Discover the Sacred Srikalahasteeswara Temple: History, Rituals, and Visitor Information
Srikalahasteeswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh is a remarkable and powerful site where the divine presence of Lord Shiva is palpable, offering blessings to those who seek them. It is an essential destination for devoted followers of Lord Shiva.
The temple presents a stunning view, with the graceful Swarnamukhi river flowing nearby and enchanting hillocks encircling the area, creating a visually delightful setting.
Notably, Srikalahasteeswara Temple is linked to Rahu and Ketu, two significant astrological bodies in Indian astrology, and is renowned for rituals that address horoscope-related issues, such as the Rahu-Ketu Sarpa Dosha Nirvana Pujas.
The temple's exquisite architecture and impressive sculptures showcase the brilliance of Chola craftsmanship. Lord Shiva, revered here as Lord Kalahasteeswaa is worshipped in the form of a lingam symbolizing Vayu, or Air. The temple also houses a shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvati, known here as Gnana Prasunambika Devi.
Within the temple, a cradle featuring Lord Shiva and Parvati enhances the sacred atmosphere. The continuously glowing lamp in the temple's inner sanctum, despite the absence of any air vents, is particularly striking.
Visiting Srikalahasteeswara Temple, a site of historical and religious significance, is a profound experience. The temple and its surroundings look especially mesmerizing at night.
History:
A well-known legend involves Goddess Parvati undergoing a long penance here to lift a curse imposed by Lord Shiva, resulting in her transformation and blessings from Shiva, and her being known as Shiva-Gnana, Gnana Prasunamba, or Gnana Prasunambika Devi.
Another legend relates to the temple’s name, originating from the devotees — a spider, a serpent, and an elephant — who worshipped Shiva in their unique ways. A tragic conflict among them led to their deaths, but their devotion pleased Shiva, who granted them salvation. The temple's name, Srikalahasteeswara, commemorates these devotees, combining their names: Sri (spider), Kala (serpent), and Hasthi (elephant).
Specialty:
Often referred to as the Dakshin Kailash, or the Kailash of the South, Srikalahasteeswara Temple is also known as Rahu-Ketu Kshetra. The temple, honouring Lord Shiva as Kalahasteeswara, represents the element of Air, one of the five Pancha Bhoota elements. Another unique aspect is its white Shivalinga, which remains untouched by priests. The temple stays open during solar and lunar eclipses, hosting special rituals.
The temple's architecture features a 120-foot-tall gopuram carved from a large stone hill and a grand mandapam with one hundred pillars.
Festivals:
The twelve-day Mahashivratri Brahmotsavam, celebrated each Karthika month, is the temple's most significant festival. Thousands of devotees gather to participate in various ceremonies, enhancing the festival's splendour.
Other celebrated events include the Aadi Kritika festival for Lord Kumaraswamy and the Kendari Gowri Vratham for Ammavaru.
Dress Code:
Visitors are encouraged to wear traditional or modest attire while visiting the temple.
Access:
By Air: Tirupati Airport, 29 km away.
By Rail: Sri Kalahasthi Railway Station, 5 km away.
By Road: Sri Kalahasthi APSRTC bus station, 1.6 km away.
FAQs:
What is the significance of the Srikalahasteeswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh?
Srikalahasteeswara Temple is a revered site dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its powerful rituals addressing horoscope-related issues and its significance in Indian astrology, particularly related to Rahu and Ketu.
What are the unique features of Srikalahasteeswara Temple?
The temple is known for its exquisite Chola architecture, the continuously glowing lamp in the inner sanctum, the untouched white Shivalinga, and its association with the element of Air, one of the Pancha Bhoota elements.
What is the history behind the name Srikalahasteeswara?
The name Srikalahasteeswara combines the names of three devoted creatures—Sri (spider), Kala (serpent), and Hasthi (elephant)—who worshipped Lord Shiva in their unique ways and were granted salvation by him.
What are the major festivals celebrated at Srikalahasteeswara Temple?
The temple's most significant festival is the twelve-day Mahashivratri Brahmotsavam held each Karthika month. Other notable festivals include Aadi Kritika for Lord Kumaraswamy and Kendari Gowri Vratham for Ammavaru.
How can visitors reach Srikalahasteeswara Temple?
The temple is accessible by air via Tirupati Airport (29.1 km away), by rail via Sri Kalahasthi Railway Station (5 km away), and by road via Sri Kalahasthi APSRTC bus station (1.6 km away).