Sri Varadaraja Swamy Temple Kanipakam – Hours, Travel Guide & Pilgrim Tips

Overview

Sri Varadaraja Swamy Temple is a sacred Vishnu shrine located directly opposite the famous Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple in Kanipakam, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh. Together with the nearby Manikanteswara Swamy Temple, it forms a divine trinity of worship – Ganesha, Vishnu, and Shiva – making Kanipakam a holistic pilgrimage destination.

Significance

Presiding Deity: Lord Varadaraja Swamy (a form of Vishnu).
Special Belief: Newly married couples perform Sri Satyanarayana Vrata here, seeking blessings for happiness and prosperity.
Pilgrimage Circuit: Devotees visiting the Vinayaka temple often include Varadaraja Swamy and Manikanteswara Swamy temples in their darshan.

Temple Architecture

Temple faces east with a traditional gopura (tower).
Layout includes:

Garbhagriha (sanctum)
Antarala (vestibule)
Mandapam (assembly hall)
Mahamandapam (larger hall for devotees)

Rituals & Festivals

Sri Satyanarayana Vrata: Popular among newlyweds.
Daily Sevas: Archana, abhishekam, and Vishnu pujas.
Festivals: Celebrated in Vaishnavite tradition, often aligned with major events at the Vinayaka temple.

Temple Hours

5 AM – 8 PM

Getting Here

By Road:

Kanipakam is 12 km from Chittoor town.
Regular buses and autos are available from Chittoor bus stand.
From Tirupati (~70 km), APSRTC buses and taxis connect directly to Kanipakam.

By Train:

Nearest railway station: Chittoor Railway Station (12 km).
Tirupati Railway Station (70 km) is another major hub with frequent trains.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Tirupati Airport (Renigunta), ~85 km away.
From the airport, taxis and buses are available to Chittoor/Kanipakam.

Tips

Combine Darshan: Visit Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple first, then cross over to Varadaraja Swamy Temple and Manikanteswara Swamy Temple for a complete circuit (Ganesha–Vishnu–Shiva).
Satyanarayana Vrata: Newly married couples often perform this ritual here; book in advance at the temple office.
Festivals: The temple is especially vibrant during Vaikuntha Ekadashi and other Vishnu-related celebrations.
Footwear & Dress Code: Leave footwear outside; wear traditional attire for darshan.
Accommodation: Lodges and guest houses are available in Chittoor; Tirupati offers more options if you plan an extended pilgrimage.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning hours are peaceful and less crowded.