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Kanipakam is a small village on the bank of Bahuda River
Kanipakam is one of those places which pilgrims are eager to visit on their return from Tirumala Tirupati. It is at a distance of about 77 Kilometers from Tirupati.
Slokam
Vakra-Tunndda Maha-Kaaya Surya-Kotti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvadaa
Utter Truth
- Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka is a God before whom people swear to utter Truth.
- Just as in Tarigonda here also people take an oath which is accepted by all.
- This god is Self manifest and growing. The test of it is that his ornaments and crown become tight and do not fit to adorn him.
- They have to be made each time again.
Inside Temple
There are the inner, front and the great pavilions from the Sanctum Sanctorum. The deity can be viewed only from the narrow inner pavilion a Mushika or rat-carrier of the God faces the deity.
The idols of Vinayaka and Kumara Swami are visible on either side of the front pavilion. Siva’s carrier Nandi- a bull is there by the side of Mushika.
A wall is built around the temple. There is a three storied Rajagopura. A water tank faces the tower. One can bathe or wash one’s feet and hands there before going into the temple.
There are 2 Dhwajastambhas here, one is carved of rock and another has a metal cover.
There are 2 temples here which belong to the Chola perios. One is Manikantheswara temple (Manivandeeswaram) which was built by Kullottunga Chola 3 in 1116 A.D. and the temple of Varadaraja also said to be built in this period. But there is no sasana about the temple of Vinayaka.
Activities by Devotees
- Some have their hair tonsured here. Some also prefer to get married in Kanipakam.
- Those who purchase new motor vehicles bring them here and offer prayers for the deity’s blessing.
History behind the Idol of Vinayaka
Kani means change land or a measure of land.
The story goes that there were 3 brothers in this Village.
One of them was blind, one was dumb and another was deaf.
They had a measure of land. They lived on agriculture. They dug a well, drew water with the help of an etam or lift.
On one such operation they found that the water in the well got dried up and they could no longer continue their job. One of them got into the well and started digging it up.
The crow bar with which they began to expand the well hit something and blood came out in a jet. Surprisingly it was the image of Vighneswara.
On seeing the god the blind man got his vision, the dumb gained speech and the deaf began to hear. There was no limit to their joy. The whole village came to know of it. All were greatly surprised.
Poojas started from that day to Vinayaka
People came running with coconuts and other pooja materials to worship the Lord Sri Vinayaka. They broke thousands of Coconuts, the coconut water was spread to an area of one and quarter acre, in the local language it is called as "Kani".
That is how the place was called as "Kanipakam" since then. They left the god’s Image as it was and built a temple around the well.
Idol stands amidst water at ground level
Since he was found in a measure of land he is known as Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka. He became very famous. Since he is self manifest, people must speak out the truth in his presence. Lies must not be uttered. Violation of this plunges one into depths of misery.
As a sign of being found in a well the idol stands amidst water at ground level. But there is no ground water around. Bore wells are the only source of water. It is said that the water around the God’s image is used only as holy water.
Bramhostavams
The annual Brahmotsavam commences from Ganesh Chaturthi.
It goes on for 20 days with all traditional pomp and gaiety. The utsavamurthi (Festive idol) is taken out in procession on all days colourfully decked on different Vahanams (Carriages). The soulful participation of the devotees is praiseworthy.
The float festival attracts pilgrims from all over the country.
- Gramotsavam
- Hamsa Vahanam
- Peacock Vahanam
- Mooshika Vahanam
- Shasha Vahanam
- Vrishabha Vahanam
- Gaja Vahanam
- Rathotsavam(Chairot)
- Thiru Kalyanam
- Vadayathu Utsavam
Free Faciities
Annadhanam
Temple famous for - Instant Justice
Another interesting feature here is that if a person swears (Pramaanam) about a particular incident, it is taken as 'truth'. Most of the disputes are settled by this method. People take it as more than a court judgment. If anybody does false swearing before him, Lord Sri Vinayaka shall punish him.
For this swearing ceremony, a sum of Rs. 516/- is collected by temple authorities. This ceremony is done every day. Thus people get instant justice here.
