM (approx.) |
| Abhishekam | Morning (approx.) |
| Evening harathi | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple
By air
Tirupati Airport (Renigunta) is about 80 km away.
By train
Chittoor railway station is about 12 km away; Tirupati station is about 70 km away.
By road
Buses and taxis run from Chittoor and Tirupati. Many pilgrims combine Kanipakam with a Tirumala trip.
Festivals at Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple
- Vinayaka Chavithi Brahmotsavam (21 days)Aug/Sep
- SankrantiJan
- UgadiMar/Apr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional clothing is preferred, especially for sevas: dhoti or kurta-pyjama for men, saree or churidar with dupatta for women.
- Entry
- Free general darshan; paid quick-darshan and seva tickets are available.
- Weekends and the Brahmotsavam period are very crowded; weekday mornings are calmer.
- Leave mobile phones and footwear at the counters provided.
- Visit the Manikanteswara and Varadaraja shrines nearby as part of the same trip.
- Afternoons from April to June are very hot, so plan an early visit.
Places to visit near Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple
- ChittoorDistrict town with bus and rail links, about 12 km away
- Ardhagiri Veeranjaneya Swamy TempleHilltop Hanuman temple at Aragonda, about 15 km away
- Sri Venkateswara Temple, TirumalaOne of India's most visited temples, about 90 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is Kanipakam Vinayaka temple famous?
The self-manifested Ganesha here sits in a well of water and is believed to be slowly growing. People also take sacred oaths before the deity.
How far is Kanipakam from Tirupati?
Kanipakam is about 70 km from Tirupati by road.
What are the Kanipakam temple timings?
The temple usually opens around 4:00 AM and closes around 9:30 PM. Check locally before visiting.
When is the Kanipakam Brahmotsavam?
The 21-day Brahmotsavam begins on Vinayaka Chavithi, usually in August or September.
What is the aarti time at Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple?
Suprabhatam: Early morning, around 4:00 AM (approx.); Abhishekam: Morning (approx.); Evening harathi: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple?
Traditional clothing is preferred, especially for sevas: dhoti or kurta-pyjama for men, saree or churidar with dupatta for women.
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