Kapil Muni Temple

Kapil Muni Temple is a revered Hindu temple located on Sagar Island at Gangasagar in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, at the confluence of the Hooghly River (Ganga) and the Bay of Bengal. Dedicated to Sage Kapila Muni, it is the focal point of the annual Gangasagar Mela. The present temple structure was built in 1973 after earlier structures were lost to sea erosion. It is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in eastern India.

Visitors can expect a modest, modern temple complex with a central shrine housing idols of Sage Kapil Muni, King Bhagirath and King Sagar, along with images of Ganga. The temple is set on flat coastal land a short distance from Gangasagar Beach where the river meets the sea. The surroundings include open courtyards, small shops selling offerings, ashrams and pilgrim facilities. Pilgrims typically offer prayers, take a holy dip at the nearby beach, and explore the beachfront and fairground area during the mela season.

The temple is associated with the legend of Sage Kapila, King Sagar's 60,000 sons and King Bhagirath who is believed to have brought the Ganga to earth to liberate his ancestors. The original shrine is believed to have been located closer to the sea and was lost multiple times to erosion and cyclones. The present concrete structure was constructed in 1973 and has been renovated since, continuing the long-standing pilgrimage tradition at Sagar Island.

The temple is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centres in West Bengal and eastern India. It is the focal point of the Gangasagar Mela, held annually on Makar Sankranti, which is considered the second largest religious congregation in India after the Kumbh Mela. Pilgrims believe a holy dip at the confluence and darshan at the temple washes away sins and fulfills vows.