Kapila Theertham is a revered Shiva temple located at the foot of the Seshachalam Hills in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. It is the only temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Tirupati and is associated with Kapila Maharshi, after whom the temple is named. The temple is situated near a sacred waterfall and theertham (holy water body), making it not just spiritually significant but also a serene and scenic pilgrimage destination.
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About Kapila Theertham Temple
Kapila Theertham’s Religious Significance: In Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, in the foothills of Tirumala, is a revered Shiva temple called Kapila Theertham. It has great spiritual significance for Shaivites and is the only temple in the Tirupati area devoted to Lord Shiva. In addition to having a self-manifested Shiva Lingam, the temple is well-known for the nearby sacred waterfall, Kapila Theertham Falls, which empties into the temple tank.
Connection to Lord Shiva and Sage Kapila: The revered Sage Kapila Maharshi is said to have performed intense penance here in order to appease Lord Shiva, hence the temple’s name. It is said that Lord Shiva, who was impressed by the sage’s devotion, showed up here and gave him darshan in the form of a swayambhu (self-manifested) Lingam.
Kapila Theertham Timings
Temple Darshan Timings (Morning & Evening)
- Morning Darshan: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening Darshan: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Note: Timings may vary during festivals and special poojas.
Waterfall Visiting Hours and Best Time to Visit
- Waterfall Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit: July to October (during the monsoon season) when the waterfall is in full flow.
Kapila Theertham Temple Timings (2025)
| Event | Timings |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 5:00 AM |
| Suprabhata Seva | 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Temple Break | 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Temple Closing | 8:30 PM |
📌 Timings may change during major festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Kartika Deepam.
Kapila Theertham Waterfalls
Natural Beauty and Monsoon Attraction
Kapila Theertham Waterfall descends from the Seshachalam Hills and adds a picturesque charm to the temple. It’s especially captivating during the monsoon and is a must-see attraction for nature lovers and pilgrims alike.
Sacred Dip and Ritual Bathing Significance
Taking a dip in the holy waters is believed to cleanse devotees of past sins and bring spiritual blessings. Many pilgrims bathe here before proceeding to darshan.
Poojas and Sevas at Kapila Theertham
Daily Rituals Performed
- Suprabhatam (early morning awakening ritual)
- Abhishekam (sacred bath to the Lingam)
- Archana and Harathi (flower and lamp offerings)
- Nitya Poojas are held regularly.
Special Shiva Poojas and Abhishekam
- Rudrabhishekam
- Ekadasa Rudram
- Bilva Archana
- Pradosha Pooja on special days
Daily Pooja Schedule
| Pooja / Ritual | Timings |
|---|---|
| Suprabhatam | 5:00 AM |
| Abhishekam (Morning) | 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM |
| Archana | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Maha Harathi | 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM |
| Ekantha Seva | 8:00 PM |
🎟️ Special poojas like Rudrabhishekam and Mahanyasa Purvaka Abhishekam can be booked at the temple counter.
Festivals Celebrated at Kapila Theertham
Maha Shivaratri Celebrations
- This is the biggest festival at Kapila Theertham. Thousands of devotees gather here to offer prayers and perform night-long Shiva Pooja and Abhishekam.
Kartika Deepam and Other Major Events
- Kartika Masam (November) – Deepam rituals and lighting of lamps
- Sankatahara Chaturthi and Pradosham are also celebrated with great devotion.
How to Reach Kapila Theertham, Tirupati
Location and Distance from Tirupati Railway Station
- Location: Alipiri Road, at the foot of the Seshachalam Hills
- Distance: Just 3 km from Tirupati Railway Station
Road, Bus, and Auto Connectivity
- By Bus: Local APSRTC buses run frequently from Tirupati bus stand
- By Auto/Taxi: Easily accessible via auto-rickshaws and cabs
- Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport (18 km away)
Dress Code and Visitor Guidelines
- Men: Dhoti/Kurta or formal pants and shirt
- Women: Saree, salwar kameez, or traditional attire
Western and revealing clothes should be avoided to respect temple customs.
Do’s and Don’ts While Visiting the Temple and Waterfalls
Do’s:
- Maintain silence in temple premises
- Follow instructions during darshan and pooja
Don’ts:
- Avoid littering or bathing during unsafe waterfall flows
- Don’t carry leather items or footwear inside the temple
Nearby Attractions Around Kapila Theertham
Tirumala Balaji Temple: One of the world’s richest temples, the Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala is just a short uphill drive from Kapila Theertham.
ISKCON Temple, Papavinasanam, and Other Spots
- ISKCON Tirupati: 2 km away
- Papavinasanam & Akasha Ganga: Natural springs and sacred baths
- Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple: In central Tirupati, close to the railway station
- Kodanda Rama Swamy temple: In central Tirupati
Accommodation Near Kapila Theertham
Budget and TTD Guest Houses
- TTD Srinivasam Complex – Affordable, clean rooms
- Vishnu Nivasam – Opposite railway station with AC/non-AC rooms
Hotels Near Tirupati Bus Stand & Railway Station
- Budget Hotels: Bhimas Paradise, Hotel PLR Grand
- Mid-Range Hotels: Fortune Kences, Hotel Bliss
Kapila Theertham Contact Details
Address, Temple Phone Number, and Email
- Temple Address: Kapila Theertham Temple, Alipiri Road, Tirupati – 517507
- Phone: +91-877-2264585 (General Enquiry)
- Email: kapilatheerthamttd@gmail.com (Not official; use verified contact only)
- TTD Official Website
Helpdesk or Inquiries for Pooja Booking
- Pooja and seva bookings are available offline at the temple office
- For guidance, visit the TTD Information Center near Tirupati railway station
Kapila Theertham History
Legends from Mythology and Their Spiritual Significance: The Puranas state that Sage Kapila spent many years in this tranquil valley meditating. When Lord Shiva manifested as a Lingam, his prayers were heard. When someone visits the site with faith, it is said to atone for their sins. Believed to be sacred, devotees bathe in the temple’s tank and waterfall.
The Sage Kapila Maharshi’s function: Respected Vedic sage Kapila is well-known for his contributions to the Sankhya school of thought. Because of his penance at Kapila Theertham, the place became sacred and a popular destination for pilgrims.
FAQs – Kapila Theertham Tirupati
Q1: Is there an entry fee for Kapila Theertham?
No, darshan is free for all devotees. Charges apply only for specific sevas or poojas.
Q2: Can we bathe under the waterfall?
Yes, during safe flow conditions, but bathing is not recommended during heavy monsoons due to slippery rocks.
Q3: Is photography allowed inside the temple?
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the sanctum.
Q4: Are lockers or cloakrooms available?
Yes, basic facilities for storing footwear and personal items are available.
Q5: Is it safe for children and elderly visitors?
Yes, but caution is advised near the waterfall. The temple area is well maintained and accessible.