Kapila Theertham

A Shiva temple in a Vishnu town

Kapila Theertham is a small Shiva temple at the entrance to a cave in the cliff face at the foot of the Tirumala hills, close to Alipiri. Shiva is worshipped here as Kapileswara. Temple legend says the sage Kapila prayed here and that the lingam appeared on its own. A stone Nandi, Shiva's bull, sits at the entrance. The temple was supported by the Vijayanagara kings and is now run by TTD.

The waterfall

A mountain stream drops straight off the cliff into the temple tank. The fall depends entirely on rain. In Tirupati, the heavy rain comes with the northeast monsoon from October to December, and that is when the fall is at its fullest. In the dry months, from about February to May, it can be a thin trickle.

Bathing

On normal days, pilgrims bathe in the tank or sprinkle its water on themselves before going up the hill. When heavy rain makes the flow strong, bathing under the fall is stopped for safety. Follow the staff's instructions.

Inside the complex

Besides the main shrine there are smaller shrines to Kamakshi, Vinayaka and Subrahmanya, among others. The Kapileswara Brahmotsavam, a nine-day festival, is held around February, and Maha Shivaratri and Karthika Purnima bring large crowds. On the full moon of the Karthika month, pilgrims believe the waters of all holy places join here at midday.

Getting there

It is a short auto ride from the town centre, on the way to Alipiri, where the ghat road and the footpath begin. That makes it an easy stop before or after the climb. Remove your shoes before the temple area and dress modestly.