Srikalahasti tourism and travel guide
Srikalahasti India
3.5/5
Best Session
Oct - Mar
Ideal Duration
2
Station:
Sri Kalahasti
Major Airports
Tirupati
Weather
41.24 ° C
Weather Type
Clouds
Price On Request
onwards
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Overview
"Sri Ganeshaya Namah Namo namo dantavakratraya Namo namo navashakti rupaya Namo namah namaste kumara agrajaya Paschimaabhilukham lingam
Nadichottra vahini Thasyaam chiva poojartham Magastheyenna nithaanadi Sakalahitam kari Thathsera vaanedeva"
Srikalahasti Temple Guide is a window to your pilgrimage. The guide proffers its visitors with A-Z of information on the temple and the town. Right from how to reach to driving direction to accommodation to puja timings to fee and sightseeing etc., it has been tailor made to assist the darshan and sightseeing in and around Srikalahasti. The Srikalahasti Temple guide bids in minutest jaunt detail that caters to the smallest possible journey requirement of the darshanarthis for an easy and memorable trip.
Srikalahasti, a cardinal Shiva Panchabhootasthlas, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, famed as Lord Srikalahasteeswara here, and seconds the richest shrine ‘Tirupati’ in India. According to the recent reports, the temple earned Rs 17 Crores, during the recent estimation. Known to be one of the chief spots for Rahu-Ketu Nivaran Pooja, Srikalahasti Temple is all set to undergo rejuvenation with a diamond studded tiara for Goddess Gnanaprasunambika.
Visit Srikalahasti and get blessed by Sri Kalahasteeswara!!!
How to Reach
The Srikalahasteesvara Temple is a pious sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shiva and known as ‘Dakshina Kailasam’. Every year numerous Shiva devotees, across India, throng the place to get a darshan of Vayu Lingam and change their life for better. Facilitating and easing the journey for all pilgrims and Shiva bhakts, the journey to temple town of Srikalahasti has been well-laid with all modes of transportation. A hurried halt en route to Tirupati, Srikalahasti is accessible through air, rail, and road. Taking into account all modes of accessing the holy place, we take the privileged of contriving your journey plan. Check out the following ways to Reach to Srikalahasti and pay earnest orison to Lord Shiva.
Driving Directions
Srikalahasti is nestled in Andhra Pardesh, South India. Dedicated to the destroyer lord in the Hindu pantheon is worshipped as Vayu Linga. Srikalahasti stands for spider, serpent, and elephant. According to the majority of folklore, the legend has that these three animals worshipped Lord Shiva and later achieved salvation. The nearest airport to Srikalahasti is Tirupati domestic airport which is 22 Km away from it. The Chennai airport is nestled 99 Km away from Srikalahasti. The travelers can catch the train from Tirupati-Vijayawada broad gauge rail circuit. The NH 205 highway connects Srikalahasti with the main cities of the region.The state government buses and taxis also run on this route. These buses provide regular services to the travelers who want to explore the region in a much better way.
What to see Inside the Temple?:
Surrounded by the religious spectacle, Srikalahasti is dotted with temples, big and small, on all sides. Apart from the Srikalahasti Temple, their many sanctum Sanctorum, of great significance for the locals and visitors, girdled on the fringes of Srikalahasteesvara Temple. Trailed by great mythology and history, these temples area must-see for all. Pilgrims paying orisons to the temple must divide their time during the visit.
Temple: A hurried spiritual stoppage en route to Tirupati Temple, Srikalahasti is one of the much-revered pilgrim destinations. The holy of the holies, Srikalahasteeswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Vayu Lingam inside the temple. The pious abode of Lord Siva, Srikalahasti Temple is of paramount importance for devotees of Lord Shiva.
Entering the Temple: The prime entrance to the temple is south facing called as ‘Bikshala Galigopuram’. There are two temples close to this entrance namely, Kasi Viswanath and Annapurna toward the east. From here the temple leads to Prakara which is referred to as Bala Gnana Nanda Gopuram. This leads to the main temple precincts.
Inside the Temple: As soon as you enter the temple precincts, the sight of massive pillars, high reach ceilings, and prakarama awe-inspires. Above all, the feeling of peace arrests your restless mind right away. Entering the sanctum sanctorum you find Kavacha (armor) crowned with a serpent hood, beneath which lies the swayambhu (self-manifested) linga. The kavacha present here is stated to have all the Navgrahas (9 planets) engraved on it. One can see the 27 stars that represent the 27 constellations, marked on the linga. The vayulingam present here is in the shape of elephant tusk. According to the temple priests, the original linga is kept intact and beyond the reach of human hands. Even the offerings are poured on the bronze idol called as Utsav murti. The main deity and idol of the temple have surrounded all sides by Akhand (steadily burning) lamps. Accorded with the staunch belief of disciples, the flickering flame placed in Garbhagraha, when there is not sufficient air to breathe, marks the distinguished presence of Lord Shiva in the temple. To the right of the sanctum is the idol of Sati, manifested as Jalandhara (upper half of body); she is also known by the name of Ganana Prasunambika- the Goddess of knowledge or flower of divine Knowledge. Goddess Gnana Prasunambika adorned by many names, one being Vara Prasadini – the wish fulfiller, that enumerates the qualities of the Goddess.
If walking from the northern gopuram, to the extreme left is the shrine of Patala Vinayaka. According to temple authority, the idol was found 35 feet deep in the river bed of Swarnamukhi. Pilgrims must visit the temple on Friday to have a hearty darshan of Goddess Gnana Prasunambika when she is robed in Bangaru Pavada - the golden robe. Surya Pushkarni and Chandra Pushkarni To better-facilitating pilgrims and visitors, there is a market in the immediate precinct of Srikalahasti temple. The market sells pujasamagri, utensils and souvenirs, etc. Well, once at Srikalahasti, you can feel it as an extension of Tirupati infrastructure.
Other Important Deities in the Temple: Besides the main deity of Lord Kalahastheesvara and his consort Gnana Prasunambika, the temple has many other idols of revered lords. The idols of `Lord Saneeswara`, `Bezawada Kanakadurga`, `Lord Venkateswara`, `Lord Subrahmanya`, `Sri Kasi Visweswara`, `Sri Ramalingeswara` & `Sri Dakshinamurthy` are placed inside the temple. There are idols of `Sri Pathala Vinayaka`, `Sri Balambika`, and ‘Sri Kalimatha` that are placed outside the shrine. A stroll of the temple will let you discover a few other idols as ‘Sri Saraswati Theertham’ or ‘Pathala Ganga’. Sri Saraswati Teertham finds a mention in the Puranas and it is believed that the water from the well has a healing property that relieves a person of his/her disease and deformities.
Kiomoi Must-Dos while in Srikalahasti :
1- Srikalahasti Temple is called as a Dakshina Kailasam because the hill or mount it is located on is as sacred as Mt of Kailash in India.
2-The goddess Ganana Prasunambika is acclaimed to be the Goddess of Knowledge. Abhishekams are also performed for her along with Lord Sri kalahasteeswara.
3- Kalahasti Temple is quiet renowned among Telegus as the seat of Dhuraja, a saint who eternalized the shrine in his famous rhetorical work ‘Kalahastivaram Satkaam’.
4- It is believed that Bhagvatpada Sankracharya completed the Sri Chakra Pratistha of this sacred Shrine.
5- Three great South Indian Saints named Appar, Sundarar, and Sambandar worshipped the sacred lingam at this site.
6- Sri Kalahasti said to be Navagrahasthalam where Rahu and Ketu are worshipped
7- Sri Gnanaprasunambika Devi Nityannadana scheme was commenced as a charitable service with the aim of providing free and hygienic meals to pilgrims coming for darshans.
8- 30 feet inside the ground, in the second court, is located the shrine of Ganesha called as Pathala Ganapati here.
9- Most of the Srikalahasti Mahatamya is deduced and extracted from Puranas.
10- A ten-day handicraft Mela (fair) is organized during Shivaratri marking the spirit of the sacred Shiva Festival
11- It is considered sacred to tie the marital knot in the temple precincts. A large group of 2000 couples tied the knot during the Shivratri along with Kalyanotsavam.
12- The temple celebrates 85 festivals throughout the year of which Mahashivrathri is celebrated on a grand scale.
Weather: Climate Type: Tropical
Summer Temperature: Min: 35° C; Max: 45°C | Winter Temperature: Min 10°C; Max 18°C
Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh, experiences a typical tropical climate round the year. Likewise, the area enjoys a row of three climates: summer, monsoon, and winters. The summer season lasts from March to June with a maximum temperature shooting to 45 degrees and beyond. Summers temperatures are recorded too hot with two peak months of May to June. Following the summer season, Monsoon drops in only to bring a breath of respite from scorching summer months. Although the rains do not bring a high relief, but humidity level soars high in the month. Monsoons occurrences are heavier in some areas as compared to others. However, tourists can expect them at regular intervals. October sees a winter ushering in soon after rains are in its last legs. Winters season closes in the month of February and March. The town sees a minimum of 10°C temperature in the winters.
Useful Facts
Temple Address: Sri Kalahasti swara swamy vari Devastanam
Srikalahasti Chittor District. Andhra Pradesh -517644
Temple Executive Officer Info
Address: 1) The Executive Officer,
Sri Kalahastheeswar Devasthanams,
Near E.O.Quarters, Srikalahasti,-517640
2) The Executive Officer,
Sri Kalahastheeswar Devasthanams,
Inside Temple Office, Sannidhi Street
Srikalahasti,-517640
Altitude: 160 mts
Best time to visit: Mahashivaratri, Dharmaraja festival, Kumaraswamy festival, and Navarathri festival
Closed: It’s open on all the seven days. 6 AM in the morning till 9 PM in the evening
SRIKALAHASTI TEMPLE
Location: Chitoor in Andhra Pradesh | Nearest Landmark: Tirupati Temple
Main Deity: Shiva-Vayu-Kalahasteeswara and his consort Gnanaprasunambika
Sarvadarshanam: 5:00 am- 9:30 pm
Landscape: Srikalahasteewara Temple is built amid temples and hills, in the labyrinth of roads and narrow lanes. Embellished by three grand towers, generally known as gopurams and flanked by Durgambika, Kannappa and Kumaraswamy Temple on its three sides, the temple is west facing and is built at the side of a hill, on the bank of Swarnamukhi River. One of the walls of Srikalahasti Temple is provided by the Mount Meru. To the south is the hill of Durgambika Temple and to the north is located the shrine of Kannabeshwara.
Architecture: The temple architecture is a treat of eyes for all those who visit Srikalahasti. A huge white architecture with three lofty gopurams speaks volumes for its construction that dates back to Krishnadevaraya and Chola dynasty. Srikalahasti Temple was built by Chola Kings including Todaman Chakravarti. Historically, the temple was constructed in parts by different kings of the Chola Dynasty. It is the Chola Dynasty who is credited for renovating and embellishing the temple with intricate sculpture and art. Kullottunga Chola, the great Chola King, contrived and build the beautiful gopurams, located at the entrance facing south, during the 11th century AD. In the late 12th Century, Veeranarasimha Yadavaraya festooned the temple with outer Prakaras and four other gopurams connecting four entrances.
The Mantapams and Galigopurams facing east were developed by the Vijaynagar rulers in the 16th century. Finally, the Natukottai Chettiars of Devakottai gave a final touch to the temple in 1912 by contributing 9 lakes of rupees. The tower built by Krishna Devraya in the 15th century over the main gate stands at an imposing height of 120 ft. Alongside, the hundred pillared Mantapam (hall inside the temple) is another architectural splendor that Srikalahasti is famed for. The Prakara or the compound and four gopurams were built by Veeranarashimha Yadavaraya in the 12th Century. The Mantapam or 100 pillared hall was contrived and built by Krishnadevaraya during 1516 AD.
The Touch of Antiquity: In the center of the bustling street and bazaars on the sides, Srikalahasti Temple stands elevated with an architecture enwrapped in old-world charm. Estimated to be 1000 and more years old, during recent repair work, the Shiva temple reflects oodles of culture and antiquity in look. Sculptures of sage Kannappa, Shakti Vinayak and Saivaite bronze figures are quite old and the exact date of these idols is known to date. Even the lingam of the temple dates back to more than 1000 years. An inside view and study of the pillar and carvings in the temple prove its antiquity beyond 1000 years.
Note: While all the temples are closed during the eclipse, the temple of Srikalahasteesvara is open and special Abhishekams are performed here.
Legends and Mythology
The spiritual aura can be experienced even before one reaches the temple area. The whole of Chittoor, like other cities in South India, is draped with culture and hues of tradition. Imbued with myths and folklore, Srikalahasti is the abode of Lord Shiva who resides here in the form flickering lamp. Srikalahasteesvara Devasthanam is a one of the Panchabhoota Shivasthala, where Shiva is propitiated as air. The temple is located in Chittoor, 36 km from the temple town of Tirupati, and is also decked with Venkatchala Hills and many other temples nearby. There are legends and epics associated with the history and significance of the temple.
Legend 1: The temple derived its name “Srikalahasti” in conjunction of three creatures namely, Sri (spider), Kala (serpent) and Hasti (elephant), who showed intense devotion to the Lord Shiva. As goes the saying, Urnanabha, the son of the Vishwakarma, Hindu god of the architect, was a sculptor par excellence and emulated all creations of Brahma. Ireful Brahma, cursed Urnanbha to born as a mortal in the form of Spider on earth and said that he would free of the curse only when he offers prayers to Shiva at Dakshina Kailasam. Similarly, Kala, the snake was evicted to earth on being delayed in his return from Scheole to Shiva. Hasti, the elephant attendant of Shiva and his consort Parvati, was sentenced to live life on earth for his mistake of pervading the privacy of its masters. The three creatures were freed from the curse and granted liberation on worshipping Lord Shiva at Dakshin Kailasam. As said, the Spider (Sri) built web over the lingam, Kala (serpent) adorned it with gem, Hasti (elephant) washed the lingam with its trunk with water from Swarnmukhi River in the intense adoration of god as well as penance for their mistakes. The intense idolatry of the three creatures delighted the Lord and he appeared in person to bless them. On seeing Lord Shiva, the three creatures expressed their desire that the placed be named after them. Henceforth, the temple was named as Sri (Spider), Kala (Snake) and Hasti (Elephant). Even today the lingam has obvious marks on it that correlate the legend to the statue, thereby, rewarding of the strong belief of devotees. Interestingly, the temple land site is also the same place where Sati’s skull fell, henceforth, marking the spot as one of the 51 Shaktipeeths.
Legend 2: There is another version of the legend mentioning the facts about the temple. In a yet another legend of Srikalahasti, Saint Kannappa, offered both his eyes to the deity. A hunter by occupation and staunch devotee at heart, Bhakt Kannappa, offered both of his eyes to the deity on seeing the profusely bleeding eyes of idol. The saint was who was an ardent disciple of Shiva use to offer his everyday hunt to god. One day, while offering his hunt, he saw that the eyes of the deity were bleeding. In an extreme state of helplessness, Kannappa pulled his own eyes and fixed it on statue’s place. The saint’s devotional sacrifice contented the deity and Lord Shiva appeared granting salvation to Bhakt Kannappa.
Srikalahasti Temple deity is said to emit miraculous power where during such occasion a women was relieved of evil spirits on having a darshan of deity
Importance of Temple
Srikalahasti is an ancient religious place dating back to 3rd and 4th century AD, oft-quoted and adverted in the Hindu text and mythology. The temple at Srikalahasti is regarded as one of the prominent temples of South India. This is in fact considered as the Kailash of the South or Dakshina Kailasa. The protector of devotees, the granter of boons, the merciful and three-eyed Lord Shiva is known to manifest himself in the form of Vayu Linga, in the Bilwaka grove on the bank of river Suvarnamukhi. Interestingly, the greatness and significance of the temple is mentioned in the Sivapurana in the course of a profound discussion Sri Romasharan Maharishi and Sri Bhardwaja Maharishi.
Historically speaking, the exact account of Srikalahasti can be only found in Skanda Puranas (the holy book of Hindu), stutis (religious hymns) and in many other
raw manuscripts of 3rd century AD. Most of these unlisted scholarly manuscripts were written in Telegu and Sanskrit on palm and banana leaves which are being translated and preserved today. Readers can enjoy the privilege of reading the texts online as many of these manuscripts are being translated into e-books and hard cover books.
The heavenly abode of Lord Shiva, a visit to Srikalahasti, as said, grants moksha (salvation) setting the pilgrims free from all temporal sin. The puranas state Srikalahasti Temple as a punyakhetra (pious place) where Arjuna worshipped and received blessings of Lord Shiva, during his tirth yatra (pilgrimage). Arjuna also visited Sage Bhradwaja, on Kailasa Hills, and had a great opportunity of hearing the sthlamahatmya (importance of the shrine) and sacred tale of Swarnmukhi River, through the sage.
Importance of Dakshina Kailasam: According to the legend, Lord Bramha was asked by the Lord to create beautiful and enticing hills of Kailasa. As Bramha was struggling with the task, a piece fell on earth and in the south and thus called as Dakshina Kailasam. Then onwards, Shiva chose to reside there as Vayulingam. And Lord Shiva is said to reside in the temple in the form of Vayu Linga to fulfill the desires of his devotees. Blessing his ardent devotees with his presence, Lord Shiva at Sri Kalahasti is a manifestation of truth and extreme devotion.
River Swarnamukhi: Also, known as Suvarnmukhi River and Uttara Vahini, River Swarnamukhi has a rich background and fair number of mentions in puranas and mythological epics. As cited in the Puranas, the river was brought on earth from heaven by Sage Agasthya. It is a perennial river with a unique feature of flowing from south to north. As believed and stated in the Puranas, River Swarnmukhi has healing properties. According to the shlokas, Koorma Puranam, the linga faces westward and the nearby Suvarnmukhi River flows to the north of Srikalahasti. It is the purifying and cleansing essence has lent a great importance to the temple. As the riverbanks on the either side are densely populated by pine bushes, known as mogaleru in Telegu. This is why the temple is also called Mogaleswara. As a part of history, it is said that the workers, those who were ordered to get sand from the riverbed of the river for the construction of the temple, found gold coins in the depth of the gurgling river. Folklore has it that Nakkeera of yore cured himself of leprosy by bathing in the river. The importance of this can also be gauged from a social custom of immersing the deceased ashes into the river water liberate the souls of the ancestors.
Aspects related to Goddess Gnana Prasunambika: The statue of Goddess Gnanaprasunambika is of great importance to the disciples and pilgrims visiting the temple. Known as bestower of luck and knowledge, Goddess Gnanaparsumbika represents Jalandhara (upper half) of the body. Of the 108 Shakti Peeths, the sacred spot of Gnanaprasunambika signifies an important aspect of spirituality in Hinduism. According to the legends and myths it is said that the Goddess is a representation of Sanatanlakshmi. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu created 108 sacred spots devoted Shakti with the help of his Sudarshan Chakra. When Satidevi sacrifised her body during the Yajna, Lord Vishnu divided the body in 108 parts and those spots where it fell were considered sacred spiritual parts. The skull fell here at Srikalahasti Temple.
A temple and pilgrim place of high repute, Srikalahasti has sparse facilities as far as the food and eating joints are concerned. Pilgrims and visitors have minimum facilities available to choose from. Tourists who choose to stay in hotels have the food facility provided by the hotels. Otherwise, tourists planning for temporary stay for puja and sevas are provided with the facility of food served at the temple.
Free Meals at Srikalahasti Temple: Free noon meals/prasadams are provided to the pilgrims and visitors, up to 200, inside the Srikalahasti Temple. Offered to the lord first, the temple lunch is delicious south Indian delicacies served with great love and devotion in 3 batches beginning from People are served with the scrumptious food inside the matapam in three batches. okens/coupons are provided to people and pilgrims for free noon lunch between 10.30 am to 11 am in the morning hour in the corridors outside the Gnanaprasunambika Sanniddhi.
Besides, there are options for buying prasadams like Puliyore, Laddoos, and Murukkuss at the temple.
Eateries near Srikalahasti: Standing amid the busy bazaar lanes, lined up with temples in all directions, the Panchabhootsthala ‘Srikalahasti’ has two major eateries, namely ‘Sarvana’ and ‘Bhavan’, located opposite the temple. Besides, ‘Bhimhans’ near the temple also serves delicious South Indian delicacies at an inexpensive price. However, these do not belong to the famous Chennai branches and the food quality is not of the same standard as in Chennai. Even thinking non-veg hotels is banned near Srikalahasti.
Where to Shop
The old town with lashings of erstwhile charm, Srikalahasti boasts some of the best buys available near the temple area. Well, when at Srikalahasti Kalamkari Paintings can be purchased in bulks as this is what the town is famous for. Alongside, one can chip in to buy miniatures, wooden carvings, souvenirs, whitewood toys and many other small items of home decor.
Note: Pilgrims must make a note that the main market is at a distance of 2 km from the temple area.
Kalamkari Paintings: Kalamkari is a method of printing natural dyes on Cotton and Silk clothes using sharp bamboo pens. Tourists can buy many of these paintings at Srikalahasti at the shops near Sriramnagar Colony and the BP Agraharam. The later also specializes in selling Kalamkari panels and borders. The price range varies from Rs 75-150 sq cm pieces.
Srikalahasti Malady: The second best buy at Srikalahasti is Srikalahasti Malady (common groundnuts). Srikalahasti Malady is also known to be the major crop of the state. These can be bought from any of the local shops in the market.
Kanjeevaram Saree: On your trip to Srikalahasti, you can collect some of the best things like Kanjeevaram Saree and suit pieces at an unimagined low-price. Also, one can buy them in bulk at wholesale prices, and, of course, at a bargained deal.
