Kanipakam temple gears up for 21-day annual Brahmotsavams

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Preparations under way at the Kanipakam temple on the eve of annual Brahmotsavams in Chittoor on Sunday. | Photo Credit: ARRANGEMENT

Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy temple at Kanipakam is set to welcome thousands of devotees from across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as its annual 21-day Brahmotsavams begin on Monday.

The annual Brahmotsavams, which will be held from September 14 to October 4, will feature a series of traditional rituals, ‘Vahana Sevas’ and processions, culminating in the ‘Teppotsavam’ on the final day.

The Kanipakam temple, which is administered by the Endowments department, is known to have a special place among Ganesha temples as the presiding deity is believed to be ‘Swayambhu’, or self-manifested. Temple tradition holds that the idol emerged from a well and has continued to grow in size over the years. The unique legend surrounding the deity, coupled with the belief that Lord Vinayaka removes obstacles and fulfils devotees’ wishes, has made Kanipakam a major pilgrimage centre.

The Brahmotsavams will commence with special rituals and ‘Gramotsavam’ on Vinayaka Chaturthi, followed by ‘Dwajarohanam’ and a series of Vahana Sevas. The Hamsa, Nemali, Mooshika, Sesha, Chiluka, Vrushabha and Gaja Vahanams will be among the major attractions during the initial days. ‘Rathotsavam’ and ‘Thirukalyanam’ will be other major events expected to draw large crowds.

The Chittoor district administration and temple authorities have stepped up arrangements for the extended festival, focusing on crowd management, security, sanitation, drinking water, medical facilities, traffic regulation, and uninterrupted power supply. Additional surveillance has also been planned, with CCTV cameras being deployed across key locations. Officials are preparing for a particularly heavy rush on Vinayaka Chaturthi and during the major Vahana Sevas.

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