Sri Swayambhu Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Kanipakam in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Vinayaka or Ganapathi. The temple is believed to be a swayambhu (self-manifested) temple, and the idol of Lord Vinayaka is believed to have emerged from the earth on its own.

The temple is situated on the banks of Bahuda River, which is considered to be sacred by devotees. The temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in South India and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.

History:

The exact date of the construction of the temple is not known. According to legend, the temple was constructed by a Chola king named Kulothunga Chola I in the 11th century. However, the temple was destroyed during the Muslim invasion in the 14th century. The temple was later reconstructed by the Reddy kings in the 16th century.

Sri Swayambhu Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple || Andhra Pradesh

Legend:

According to the legend, there were three brothers who were farmers in the village of Kanipakam. One day, while digging a well in their farm, they found an idol of Lord Vinayaka. The brothers decided to install the idol in a temple and began the construction of the temple. However, every night the idol would move from the temple to the exact spot where it was found. This continued for several days, and the brothers realized that the idol wanted to stay in that spot. They then decided to build the temple at the same spot where the idol was found, and since then, the temple has been known as Sri Swayambhu Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple.

Architecture:

The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and is surrounded by a high compound wall. The main entrance to the temple is through a gopuram (tower), which is decorated with intricate carvings of gods and goddesses. The temple has a mandapam (hall) where devotees can sit and offer their prayers to the deity.

The idol of Lord Vinayaka is around 1.5 meters tall and is made of a unique stone called Saligrama Shila. The idol is believed to have emerged from the earth on its own, and it is said that the idol is growing in size every year.

Festivals:

The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, with the most important one being the Brahmotsavam, which is celebrated for nine days during the month of September. During the festival, the idol of Lord Vinayaka is taken in a procession on a different vahanams (vehicles) every day.

Another important festival celebrated at the temple is the Vinayaka Chaturthi, which is celebrated in the month of August or September. The festival is celebrated for 10 days, and the temple is decorated with lights and flowers.

Conclusion || Sri Swayambhu Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple

In summary, Sri Swayambhu Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is a popular pilgrimage destination in South India. The temple’s unique history and architecture, along with its beautiful surroundings, make it a must-visit destination for devotees and tourists alike.

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