Kapila Theertham is a famous waterfall found inside the Kapileswara temple. It is one of the popular Saivite temple situated at Tirupati. Located very near (about 4km) to Tirupati, this Siva temple is believed to be founded by Kapila Muni (hence the name). Theertham is the Tamil word for holy reservoir. Kapila Theertham is located at the foot of Tirumala where you can see the gushing waters of the stream fall into the pond.
One can find a big statue of bull (Nandi Vahana of Lord Shiva) in front of the temple. Each day, thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip in Kapila Theertham found at the base of Tirumala Seshadri hills.
Special Festivals
Several pilgrims visit Kapileswara Temple after taking bath in the Kapila Theertham every day. The number of devotees visiting this Theertham increases significantly during special occasions like Pradosham and festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Brahmotsavam.
Kapila Theertham Brahmotsavam
Each year Brahmotsavam is celebrated in February by the management of TTD. It is a spectacular nine day events wherein the deity of Lord Shiva will be taken on procession within the temple premises in different Vahanams (vehicles) decoratively. On the last day of celebration, Trishula snanam is done giving the sacred bath to Lord Shiva’s Trishul in Kapila Theertham.
Kapila Theertham Darshan Timings and Best Season
Every day is special at Kapila Theertham and it is kept open for public from 5 am to 8pm for the pilgrims. You can visit this place while you are planning to visit Tirupati and the waterfall would be at its peak from October to February.
Online Booking
Special abhisekham is done for Lord Shiva daily at 5.30 to 6.30 AM and devotees can book tickets online through TTD official website. The ticket cost for Abhisekham is Rs.50. Alternatively you can also buy the tickets on visiting the temple counter in the morning. Several weekly Sevas like Rudrabhisekham, Ekantha Seva and Navagraha Abhisekham are done for which you can book tickets online.
Dravidian Architecture
Sri Kapileshwara temple is a model of Dravidian architecture with hundreds of stone pillars (mandapam) and a huge gopuram at the entrance. This is the only Shiva temple located in the base of Tirupati.
Kapila Theertham Temple History
Kapila Theertham and temple is believed to be Swayambhu (self existence). It is said that legendary Kapila Muni has offered penance to Lord Shiva and the lord himself appeared in front of Muni blessing him. Kapila Muni is believed to be appeared from the cavity (hole) of Kapila Theertham and hence thousands of devotees take bath in his holy Theertham to get rid of all their sins.
Kapila Theertham Origin
Exact origin of Kapila Theertham is not known. But several kings belonging to Vijayanagra Empire has sponsored to the development of this temple and Theertham. Special emphasis is given to the contribution of famous rulers like Sri Krishnadeva Raya and Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya.
Present Day
The entire temple and Theertham is now managed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. And each year several festivals like float festival and Brahmotsavam are organized by TTD in grand manner.
Salvation
During the Kartikhai month full moon day, it is believed that all the holy water from the world would get mixed into the Kapila Theertham for few minutes. A person can get Moksha or salvation if he dips in this holy water during such occasion. It is also said that those who have not got the chance to offer Thidhi to their ancestors can do it here one time to wash away their sins.
Accommodation
Plenty of private hotels are found very near to temple and Kapila Theertham.