Srikalahasti Temple

Sri Kalahasti temple is located 36 km away from Tirupathi in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradhesh, India. The inner temple is constructed around 5th century and the outer temple was constructed in the 12th Century.Srikalahasti is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams of Lord Shiva, the other being Tiruvannamalai, Chidambaram, Thiruvanaikaval and Kanchipuram.

The name of the town is a combination of three words, 'Sri' meaning a spider, 'Kala' meaning a serpent and ‘Hasti' meaning an elephant. As per mythology, these three creatures are believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva at the site to attain salvation. The religious centre known as Kalahasti or Dakshina Kailasam is referred to as a spiritual abode of Lord Shiva.

Srikalahasti has an ancient Shiva temple that has several mentions in Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana and Linga Purana. Several Tamil Shaivite saints had visited the shrine for seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. The famous shrine of Srikalahasti was built by Kulothunga Cholan I, II and III during the 11th century. A huge mandapam was later added in the 16th century by Krishnadevaraya.

Sri Kalahasti is also considered a Navagraha Sthala, dedicated to Rahu and Kethu. Navagraha Sthalas are those places where the nine planets are said to have worshipped Lord Shiva. They are revered as Parihara Sthalas (places where the devout get themselves redeemed of papas or sins committed). There are two hills on either side of the temple, known as Dakshina Kailasam or Kannappamalai and Durgagiri. There are shrines dedicated to Lord Kannappeshwara and Devi Durgamba.

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