Indian Temples: Srikalahasti Temple | Andhra Pradesh - Highlights

 

The Srikalahasti Temple, officially known as Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple, is one of the most revered Shaivite shrines in South India. Located in Srikalahasti town of Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped here as Kalahasteeswara. It is widely known as the Dakshina Kailasam (Kailasa of the South) and holds exceptional importance as one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, representing the element Vayu (Air).

History in Detail

Ancient and Scriptural References

  • The temple is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures including the Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, and Tamil Shaiva hymns.
  • Worship at Srikalahasti is believed to date back to prehistoric and Vedic times, making it one of the oldest living temples in South India.

Legend of the Three Devotees

  • The name Srikalahasti originates from the legendary devotees:
    • Sri – the spider
    • Kala – the serpent
    • Hasti – the elephant
  • These three creatures worshipped Lord Shiva with utmost devotion and attained moksha at this sacred site, symbolising that devotion transcends caste, status, or species.

Royal Patronage

  • The temple flourished under the Chola dynasty, who built the early stone structures.
  • Significant additions were made by the Vijayanagara kings, especially during the reign of Krishnadevaraya in the 16th century.
  • Krishnadevaraya contributed the majestic Raja Gopuram, one of the tallest and finest gopurams in South India.

Significance

  • Pancha Bhoota Stalam: Represents Vayu (air), one of the five elements. The presence of air is symbolically seen in the flickering flame inside the sanctum.
  • Rahu–Ketu Dosha Nivaranam: Srikalahasti is the most famous temple in India for performing Rahu–Ketu pooja, believed to mitigate planetary afflictions in astrology.
  • Considered equivalent in importance to Chidambaram (Akasha) among Pancha Bhoota temples.
  • A powerful centre for spiritual cleansing, ancestral peace, and karmic relief.



Temple Details (Full Description)

Main Deity

  • Lord Kalahasteeswara (Shiva) in linga form, self-manifested (Swayambhu).
  • Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi, consort of Lord Shiva.

Architecture

  • Built predominantly in Dravidian style, with intricate stone carvings.
  • The temple complex spans a vast area with towering gopurams, pillared halls, and sacred corridors.

Key Architectural Highlights

  1. Raja Gopuram
    • A 120-foot-high structure built by Krishnadevaraya.
  2. Sanctum Sanctorum
    • Houses the Vayu Lingam; no abhishekam is performed with water due to its elemental nature.
  3. Thousand-Pillar Hall
    • Features finely sculpted pillars depicting Shaiva legends.
  4. Swarnamukhi River
    • Flows adjacent to the temple, considered sacred for ritual baths.
  5. Sub-shrines
    • Dedicated to Ganesha, Subramanya, Chandra, Rahu, Ketu, and Dakshinamurthy.

Major Festivals

  • Maha Shivaratri
  • Brahmotsavam
  • Karthika Deepam
  • Navaratri
  • Pradosham

Temple Timings

Darshan / Ritual Timings
Temple Opening 5:00 AM
Sarva Darshan 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Rahu–Ketu Pooja 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Temple Closure 9:00 PM

Timings may vary during festivals and eclipse days.

Connectivity

By Road

  • Well connected by road from Tirupati (36 km), Chennai (110 km), and Bangalore.
  • APSRTC and private buses operate frequently.

By Rail

  • Srikalahasti Railway Station is on the Chennai–Tirupati route and is just 3 km from the temple.

By Air

  • Nearest airport: Tirupati International Airport, about 25 km away.
  • Chennai International Airport is an alternative major hub.

Legacy

The Srikalahasti Temple stands as a profound symbol of devotion, elemental worship, and spiritual equality. For centuries, it has drawn saints, astrologers, pilgrims, and scholars seeking relief from karmic burdens and a deeper connection with Shiva. The temple’s association with the Vayu element and its unmatched reputation for Rahu–Ketu poojas make it a unique spiritual destination.

Even today, the silent movement of air within the sanctum, the towering gopuram against the sky, and the steady flow of the Swarnamukhi River together create an atmosphere of timeless divinity—affirming Srikalahasti’s place as one of India’s most powerful and enduring sacred centres.


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