Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple

Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, formally Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple, is a Ganesha shrine in Kanipakam village in Chittoor district. Its idol is held to be self-manifested and, devotees say, keeps growing; a silver covering made for it about 50 years ago is said to no longer fit.

Legend says three brothers who could not speak, hear or see were digging a well when they struck a hard object and were cured. Villagers then found a Ganesha idol in the well, whose base was never reached. The idol still sits in water, with only its knees and belly showing.

Kulottunga Chola I built the temple in the early 11th century, and it was enlarged under the Vijayanagara kings in 1336. The 21-day Brahmotsavams, starting on Vinayaka Chavithi, bring processions of the deity on decorated vahanams.