The Sacred Legacy of Kapila Theertham

Kapila Theertham is a Shiva Temple and theertham located at the foothills of Seshachalam in Tirupati.

It is in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.

It is a popular pilgrimage site and is also known for its scenic beauty.

Kapila Theertham is the place where Lord Shiva appeared before Sage Kapila and bestowed his blessings upon him. 

Sage Kapila himself has installed the Shiva Linga here. 

It is believed that a dip in the holy waters of Kapila Theertham can wash away sins and cure ailments.

The temple at Kapila Theertham is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built during the 11th century. 

The temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to other deities, including Kamakshi the consort of Kapileshwara, Ganapati, Kumara Swami, Venugopala Swami, Lakshmi Narayana Swami, Lakshmi Narasimha Swami, and Nammalwar.

The legend of Kapila Theertham

Sage Kapila was an incarnation of Mahavishnu. 

His ashrama was in the Pathala Loka. 

He was immersed in his tapa there.

In the TretaYuga, there was a king called Sagara. 

He performed AshwamedhaYaga. 

Indra felt that it would be a threat to his position if the Yaga became successful.

 He took hold of the horse of the Yaga and hid it in the ashrama of Kapila. 

60,000 sons of Sagara went in search of the horse.

They found it in the ashrama of Kapila and thought that the sage was responsible for its capture. They attacked the Sage.

Sage Kapia turned them all into ashes just by a mere glance.

But later, he felt remorse and came to observe tapas at the foothills of Tirumala.

There, he performed tapas to propitiate Lord Shiva and seek forgiveness for what he had done.

Lord Shiva graciously gave him darshan and pardoned him.

Sage Kapila installed a Shiva Linga at this spot which was later turned into a temple.

At Kapila Theertham the Shiva Linga faces Tirumala and Kapileshwara is believed to be the protector of Tirumala.

History of Kapila Theertham

Brahmarayan Munaiyadarayan, a deputy of Chola King Rajendran I constructed the temple in the eleventh century.

An inscription related to Vijayanagara emperor Sadashivaraya also was found in the temple.

A row of Mandapas called the Sandhya Vandana Mandapas was built by the Vijayanagara emperor Achyutadevaraya.

Another inscription dating back to 1544 CE mentions Tallapakam Periya Tirumlaiyyangar’s donation to the temple for the performance of Sattumora Seva.

Significance of the Theertham

Kapila Theertham is also called Azhwar Theertham because several Azhwars have taken baths here.

This theertham is so divine during Karthika Masa (Mukkoti) because the essence of all the theerthams of the three worlds is present here.

The water from a mountain stream falls directly into the theertham.

Taking a bath at Kapila Theertham is believed to have immense benefits. 

It cleanses and purifies the mind and soul, removes negative energies, helps relieve stress and tension, opens up channels for better circulation of energy within the body, improves concentration and alertness levels, stimulates senses, and washes away sins.

Location

Knowledge Bank

Can we take bath in Kapila Theertham?

Yes, Taking a bath in Kapila Theertham is the main purpose for which devotees come here.

Which Purana talks about the greatness of Kapila Theertham?

Bhavishya Purana

Kapila Theertham is a Shiva Temple and theertham located at the foothills of Seshachalam in Tirupati.....