Sri Kapileshwar Swamy
Temple – The South Kashi of Karnataka
Located in Belagavi
city, Karnataka, the Sri Kapileshwar Swamy Temple is one of the most
ancient and revered Shiva temples in South India. Known as South Kashi,
it holds immense spiritual significance and is considered a vital stop for
pilgrims visiting the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Here, Lord Shiva is
worshipped as Kapileshwar Swamy, installed by Sage Kapila Muni. The
temple’s unique feature is the rare sight of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu
facing each other, symbolizing divine unity.
Legends &
Significance
- Divine Installation:
Sage Kapila consecrated the Shiva Lingam after performing sacred yajnas,
naming the shrine Sri Kapileshwar.
- Sacred Fire Pit:
The fire pit created by Sage Kapila remains active to this day.
- Historical Mentions:
The Kamal Basti inscription (11th century) in Belagavi’s Killa Fort
references the temple, confirming its ancient origin.
- Spiritual Energy:
A scientific study from Pune recorded 10,05,000 Bovis units of life
force energy in the sanctum, signifying immense positive vibrations.
- Pilgrimage Belief:
A visit to this temple completes the Jyotirlinga pilgrimage, making
it spiritually indispensable.
Temple Premises
The temple houses several
deities:
- Lord Ganesh, Lord Vishnu, Lord
Dattatreya, Lord Kalabhairava, Lord Veerabhadra, Lord Hanuman, Sri Shirdi
Saibaba, Navagrahas, Rahu‑Ketu, and the Snake Goddess.
- The rare sight of Kapileshwar and
Vishnu idols facing each other is considered a divine spectacle.
Major Festivals
- Mahashivaratri:
The grand annual celebration with special abhishekams and night‑long
prayers.
- Shravan Somvar:
Holy Mondays dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Krishna Janmashtami:
Midnight celebrations of Lord Krishna’s birth.
- Hanuman Jayanti, Datta Jayanti,
Ganesh Jayanti, Kalbhairav Jayanti, Shaneshwar Jayanti:
Observed with rituals and chanting.
- Navratra Utsav & Dasera Palakhi:
Nine days of Durga worship and a grand procession.
- Parshuram Jayanti & Dipotsav
Kartik: Rituals and light festivals marking
divine incarnations.
Weekly Annadan &
Daily Rituals
Monday
- 5:00 AM – Panchamrut Abhishek
- 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM – Vishesh Rudra
Abhishek
- 9:00 AM – Alankar & Maha Arati
- 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM – Annadan Prasad
Vatap
- 7:30 PM – Palakhi Pradakshina
- 8:30 PM – Maha Arati
- 10:30 PM – Temple Close
Tuesday to Sunday
- 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM – Panchamrut
Abhishek
- 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM – Rudra Abhishek
- 9:00 AM – Alankar & Maha Arati
- 7:30 PM – Dhup Arati
- 9:30 PM – Temple Close
Best Time to Visit
- October to March
– Pleasant weather and ideal for pilgrimage.
- Mahashivaratri & Shravan Month
– Peak spiritual season with lakhs of devotees.
Getting Here
- Location:
Belagavi City, Karnataka.
- By Road:
Well connected by buses and taxis from Hubballi, Goa, and Pune.
- By Rail:
Belagavi Railway Station (~3 km).
- By Air:
Belagavi Airport (~12 km).
Tips for Devotees
- Visit during Mahashivaratri or
Shravan Somvar for divine energy and vibrant rituals.
- Participate in Monday Annadan
for spiritual merit.
- Offer prayers to Lord Shiva and
Lord Vishnu together – a rare blessing.
- Respect temple customs and maintain
silence in the sanctum.
Why Visit Sri Kapileshwar
Swamy Temple?
- Known as South Kashi,
completing the Jyotirlinga pilgrimage.
- Installed by Sage Kapila Muni,
with an active sacred fire pit.
- Unique alignment of Shiva and
Vishnu idols facing each other.
- High spiritual energy measured
scientifically.
- Visited by great saints and leaders –
Shankaracharya, Swami Vivekananda, Lokmanya Tilak, and Mahatma Gandhi.