Kapileshwara Temple

Kapileshwara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Belagavi, Karnataka. Situated near Belagavi Fort on Kapileshwar Road, it is regarded as the oldest temple in the city and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi. The temple enshrines a Shiva Linga and is notable for its simple architecture, sacred tank and long-standing religious importance for local devotees.

Visitors can expect a compact, traditional South Indian Shiva temple complex with a sanctum housing the Shiva Linga, a Nandi statue, small shrines and an open courtyard. The setting is within the urban area of Belagavi near the fort, with stone structures, pillared halls and a temple tank. Visitors can observe daily puja rituals, offer prayers, walk around the courtyard and experience a calm devotional atmosphere.

Kapileshwara Temple is considered the oldest temple in Belagavi, believed to predate the city itself. Tradition associates it with Sage Kapila, after whom it is named. The temple's origins are linked to ancient periods and it has remained an important Shiva shrine through successive local rulers, retaining its religious prominence in the region.

The temple is a significant Shaivite centre for Belagavi and is venerated as Dakshin Kashi. It is a focal point for daily worship and major festivals, especially Maha Shivratri and Shravan Mondays, when devotees gather for special prayers and abhisheka. It holds enduring cultural and religious value for the local community.