Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple (Kapila Theertham), Andhra Pradesh

Address

Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple (Kapila Theertham), Chittoor District, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh – 517504

Deity

Sri Kapileswarar Amman: Kamatchi Ambal

Introduction

• Location: Kapileswara Swamy Temple, also known as Kapila Theertham, is located in Tirupati, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh.
• Deity: The presiding deity is Kapileswara Swamy (Lord Shiva), and the consort is Kamakshi Amman.
• Significance: It is the only Shiva temple in Tirupati and one of the 108 sacred theerthas on the Tirumala hills. The temple is managed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and is considered a Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as mentioned in Devaram Hymns.

Puranic Significance

• Origins: The idol is believed to have been installed by Kapila Muni, and the temple and theertham are named after him.
• Legend: Kapila Muni performed penance at this location, and Lord Shiva and Parvati appeared to him. The Lingam is believed to be self-manifested. Kapila Muni is said to have emerged from the cavity in the Pushkarini (theertham) on to the earth.
• Historical Context: Although overshadowed by nearby popular temples, it received patronage from Vijayanagara kings, including Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya and Sri Krishna Deva Raya. The temple also has ancient inscriptions from the 10th century.

Beliefs

• Holy Dip: Taking a dip in Kapila Theertham is believed to cleanse devotees of all sins.

Special Features

• Architecture: The temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style, with an open pillared verandah and Mahamandapam in the Vijayanagara style. The inner hall and sanctum reflect Chola architectural influences.
• Location: Situated at the entrance to a mountain cave on the steep slopes of the Tirumala hills, where the waters of the mountain stream cascade into Kapila Theertham.
• Waterfall: Kapila Theertham is a prominent waterfall dropping over 100 feet into a large pond within the temple premises.
• Statues: A large stone statue of Nandi greets visitors at the entrance. The Shiva Lingam in the sanctum is made of brass and considered a Swayambu (self-manifested) form.
• Additional Shrines: Includes shrines for Vinayaka, Subramanya, Agastheeswarar, and Lord Krishna with consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama.

Festivals

• Major Celebrations: The temple observes all key Shaivism festivals including Maha Shivaratri, Annabishekam, Karthika Deepam, Vinayaka Chaturthi, and Adi Krithika.
• Kapileswara Swamy Brahmotsavams: The grand nine-day event held in February features processional deities of Lord Shiva and Parvati on various vahanams, starting with Hamsa Vahanam and concluding with Trishula Snanam (celestial bath to Shiva’s trident).

Century/Period/Age

13th century

Managed By

Archeological survey of India.

Nearest Bus Station

Kapila theertham

Nearest Railway Station

Tirupati

Nearest Airport

Tirupati

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