Temples · In Tirupathi
Kapila Theertham
Tirupati's sacred waterfall temple
Timing & entry
5:00 AM – 8:00 PM, all days
Best time to visit
Monsoon to winter (Aug–Jan), when the falls are full
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Deepam, and the 9-day Kapileswara Brahmotsavam in February.
History and legend
Kapila Theertham is an ancient Shiva temple at the foot of the Tirumala hills. Here Shiva is worshipped as Kapileswara. Legend says Sage Kapila meditated here, and Shiva and Parvati appeared before him. The Shiva lingam is believed to be self-manifested (swayambhu).
The temple flourished under the Vijayanagara kings in the 13th–16th centuries, including Sri Krishna Deva Raya. Today it is run by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
What makes it unique
- The temple sits at the mouth of a mountain cave in a sheer rock face of the Seshachalam hills.
- A waterfall drops straight into the temple tank. It is the only temple in Tirupati where a natural waterfall feeds the pond.
- A giant stone Nandi greets visitors at the entrance.
- On the Karthika full moon, believers say all holy waters of the three worlds merge here for about four hours around noon.
Distance from Nirvana Backpackers
About 6–7 km, roughly 20–25 minutes by road from our hostel in Padmavathi Puram, Korramenugunta.
How to reach
By auto or cab
The easiest option, straight to the temple gate.
By bike
A short ride through town, with parking near the entrance.
By bus
City buses run toward Alipiri and Kapila Theertham. They are about 3 km from the main bus stand.
Stay at Nirvana Backpackers
Budget AC dorm beds in Tirupati, a base for Kapila Theertham and the rest of the temple town. Lockers, Wi-Fi and free luggage storage.
See beds & prices