Situated at 3 Km away from Tirupati, Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva . It is believed that the Shiv Lingam in this temple was installed by Kapila Muni. Therefore, Lord Shiva is known as  Kapileswara. The spectacular waterfall right beside the temple is the most important attraction of the temple. The huge temple stands at the mouth and the mountain cave in a steep and vertical face where waters of the mountain stream Paapa Vinasam fall as the huge waterfall Kapila Theertham or Alwar Theertham. From 1008 theerthams in Tirumala, Kapila Theertham Temple is the only holy theertham that is located at the foot of Tirumala hill. Therefore, the Kapila Theertham is considered sacred. At present, the temple is under the administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Location Andhra Pradesh , Chittoor, Hyderabad

Legend

According to the legends, once the great Sage Kapila Muni performed penance to Lord Siva at this place. Pleased with the devotion of Kapila Muni, Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi presented themselves before the Kapila Muni and blessed him. The Lingam is believed to be self-manifested.

Architecture

Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple is built according to Dravidian style of architecture. There is an open pillared verandah in the front side of the Kapaleeswarar Temple. The pillars of this verandah were built in the early Vijayanagar style. The mahamandapa of the temple was constructed in the Vijayanagar style and the inner hall and sanctum were built in the Chola style. The sacred linga of Kapaliswara is situated on a pedestal in the centre.  The shrine dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi can be seen in the left of the tower and in front of this a small Nandi was installed.

Culture

Referred as the "Spiritual Capital of Andhra Pradesh", Tirupati is home to many famous temples including the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Andhra Pradesh has a rich and diverse culture. Andhra Pradesh is definitely a priceless gem present in the tiara of Indian glory. The uniqueness of this state is distinctly observed from its diverse religions and communities followed by Andhra people.An affinity for different cultures and a rare open-mindedness cultivated by a rich history allows for a harmonious way of life in the City of Nawabs.

Picture Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

The temple is open from 5:00 AM till 4:00 PM and from 4:30 PM till 9:00 PM.

Before going to have darshan of Tirumala Venkateswara, pilgrim is supposed to shed his/her ill-qualities like anger,desire,lust as pilgrim should reach Tirumala with satwa gunam. So it is recommended to visit Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple prior to climbing Tirumala Hills.

Darsan Dresscode

Men are advised to wear dhoti or pyjamas with upper cloth. The dress code of women is saree or half-saree with blouse or churidar with pyjama and upper cloth.

Famous Festival

Vinayaka Utsavam

Annabhishekam

Karthika Deepam

Float Festival

Maha Sivarathri

Skanda Sashti

Arudra Darsanam Utsavam

Devi Navarathri Utsavam

Kamakshi Devi Chandana Alankaram

Temple Rituals

Suprabhatam : 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM

Abishekam   : 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM

                     4:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Alankaram/Archana : 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM

Sarvadarshanam :7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

                          5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Sahasranama Archana : 4:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Lalitha Sahasranama Archana : 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Ekantha Seva : 8:00 AM to 8:15 PM

Special Rituals

On every Monday there is Rudrabhishekam from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM and the Ekantha Seva is from 9:00 PM to 9:15 PM.

On Saturdays, there is Navagrahabhishekam from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

On the special occasion of Maha Sivarathri, the temple conducts Siva Parvathula Kalyanam from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

It is believed that if one takes a dip in the Kapila Teertham during the full moon day of the Karthika month, then you will attain Moksha at the mercy of Lord Shiva.

Additional Info

 

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