The Sri Kalahasti Temple is located 36 km from Tirupati in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India. It holds a significant place among the holy Shiva Kshetras and is often referred to as the "Dakshina Kailasam." The inner temple, which dates back to the 5th century, and the outer temple, built in the 12th century, reflect the grandeur and historical importance of this sacred site. Situated on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, the temple is renowned for its extraordinary architecture, featuring three massive, breathtaking Gopurams that add to its majestic presence.
Timings
The temple is open from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Entry Fee
Free of cost
Origin/History :-
The architecture of the Sri Kalahasti Temple is a visual treat for visitors, showcasing a blend of historical grandeur and intricate craftsmanship. The temple, with its towering white structure and three lofty gopurams, is a testament to the artistic brilliance of various dynasties. It is believed that the temple was constructed in stages by different kings of the Chola Dynasty, including Todaman Chakravarti. The Chola rulers are credited with renovating and embellishing the temple, enhancing it with detailed sculptures and art.
Kulottunga Chola, one of the greatest Chola kings, is responsible for the construction of the majestic gopurams, which were added during the 11th century AD. The southern entrance, marked by these towering gopurams, stands as an iconic feature of the temple. In the late 12th century, Veeranarasimha Yadavaraya enriched the temple by adding outer prakara (compound walls) and four additional gopurams, each connecting the four entrances.
The Vijayanagara rulers, during the 16th century, developed the mantapams and galigopurams, particularly the east-facing ones. A significant contribution came from the Natukottai Chettiars of Devakottai, who, in 1912, donated 9 lakh rupees for the temple’s restoration.
The tower above the main gate, built by Krishnadevaraya in the 15th century, reaches an imposing height of 120 feet. The temple is also renowned for the 100-pillared Mantapam, which was constructed by Krishnadevaraya in 1516 AD. The prakara and four gopurams, built by Veeranarasimha Yadavaraya in the 12th century, complete the majestic structure.
Located amidst a bustling street and bazaars, the temple stands elevated, surrounded by an ambiance steeped in ancient charm. With an estimated age of over 1000 years, the temple’s recent repairs have only revealed more of its cultural and historical richness. Sculptures of Sage Kannappa, Shakti Vinayak, and bronze figures of Saivite deities adorn the temple, reflecting its antiquity. The Shiva Lingam within the temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old, further supporting the temple’s historical significance. The carvings and pillars within the temple offer further evidence of its ancient origins, making it a true marvel of architectural heritage.
Puranic Significance :-
According to legend, there were once three devoted followers of Lord Shiva: a spider (Sri), a serpent (Kala), and an elephant (Hasti). Each of these creatures served Lord Shiva in its unique way. The elephant would clean the deity by carrying river water in its trunk and offering Vilva leaves on the Shiva Lingam. The spider would weave its web to create a shelter for the Lingam, while the serpent would adorn the Lingam by placing its precious gem upon it.
Impressed by the unwavering devotion of these three, Lord Shiva granted them a boon. He declared that their names—Sri (spider), Kala (serpent), and Hasti (elephant)—would be merged with the name of the Lingam itself. Henceforth, the Lingam would be known as Srikalahastheeswarar, symbolizing the unity of these three devoted beings in their praise and service to Lord Shiva.
Another legend associated with the Sri Kalahasti Temple is that of Kannappa Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. The story speaks of a hunter named Thinnanar, who devotedly worshipped Lord Shiva. He would bring water from a nearby river in his mouth and pour it on the Shiva Lingam as part of the abhishekam. Additionally, he made offerings of fresh flowers and cooked meat. The priest of the temple, feeling that these offerings were inappropriate, complained to Lord Shiva, requesting that the Lord put an end to this practice. Despite the priest’s complaint, Thinnanar continued his offerings for several more days.
One day, Lord Shiva decided to test Thinnanar’s devotion and instructed the priest to witness the events. The priest, following the Lord's command, hid himself to observe what would happen.
As usual, Thinnanar arrived to offer water from his mouth, flowers, and cooked meat to the Lingam. To demonstrate the depth of Thinnanar’s devotion, Lord Shiva decided to play a prank. Suddenly, one of the eyes of the Lingam began to bleed. Thinnanar, desperate to stop the bleeding, attempted to apply medicinal plants, but his efforts were in vain. In an act of complete devotion, Thinnanar took one of his arrows and plucked out one of his own eyes, placing it on the bleeding spot of the Lingam.
Though the bleeding from one eye stopped, Thinnanar then noticed that the other eye of the Lingam had begun to bleed. Without hesitation, he plucked out his other eye and placed it on the Lingam to stop the bleeding. However, realizing that if he plucked out his other eye, he would become blind and unable to see where the bleeding was coming from, Thinnanar decided to place his foot on Lingam's bleeding eye while he plucked out his other eye.
Impressed by Thinnanar’s boundless devotion and sacrifice, Lord Shiva revealed his true nature to him and acknowledged his unwavering faith. Thinnanar’s act of selfless devotion earned him a place as one of the revered Nayanmars.
Do's and Don'ts
Pray to your Ishta Devata before embarking on the pilgrimage.
Contact the Temple Devasthanam information center for inquiries, temple details, and Pooja information.
Reserve your travel and accommodation well in advance.
Take a bath and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
Focus on the God and Goddess within the temple.
Maintain silence and quietly recite “Om Namah Shivaya” or your Ishta Mantra.
Follow the ancient customs and traditions while inside the temple.
Respect the religious sentiments of others at the temple.
Deposit your offerings only in the temple Hundi.
Do not visit the temple for purposes other than worship.
Do not smoke within the temple premises.
Do not consume alcoholic beverages at the temple.
Do not bring non-vegetarian food into the temple.
Do not approach mediators for a quicker Darshan, as it may inconvenience others.
Do not carry weapons inside the temple.
Do not wear headgear such as helmets, caps, turbans, or hats inside the temple premises.
Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Do not linger too long during Sparsa Darshan in the Garbhagriha.
Do not purchase fake prasadams from street vendors.
Do not encourage beggars within the temple.
Do not spit or cause any nuisance in the temple area.
Dress Code
The dress code for men is Shirt & Trouser, Dhoti, or Pyjamas with an upper cloth.
For women, the preferred attire includes a saree or half-saree with a blouse, or a chudidhar with a pyjama and an upper cloth.
Clothing such as shorts, mini-skirts, middies, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans, and short-length T-shirts are not permitted.
The best season to visit the Srikalahasti Temple is during the winter months, from October to March. During this period, the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities and temple visits. This is also the peak pilgrimage season, with several festivals and special events taking place.
How to reach :-
By Air: Nearest Airport: The nearest major airport is Tirupati Airport (TIR), located about 30 km from the temple. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
By Train: Srikalahasti Railway Station is the nearest railway station, located around 2 km from the temple. It is well-connected to major cities like Tirupati, Chennai, and Bangalore. From the station, you can take a rickshaw or a taxi to reach the temple.
By Road: By Bus: Srikalahasti is well-connected by road to nearby cities. Regular buses from Tirupati, Chennai, and other cities in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu operate to Srikalahasti.
Nearby Cities and Rivers
The Srikalahasti Temple is located in the town of Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh. Nearby rivers and cities include:
River: The Swarnamukhi River flows near the temple, adding to its spiritual significance.
Nearby Cities:
Tirupati: Located about 36 kilometers to the north, Tirupati is a major pilgrimage city known for the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
Chennai: Approximately 130 kilometers to the south, Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu.
Renigunta: About 10 kilometers from Srikalahasti, Renigunta is an important railway junction connecting to other major cities.
