- Deity
- Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha)
- Timings
- 5 am to 2 pm, 4 pm to 9 pm
- Nearest railway station
- Tirupati (about 70 km)
- Nearest airport
- Tirupati (about 86 km)
- Main festival
- Ganesh Chaturthi and Brahmotsavam
History and legends
Tradition credits a Chola king with building the temple in the 11th century. The name is usually explained as two Tamil words: kani, meaning wetland, and pakam, referring to water flowing across it. The Bahuda river runs beside the temple and plays a part in many of its customs.
The idol sits in a well, and devotees believe it is slowly growing; today the belly and knees can be seen. Water drawn from this well is given to worshippers as theertham. The temple is also known for its oath tradition: people in a dispute bathe in the Bahuda and then swear before the deity, and many local quarrels are said to have been settled this way.
Festivals
The temple is busy all year, but these dates draw the biggest crowds.
- Ganesh Chaturthi: the main festival, with special abhishekams and decorations.
- Annual Brahmotsavam: a 21-day festival that begins on Ganesh Chaturthi.
- Vadayathu Utsavam: a festival of around 20 days with processions.
- Pournami Pooja: special prayers on full-moon days.
Temple timings
The temple is open from 5 am to 2 pm and again from 4 pm to 9 pm. Mornings are usually calmer, while festival days and weekends can mean long queues, so plan extra time if you are travelling then.
How to reach
Kanipakam is about 70 km from Tirupati. Tirupati railway station is the nearest railhead, and Tirupati (Renigunta) airport is roughly 86 km away. Buses and taxis run from Tirupati's central bus station, and many travellers visit Kanipakam and Tirumala on the same trip; we can plan the combined itinerary with a car and driver.
Also nearby
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