Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple also called as South Kashi or Dakshina Kashi is an ancient temple located in Kaplieshwar Road, Shastri Nagar, Shahapur, Belagavi, Karnataka State. Sri Kapileswara Swamy (Lord Shiva) is the main diety worshipped in this temple. Here Lord Shiva and Sri Vishnu live opposite which is a rare sight. The temple complex also houses smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Sri Sai Baba, Lord Hanuman, Veerabhadra, Lord Dattatreya Swamy and Navagrahas. Many ancient stone idols are also found in the complex.
The deity Lord Kapileshwra is believed to have originated in the form of Linga. Right in the center of the courtyard is the statue of Lord Shiva resting on a small pond. Praying to the deity with closed hands, worshipers pour water from the pond over the statue. Devotees visit the temple mostly in the early morning and evening to worship the Lord and sing hymns in his praise. Kalbhairava’s idol is seen in a corner. Kalabhairava is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The Malta rudraksh (rosary beads made from the seeds of the Elaeocarpus tree) and other items needed to perform a pooja are available at the temple counter.
There is a strong belief that pilgrimage to Jyotirlingas is incomplete without visiting this temple. Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of Salvation, Wealth, Relief from diseases, Purchase of vehicles and to Gain Knowledge. Mahashivaratri is the main festival celebrated in a grand manner.
Belagavi Kapileswara Temple Timings:
Morning: 5:15 AM to 2:00 PM
Evening: 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Maha Mangala Harathi: 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Archana Naivedya: 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM
Sri Kapileswara Temple Legend:
Kapileshwara Temple is one of the oldest temples in India. Archaeologists have found evidence about this temple in the inscriptions found at Kamal Basti, dating back to 1204 A D. The temple is believed to have been established by Maharishi Kapila. This is also the reason why the temple got to be known as the Kapileshwara temple.
How to Reach Belgaum Kapileswara Swamy:
By Air:
Belgaum Airport is 13.6 km and Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru is 528 km.
By Rail:
Belgaum railway station at shastri nagar is just 1.5 km from the temple. The place is well linked to other major destinations such as Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, New Delhi and Chennai with regular trains. This station is considered the oldest railway station in this region.
By Road:
Belgaum is well connected to many major towns and cities of the country through regular buses services.
Belgaum Shiva Temple Address:
Kaplieshwar Road,
Shastri Nagar,
Shahapur,
Belagavi or Belgaum,
Karnataka – 590001.
