The Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati will perform the traditional Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam on February 4, ahead of the annual Brahmotsavams scheduled from February 8 to February 17. The ritual marks the ceremonial cleansing of the temple and prepares the shrine for the upcoming festivities.
Because of the Tirumanjanam, darshan timings will remain restricted on that day. Devotees can have darshan from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and again from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Temple authorities have advised devotees to plan their visit accordingly.
Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam is an important purification ritual performed using aromatic substances, herbs, and holy water. It aims to cleanse the sanctum and temple premises before major festivals. Therefore, the ritual holds deep spiritual significance for devotees and temple priests.
The Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple stands at the foothills of Tirumala and sits at the entrance of a natural cave. Sage Kapila Maharshi consecrated the presiding deity of Lord Siva, which later gave the temple tank its name, Kapila Theertham.
Water flowing directly from the Tirumala hills falls into the Kapila Theertham Pushkarini, enhancing the temple’s spiritual importance. In front of the shrine, a massive stone Nandi idol faces the deity and offers darshan to devotees.
According to the Sthalapurana, Sage Kapila performed intense penance at this sacred spot. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati appeared before him. Devotees also believe that the Siva Lingam here is Swayambhu, or self-manifested.
The temple complex houses several other shrines, including those of Sri Kamakshi, Vinayaka, Subramanya, Dakshinamurthy, Nataraja, Kotilingeswara, Agastheeswara, and the Navagrahas. These shrines follow Saiva Agama traditions, while the shrines of Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy, Sri Venugopala Swamy, and Abhaya Hasta Anjaneya Swamy follow Pancharatra and Vaikhanasa traditions.
With Brahmotsavams approaching, the Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam sets a sacred tone for the celebrations, drawing devotees seeking divine blessings at this historic temple.
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