SRI KALAHASTEESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE, SRIKALAHASTISrikalahasti is one of the ancient holy places of our country. It is believed that many saints attained 'mukthi' (Salvation) at this unique and important Sivakshetra. The presidign deity of this punyakshetra is Sriklahastheeswara. This Sivalinga of Srikalahasthi is one of the five supreme lingas representing the five great fundamental elements namely Fire. Water, Air, Sky and Earth. The lord appears here in his self-manifested form. Among the Panchabhuta lingas, Srikalahastheeswara is worshipped here as Vayulingeswara. When all the lamps in the sanctum glow steadily, one can notice two lamps flickering now and then, proving the Lord's inhalation and exhalation.
Srikalahastheeswara swamy temples is 40 kms away from Tirupathi, situated on the Tirupathi-Nellore Highway. It is also known as 'Dakshina Kailasa' and 'Dakshian Kasi'. Amongst the most sacted Shivite temples, the temple of Srikalahastheeswara has a unique position. According to history, the temple was built during the Pallava and Chola period. The Temple architecture is rich and splendid. The name Srikalahasthi is a compound of three names. 'Sri' meaning spider, 'Kala' meaning serpent and 'Hasti' means elephant. They worshipped Lord Siva and attained salvation. It is stated that when the lord appeared before them and asked them to express their wish, they requested him that the place be named after them. The marks of all these three are found on the Linga, which is claimed to be Swayambhu (Self-manifested), thus making it all the more sacred. The kavacha (armour) adorning the Lord is stated to have all the Navagrahas on it. Once upon a time a hunter worshipped the lord. It so happened that the Lord's eyes began to bleed profusely and the 'hunter-devotee' spontaneously plucked his own eyes with an arrow and placed them on the Linga. This act of absolute surrender and devotion, earned him the name - 'Bhakta Kannappa'. The river Swarnamukhi which flows on the northern side of the temple adds to its beauty and sanctity. The presiding Goddess here is 'Sri Gnana Prasoonambika' - the flower of divine knowledge. Beside being a 'vara prasadini' (wish fulfiller) she is also 'Gnana prasadini' (knowledge provider). On Friday, the resplendent sight of the Divine Mother, when she is clad in 'Bangaru Pavada' (Golden Robe) permeates the heart of an ardent devotee and fullu satisfies ones tender longings to behold the 'Lokamatha' (Mother of the world) within these mortal eyes.
The other deities installed in the temple
'Sri Pathala Vinayaka', 'Sri Balambika', 'Sri Kalimatha' out side the shrine and 'Lord Saneeswara', 'Bezawada Kanakadurga', 'Lord Venkateswara', 'Lord Subrahmanya', 'Sri Kasi Visweswara', 'Sri Ramalingeswara' & 'Sri Dakshinamurthy' inside the shrine make it a complete Pilgrimage. Also 'Sri Saraswathi Theeram' commonly known as the 'Pathala Ganga' is inside the temple. According to the Puranas, the holy water of this well relieves devotees from chronic diseases and physical deformities. Thus a visit to Srikalahastheeswara swamy temple to offer prayers by a devotee makes it equivalent to visiting all the other punyakshetras of great importance in India.
Festivals
The Sivarathri Brahmotsavam is a 12-day festival of great importance that attaracts lakhs of people from various parts of our country. Mahasivarathri, Nandi Seva, Lingodbhavam, Rathotsavam, Teppotsavam & Sri Swami Ammavarlu Kalyanotsavam are the important aspects of this festival.
Darshan Timings
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 am to 9 pm and on other days from 6 am to 9.30 pm.
