Srikalahasti Temple Discover 10 amazing facts about the Srikalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh — the legendary Vayu Lingam shrine of Lord Shiva. Learn its myth, miracles, and travel guide for pilgrims.
The Srikalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh is one of the most sacred Shaivite shrines in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kalahasteeswara, worshipped here as the Vayu Lingam — the embodiment of wind. This ancient temple is revered as one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the five natural elements. Known for its mystical power, timeless architecture, and spiritual significance, it’s often called the “Kashi of the South.”
Here are 10 amazing facts about Srikalahasti Temple that reveal its divine heritage, architecture, and miracles.
Contents
- 1 Quick Facts
- 2 Fact 1 – One of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams
- 3 Fact 2 – Built by Kings Across Centuries
- 4 Fact 3 – The Self-Manifested Vayu Lingam
- 5 Fact 4 – The Rahu-Ketu Pooja Power
- 6 Fact 5 – The Legend of Kannappa Nayanar
- 7 Fact 6 – River Swarnamukhi’s Sacred Flow
- 8 Fact 7 – Architecture That Defies Time
- 9 Fact 8 – A Continuous Lamp Since Ancient Times
- 10 Fact 9 – Kashi of the South
- 11 Fact 10 – Rahu-Ketu Remedies Linked with Tirupati Pilgrimage
- 12 Travel Guide
- 13 Visitor Tips
- 14 FAQs
- 15 Useful Links
- 16 Author Block
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Srikalahasti town, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh (Wikipedia) |
| Deity | Lord Shiva as Kalahasteeswara (Vayu Lingam) |
| Built by | Pallava, Chola, Vijayanagara Kings |
| Architecture | Dravidian Style |
| River | On the banks of River Swarnamukhi |
| Famous For | Vayu Lingam, Rahu-Ketu Pooja, and its self-manifested (Swayambhu) Lingam |
| Managed by | Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) |
Fact 1 – One of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams
Srikalahasti represents Vayu (Air) among the five elemental temples of Shiva. The others are:
- Ekambareswarar (Earth) – Kanchipuram
- Jambukeswarar (Water) – Trichy
- Arunachaleswarar (Fire) – Tiruvannamalai
- Nataraja Temple (Ether) – Chidambaram
The flame inside the sanctum flickers without air movement, symbolizing the Vayu element’s divine energy.
Fact 2 – Built by Kings Across Centuries
Initially constructed by Pallavas in the 5th century, later expanded by Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers. King Krishnadevaraya (1516 CE) built the magnificent gopuram and main mandapa, leaving an inscription commemorating his donation of precious jewels.
Fact 3 – The Self-Manifested Vayu Lingam
Unlike most Shiva Lingams carved by humans, the Vayu Lingam here is Swayambhu (self-manifested). It continuously moves slightly — a divine phenomenon witnessed by priests over centuries.
Fact 4 – The Rahu-Ketu Pooja Power
Srikalahasti is renowned for Rahu-Ketu Dosha Nivarana Puja — performed to overcome astrological hurdles, marriage delays, and mental distress.
It’s believed that those affected by serpentine planets find peace and progress after performing this ritual.
Fact 5 – The Legend of Kannappa Nayanar
One of the 63 Shaivite saints, Kannappa Nayanar, attained salvation here. A hunter devotee, he offered his eyes to stop the bleeding of the Shiva Lingam, after which Lord Shiva appeared and granted him moksha. His shrine stands beside the main sanctum.
Fact 6 – River Swarnamukhi’s Sacred Flow
The temple sits on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, said to purify devotees of all sins. The river’s name means “golden-faced”, symbolizing purity and divine grace.
Fact 7 – Architecture That Defies Time
Built in the Dravidian style, the temple features grand gopurams, pillared halls, and intricate carvings depicting mythological episodes. The 120-foot-high main tower was built by Krishnadevaraya, and even today, it stands firm despite centuries of storms and quakes.
Fact 8 – A Continuous Lamp Since Ancient Times
A sacred lamp (Akhanda Deepam) has been burning inside the temple for over a thousand years. It is believed to represent eternal faith and the unbroken flow of devotion in Srikalahasti.
Fact 9 – Kashi of the South
Due to its deep spiritual power, Srikalahasti is revered as Dakshina Kashi (Kashi of the South). Pilgrims believe a visit here grants liberation equal to that of visiting Varanasi.
Fact 10 – Rahu-Ketu Remedies Linked with Tirupati Pilgrimage
It’s customary for devotees to visit Srikalahasti first (for Rahu-Ketu Puja) before going to Tirumala for darshan of Lord Venkateswara, symbolizing balance between Karma and Dharma.
Travel Guide
How to Reach
- By Air: Tirupati Airport (26 km)
- By Train: Srikalahasti Railway Station
- By Road: 36 km from Tirupati
Temple Timings
6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (open all day).
Rahu-Ketu Puja: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
February to April, or during Maha Shivaratri — the grand annual festival attended by thousands.
Visitor Tips
- Avoid non-veg and alcohol 24 hours before the puja.
- Carry ID proof for temple entry and puja booking.
- Visit early morning to avoid long queues.
- Combine your visit with Tirupati and Gudimallam Temple for a complete spiritual tour.
FAQs
Q1. What is Srikalahasti Temple famous for?
It’s famous for the Vayu Lingam and the powerful Rahu-Ketu Pooja.
Q2. What are the temple timings?
6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
Q3. Can non-Hindus visit?
Yes, all respectful visitors are welcome.
Q4. Which king built the main gopuram?
King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara dynasty.
Q5. What is the significance of Rahu-Ketu Puja?
It removes planetary doshas and improves health, marriage, and prosperity.
The Srikalahasti Temple is not just a structure but a spiritual powerhouse — a temple where the air itself seems charged with divine energy. As one of the oldest and most powerful Shiva temples in India, it continues to draw seekers from around the world. A visit to Srikalahasti is more than a pilgrimage — it’s an awakening of the soul.
Useful Links
- Wikipedia – Srikalahasti Temple
- TTD Official Page
- GoTirupati – Temple Timings
- Andhra Pradesh Temples Guide
- Shaivite Temples in South India
Author Block
Author: TempleMap Blog Writer
Bio: TempleMap’s heritage author, exploring India’s ancient temples with verified history and SEO-optimized travel insights.