south indian temple: Srikalahasti Temple, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Srikalahasti Temple, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh:

        Srikalahasti Temple is one of the temples in South India where Lord Shiva is worshipped as the deity. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as an air element.

        This temple is in Srikalahasti town, in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. And is situated 36 km north of Chittoor and about 90 km from Chennai.

Historical and religious importance

        Srikalahasti Temple is a temple with a rich historical and mythological heritage. Which is one of the most rich pilgrimage sites in India.

Mythology:

        According to local mythological stories, the demon Srikalahasti was a snake that was destroyed by Lord Shiva by taking the form of air. Since then, Lord Shiva has been worshipped in the form of air in this temple. There is another story about its name, which is as follows: The word Srikalahasti is made by adding three words. Sri means spider, Kaal means snake, and Hasti means elephant. All three of them worshipped Lord Shiva together. Lord Shiva gave salvation to all three. Since then, this temple has been named Srikalahasti.

        This temple is famous for reducing the effect of inauspicious zodiac signs. Here, devotees perform various types of rituals to reduce the effect of inauspicious planets, which is an astrological remedy done by the devotees.

        There was a great devotee here whose name was Kannappa Nayanar. And due to some reason, the eye of the Linga in the temple got damaged, so he took out his eye and gave it away.

Architecture

        The Kalahasti temple is a great example of the Dravidian style of temple construction of South India, which is unique among other South Indian temples. Here, Vayu Linga is installed in the main sanctum, and the idols are beautifully decorated with intricate carvings.

        The entrance of the temple is a huge structure, and small temples have been built in the temple premises dedicated to various deities like Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan (Karthikeya), Maa Durga, and Nandi.

        The temple is also known for its beautiful pillared halls, mandapas, and a beautiful pond called Sri Kalahasti Pushkarini, where devotees take a ritualistic bath before entering the temple.

        Vayu Linga (Air Element) One of the most unique aspects of the temple is the Vayu Linga. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the Srikalahasti temple in the form of a linga, but the most important deity is the presence of Vayu as the deity. It is believed that the deity of the temple manifests the power of Vayu, and Vayu itself is considered a symbol of the divine presence of Lord Shiva. This is why the Srikalahasti temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthals, along with the temples of Chidambaram (sky - ether), Kanchipuram (earth - earth), Tiruvannamalai (fire - fire) and Tiruvanaikoil (water).

Festivals and Rituals:

        Festivals and Rituals The Srikalahasti temple is an important center of religious and cultural activities. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year and holds special significance during various festivals. Some of the major festivals celebrated here include:

        Maha Shivaratri: This is the most important festival of the temple, which is visited by thousands of devotees who fast and participate in special prayers and rituals throughout the night. Karthika Masa: The month of Karthika (usually November-December) is particularly important, with special rituals and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva being performed. Sri Kalahasti Rathotsavam: The annual Rath Yatra is another major event that draws huge crowds, where the deity is taken in a grand procession through the streets of the city.

How to reach Srikalahasti Temple

Srikalahasti is well connected by road and rail. The temple is located approximately:

36 km from Chittoor city.

90 km from Chennai (by road).

5 km from Srikalahasti railway station (which is well connected to major cities like Chennai, Tirupati, and Bangalore).

The nearest major airport is Tirupati Airport (about 60 km away), and Chennai International Airport (about 90 km away) is another option.

Accommodation and Facilities

The town of Srikalahasti has several accommodations for pilgrims, ranging from budget hotels to more comfortable stays. Basic facilities such as food, toilets, and parking are available for visitors near the temple. Several shops around the temple sell religious artifacts, souvenirs, and offerings for devotees.