Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple Tirupati

Introduction to the Kapileswara Swami Temple

The Kapileswara Swami Temple is a famous Shiva temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. As Kapila Muni installed the Shiva Lingam here, the deity became Kapileswara. The gushing waterfall beside the temple is a significant attraction. The Kapileswara Swami Temple is maintained by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.

Legend of the Kapileswara Swami Temple

According to legend, the great Sage Kapila Muni once performed penance to Shiva at this place. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva and Parvati appeared and blessed him. The Lingam is a Swayambu, and Kapila Muni emerged from the Bilam (Cavity) in the Pushkarini (Theertham) onto the earth

The Architecture of the Kapileswara Swami Temple

Vijayanagara King Sri Krishna Deva Raya built the temple during his reign. Thirumala Nayak visited this temple in the 17th century. Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya and the later rulers Venkatapathi Raya and Aliya Ramaraya, Sri Krishna Deva Raya's son-in-law, the Pallava Kings, Tirumala Mahants, and many others developed this historic and sacred temple. It features the Dravidian architectural style.

Sri Kapileswara Swamy, an incarnation of Shiva, is the main deity of this temple. He graces the sanctum on a pedestal in the Swayambhu form facing the west. Kapila Maharishi installed the Shiva Lingam here. Kamakshi, an incarnation of Parvati, is the divine consort of Kapileswara Swamy. The shrine of Kamakshi is on the left of the sanctum. There is a small statue of Nandi at the entrance of the temple.

The huge waterfall Kapila Theertham or Alwar Theertham is at the base of the Tirumala hills. It is one of the 108 holy Theerthams on the Tirumala hills. Waters from the streams of the Tirumala hills descend 100 feet high into the temple Pushkarini, which is considered sacred. Vinayaka, Subramanya, Agastheeswara, and Sri Krishna have separate shrines within the temple premises.

The Kulothunga Chola inscriptions, dating back to the 10th century, display the greatness of Sri Kapileswara Swamy. On the auspicious occasion of the full moon day of Karthikai month, all the Theerthams of the three worlds of heaven, earth, and the underworld congregate in this holy Kapila Theertham.

Festivals in the Kapileswara Swami Temple

The Kapileswara Swami Temple celebrates all important Shaivite festivals, including Maha Shivaratri, Karthikai Deepam, Vinayakar Chaturthi, and Aadi Krithigai. Its Brahmotsavam is a significant event celebrated in February.

In this nine-day celebration, the processional deities Shiva and Parvati will be taken in procession on different Vahanas (divine vehicles).

Benefits of Worshipping at the Kapileswara Swami Temple

Both the Kapileswara Swami Temple and the waterfall are highly sacred. Taking a holy dip in the Kapila Theertham and performing Poojas to the main deity and Navagrahas can remove all the sins and fulfill the wishes of the devotees.