The stone inscriptions found in the temple premises link its primary structural growth to the Chola and Vijayanagara periods. However, the spiritual history is much older. The temple was built around a well where an idol of Ganesha was discovered by three disabled brothers. Over centuries, the small shrine evolved into a massive temple complex to accommodate the millions of pilgrims who visit to witness the growing Lord.

The Temple in the Well

The temple exhibits a beautiful blend of Chola and Vijayanagara styles. The main sanctum is unique because the deity sits in the center of a perennial well. Even today, the water level in the well is clearly visible surrounding the idol. The temple features a grand Rajagopuram and a spacious outer prakaram with intricate stone pillars. Because the idol is growing, the temple authorities have had to change the gold 'Kavacham' (armor) of the deity several times over the decades as the previous ones became too small.

The legend tells of three brothers—one blind, one deaf, and one dumb—who lived in Kanipakam. While digging a well to water their fields, their spade hit a stone, and blood started oozing into the water. As soon as the blood touched them, all three were miraculously cured of their disabilities. The villagers rushed to the site and found the Swayambhu idol of Ganesha in the water. To this day, the idol remains in the same well, which never runs dry.

Worship here is deeply tied to the concept of Sathya Pramanam (The Oath of Truth). It is an age-old tradition that disputes between parties (legal, financial, or personal) are resolved here by taking an oath after dipping in the temple tank. It is firmly believed that anyone who lies before the Kanipakam Ganesha will face immediate divine retribution, leading many to confess their crimes or settle disputes honestly at the temple gates.

The 21-day Vinayaka Chavithi (Ganesh Chaturthi) festival is the grandest celebration, during which the 'Utsava Murthi' (processional idol) is taken out on various Vahanas. The Annual Brahmotsavams are also a major draw for devotees from across South India.

The most compelling modern folklore is the physical proof of the idol's growth. In the mid-20th century, a devotee offered a silver armor (Kavacham) that fit the idol perfectly. Years later, the armor would no longer fit. This happened again with subsequent offerings. Today, the temple administration keeps the old, smaller Kavachams as proof of this ongoing miracle. Additionally, it is said that the water from the well (which is distributed as Tirtham) has incredible medicinal properties and has healed countless devotees of chronic physical ailments.