Srikalahasti Temple temple is a masterpiece. Take your time and look around. Inside the columns look brand new, as they did many years ago, having been protected from decay by nature. When you visit make sure you have enough time to take in the beauty and spirit of the place. The interior of the temple was built in the 5th century and the exterior was added in the 12th century by the Chola and Vijayanagara emperors. Vayu, the god of wind, is portrayed here as Shiva and is known in art as the lord of elephants.
Once you walk through the gates of the temple, you can see an ancient idol of Sri Jnana Prasunambika Devi on the left. The first is that it is now out for a few reasons, but many people still adore it. No one, not even priests ever touch the special symbol or lingam of Shiva. A mixture of water, milk, camphor and other religious liquids is applied to the body and purified. Sandal flour, flowers and sacred thread are offered to another idol used in ceremonies, not to the main Linga. The temple entrance has a huge tower that is 120 feet high and the whole place is decorated with artwork.
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The History Of Srikalahasti Temple
For over two thousand years, ancient Tamil writings have described Srikalahasti as the ‘Kailas of the South’ and the nearby small river as the ‘Ganges of the South.’ Kailas is a very important spiritual place in India, believed to be the home of Shiva.
According to stories, the Ganges river starts from Shiva’s head. Shiva represents everything good and is a symbol of our true self. The Ganges coming from his head is like an enlightened mind, full of great power and kindness.
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Overview of Srikalahasti Temple
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Deity | Srikalahasteeswara (Shiva), Gnana Prasunambika Devi (Parvati) |
| Location | Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Architecture | Dravidian architecture |
| Historical Significance | Constructed around the 5th century; outer temple by Chola emperors in the 11th century |
| Festivals | Maha Sivaratri |
| Unique Feature | Vayu Lingam (Wind Lingam), one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams, representing the wind |
| Legends | Site where Kannappa was ready to offer his eyes to stop blood flowing from the linga |
| Rituals | Famous for Rahu-Ketu Pooja, performed even on Grahanam Days |
| Darshan Timings | 5:00 am – 9:30 pm |
| Daily Pooja Activities | Multiple poojas throughout the day, including Rudrabhishekam and Nithya Kalyana |
The Sevas And Their Pricing
| Seva Type | Seva Name | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Arjitha Sevas | Suprabatham | 50 |
| Arjitha Sevas | Archana | 200 |
| Arjitha Sevas | Thomala Seva | 300 |
| Arjitha Sevas | Ekantha Seva | 150 |
| Swastha Sevas | Abhishekam | 500 |
| Swastha Sevas | Sahasranamarchana | 300 |
| Swastha Sevas | Nitya Kalyanam | 1000 |
| Swastha Sevas | Unjal Seva | 300 |
The History of Temple
SRI kalahastiswara Temple is a very popular one also known as daksh kalasam visited by devotes from all over the world every year this Temple is located in the town of Sri Kalah in tirupati District in the state of Andra Pradesh at SRI kalahasti Temple Lord Shiva is devoted in the form of wayu lingum wind lingum one of the representing the wind the cultural and mythological and beliefs of this Temple. this Stands Tall like the Towering gopurams of this Temple the inner Temple was constructed around the fifth century and the outer Temple was constructed in the 11th century by rajendra Chola-I and later Chola Kings and the Vijay nagara Kings.
The Sri Kalahasti Temple is referred to Skanda Purana and Shiva Purana. It is seated close to Swarnamukhi river and green mountains that creates an aura of divine atmosphere. The temple derives its name from a spider (Sri), serpent (Kala), and elephant (Hasti), who worshipped Lord Shiva with great devotion and attained moksha. A devotee can also see the figures of an elephant, a spider underneath and a serpent in the back of India Mahalinga inside the temple complex also decorated with cow figures. Great importance is given to go-puja at this temple.
The temple is a tale of its carvings and sculptures and flaunts the beauty and finesse of Vastu architecture which is prominent in its pillars, walls and gopuram. On the northern end of the gopuram is the shrine of Vinayaka rock-cut; 35 feet below the ground level is named as Padala Vigneswara. It is believed that people would have to pray the Lord Vinayaka prior to praying Kalahastiswara. The temple faces south, while the sanctum faces west. The priests do not touch the sacred linga, the rituals are done on a duplicate linga. The goddess Parvati is known as Gnana Prasunambika Devi and the temple is famous in the removal of Rahu-Ketu doshas. There are also smaller shrines to Kashi Vishwanatha, Annapurna, Sadyoganapati, and Subrahmanya in the temple complex that is located on a hill altitude.
The temple is very much related to the legend about a hunter Kannappa who became a devotee of Shiva. Here Kannappa discovered a linga on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River and he undertook devout daily puja with awe. Upon witnessing the blood coming out of the linga, Kannappa offered his two eyes to the linga so that the blood could be arrested and Lord Shiva prevented the same and blessed him with moksha. This unwavering love to Lord Kalahastiswara makes the devotees spiritually blessed.
FAQS
What is Srikalahasti Temple?
Srikalahasti Temple is a famous Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshipped as Kalahasteeswara.
How old is Srikalahasti Temple?
The inner part of the temple was built around the 5th century and the outer part was built in the 11th century by Chola kings.
Why is Srikalahasti Temple special?
It is known for the Vayu Lingam which represents the wind element. It’s one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, temples that represent the five elements of nature.
Can anyone visit Srikalahasti Temple?
Yes, it’s open to all people no matter what religion they follow But only you can visit as a tourist and you are not allowed to participate any darshan and other temple related activites.
What are the main rituals at Srikalahasti Temple?
The Rahu Ketu Pooja is a famous ritual performed here to remove negative effects of planets in astrology.
Are there any stories about Srikalahasti Temple?
Yes one story is about a spider, snake and elephant who worshipped Shiva and were granted liberation by him. The temple’s name comes from these creatures: Sri (spider), Kala (snake), and Hasti (elephant).
What should visitors remember?
Visitors should dress modestly and photography is not allowed inside the temple. Also after performing certain rituals like the Rahu Ketu Pooja, it is advised not to visit other temples on the same day.
