Srikalahasti Temple stands on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River in Andhra Pradesh. It is a famous temple where many devotees visit each year for peace and blessings. The temple beautifully combines devotion, history, and art, making it a special holy place.
Amazing Stories of Srikalahasti Temple
Long ago, Vayu Dev, the God of Wind, prayed to Lord Shiva’s white stone Lingam for many years. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva showed himself to Vayu Dev.and gave him three blessings.
The first blessing made Vayu Dev present everywhere as air, living in all beings. The Lingam he worshipped became known as the Vayu Lingam, and people began to worship it deeply.
Another story tells of Goddess Parvati, who wished to learn the secret of the Panchakshari Mantra. Lord Shiva grew angry and cursed her to be born as a human. She came to earth and did penance at Srikalahasti. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva gave her a divine form and taught her the mantra. She is worshipped here as Goddess Gyan Prasunambika.
Another story is about Ghankala, a woman punished to become a ghost. She prayed and chanted the Bhairava Mantra for 15 years. Lord Shiva blessed her and restored her true form.
There is also a story about the peacock, moon (Chandra), and Indra. They were cursed and turned into a spider, snake, and elephant. After bathing in the Swarnamukhi River and praying at Srikalahasti, they were freed by Lord Shiva’s grace.
Later, Rishi Markandeya saw an avatar of Lord Shiva, who was happy with his years of meditation and intense devotion. The rishi was blessed by Lord Shiva, who also spoke to him kindly and honored his constant loyalty and faith and said that only a true Guru can give real knowledge. He showed that the Guru is one with Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
History
The first part of the temple was built in the 5th century AD using local stone. It was small but spiritual and became the base for today’s grand temple.
In the 6th century, the Pallava kings expanded it and improved worship practices. In the 11th century, the Chola kings made it larger. Rajendra Chola I built the main hall, and Kulottunga Chola I added tall towers on the south side.
In 1516 AD, King Krishnadevaraya built a 120-foot Rajagopuram at the temple’s entrance. It became a famous landmark but fell in 2010 due to a weak base. It was rebuilt in 2017 with traditional and modern methods, costing about 45 crore rupees.
Kings from the Pandya, Reddy, and Nayak dynasties also supported the temple. Even today, Dikshitar priests, descendants of Sage Patanjali, perform rituals with great devotion.
Architecture
Srikalahasti Temple shows the beauty of Dravidian architecture. Built of stone and sandstone, it is known for its fine carvings.
The main feature is the Vayu Lingam, shaped like an elephant’s trunk and facing west. Lamps always burn near it, yet the Lingam never gets hot. This wonder fills devotees with peace.
The temple’s southern gate has a 120-foot gopuram with carvings and paintings. Inside is a 100-pillared hall used for daily rituals. Nearby are the Nandi Mandap and an underground Ganesh temple, both very sacred.
There is also a temple of Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi, along with rare idols like Vallabha Ganapati. Two holy ponds, Surya Pushkarini and Chandra Pushkarini, bring peace to visitors. In front stands the Sthalavriksha, a big banyan tree. Devotees tie colorful threads to it, praying for wishes to come true.
This temple is not just a place of prayer but a symbol of art, history, and faith.
Religious Importance
- One of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams, representing Vayu (air element).
- Known as Dakshina Kailasam, or “Kailash of the South.”
- Special Rahu–Ketu poojas remove planetary problems.
- The temple remains open during solar and lunar eclipses.
- Praised in Tevaram hymns by saints Appar and Sundarar.
- Lord Brahma and Arjuna are believed to have prayed here.
- Devotees gain peace, health, and spiritual strength by visiting.
Culture and Celebration
Shaiva traditions remain strong in Srikalahasti. Vedic chants fill the temple daily, and festivals bring joy all year.
The main festival is Mahashivratri Brahmotsavam, held for 13 days in February or March. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are taken out in grand processions as devotees sing bhajans with devotion.
Other festivals include Aadi Krittika, dedicated to Lord Kumaraswamy, and Kedari Gauri Utsav, honoring the Goddess. Ancient Tamil and Telugu texts show King Krishnadevaraya’s great devotion here. Even today, tying threads on the banyan tree shows people’s faith and hope.
Interesting Facts
- A lamp inside the sanctum burns always, even without air.
- Priests never touch the white Lingam; water flows naturally over it.
- Sage Markandeya learned here that a Guru represents the Trimurti.
- Ghankala, once cursed as a ghost, regained her form after prayer.
- The peacock, moon, and Indra were freed from their curses here.
- A small Shiva–Parvati cradle shows divine love and care.
- The temple is 36 km from Tirupati, easy to reach by bus, train, or flight.
