Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple, Sri Kalahasthi, Andhra Pradesh

Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple, Sri Kalahasthi, Andhra Pradesh

Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Srikalahasthi Town in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. This temple is located on the banks of River Swarnamukhi, adjoining a hill in Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh. Srikalahasthi is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalam, represents the Vayu Sthalam the others being manifest at Arunachala (Agni-Linga), Kanchi (Prithvi-Linga), Chidambaram (Akasha-Linga) and Thiruvanaikaval (Jala-Linga). The temple is also regarded as Rahu-Ketu Kshetra and Dakshina Kasi.

Vayu is incarnated as Lord Shiva and worshipped as Kalahasteeswara. Goddess Parvathi Devi is worshiped here as Gnanaparasunambikai. It is one of the most famous Shiva temples in South India, and is said to be the site where Kannappa, one of the 63 Saivite Nayanmars, was ready to offer both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Siva Linga before the Lord Siva stopped him and granted him Mukthi. The inner temple was constructed around 5th century and the outer temple was constructed in the 12th century by the Chola Kings and the Vijaya Nagara kings.

The Shivalinga at Sri Kalahasti is marked by symbols of three creatures — that of a spider at the bottom, a five-hooded snake on top and elephant-tusks on either side. Legend informs us that Sri (spider), Kala (snake) and Hasti (elephant) were cursed by Brahma, Shiva and Parvati but attained moksha by worshipping Lord Shiva here. Hence Shiva came to be called Sri Kalahasteeswara. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams - Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Sundarar.

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 19^th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. A lamp burns inside the inner sanctum that constantly flickers despite the lack of air movement inside. Kalahasti is located near the pilgrimage town of Tirupati and is visited by thousands of pilgrims. The river Swarnamukhi takes the northerly course at Sri Kalahasthi almost washing the west wall of the famous Sri Kalahasthi temple. The temple architecture is a treat to the eyes for all those who visit Srikalahasthi.

Legends

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History

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The Temple

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Inscriptions

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Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Pooja Timings

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Religious Practices & Festivals

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Religious Importance

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Rahu Kethu Parihara Sthalam

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Literary Mention

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Prayers

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Useful Information

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Contact

Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple,

Sri Kalahasti, Chittoor District,

Andhra Pradesh – 517644

Phone: +91 8578 222240 / 221336

Mobile: +91 9885974050

Email: eo_srikalahasthi@yahoo.co.in                       

Connectivity

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