Kapila Theertham, Hindu temple at the foot of Tirumala hills, India.
Kapila Theertham is a Hindu shrine at the foot of the Tirumala hills situated where a mountain cave opens into a natural space. A waterfall drops directly into the temple's water tank surrounded by sheer rock cliffs on all sides.
This shrine received major support from Vijayanagara rulers between the 13th and 16th centuries, with backing from the powerful king Sri Krishna Deva Raya. That patronage shaped how it developed and its spiritual importance over the following centuries.
This place is dedicated to Lord Shiva and draws pilgrims who use the sacred waters for rituals honoring their deceased ancestors. The steep rock walls surrounding the shrine create a removed space where visitors can focus on their spiritual practices away from everyday life.
The site is open daily with separate time slots in the morning and evening when different religious ceremonies take place. Visitors should prepare for steep paths and wear sturdy shoes since access to the shrine involves climbing narrow mountain trails.
During the full moon of the Kartika month, all the sacred waters from the surrounding area flow into Kapila Theertham at midday, creating a moment of special spiritual weight. This natural occurrence draws thousands of believers who hold that their rituals are most powerful at this time.
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