Srikalahasteeswara Temple, Srikalahasti

Deity

Lord Shiva as Kalahasteeswara (Vayu lingam)

Nearest airport

Tirupati, about 29 km

Nearest railway station

Srikalahasti, about 5 km

Main festival

Mahashivaratri Brahmotsavam

Dress code

Traditional or modest attire

The deity and the shrine

Shiva is worshipped here as Kalahasteeswara in the form of a Vayu lingam. The white lingam is not touched by the priests during worship. Inside the sanctum a lamp keeps flickering although there is no opening for air, which devotees see as a sign of the air element. The goddess is worshipped as Gnana Prasunambika Devi, and there is also a cradle shrine for Shiva and Parvati.

The temple is called Dakshina Kailasam, the Kailash of the south, and Rahu-Ketu Kshetra. Unlike most temples, it does not close for eclipses of the sun or moon; special rituals are held instead.

Legends behind the name

The name joins three devotees: Sri, a spider; Kala, a serpent; and Hasti, an elephant. Each worshipped the lingam in its own way, and a quarrel among them ended in their deaths, after which Shiva granted all three salvation. Another story says Parvati performed penance here to free herself from a curse and was blessed with divine knowledge, which gives her the name Gnana Prasunambika.

Architecture and festivals

The main gopuram rises to about 120 ft, and a large mandapam with a hundred pillars shows fine stone carving. The biggest event is the Mahashivaratri Brahmotsavam, a festival lasting about twelve days that draws huge crowds. Aadi Krithika for Lord Subrahmanya and the Kedara Gowri Vratham for the goddess are also observed.

Tips and how to reach

Wear traditional or modest clothing. If you plan to do the Rahu-Ketu puja, arrive early, as queues build through the day. The temple is lit up at night and looks lovely after dark.

Tirupati Airport is about 29 km away and Srikalahasti railway station about 5 km. The town bus station is under 2 km from the temple. We can combine Srikalahasti with a Tirupati and Tirumala trip.

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