Attraction & Activities in Srikalahasti

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.

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.