Srikalahasti is in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh on the banks of the River Swarnamukhi.
It is one of the Pancha Bhoota Temples, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Air or Vaayu Lingam. Shiva is worshiped here as Kalahastiswara and Devi as Gyanaprasunambika.
The inner temple was built in the 5th century by the Rajendra Chola I and later by the the Vijayanagara kings in the 11th century .
According to legend Srikalahasti is named after Sri (spider), Kala (snake) and Hasti (elephant) as legend has it that that the 3 of them once worshiped the Shiva lingam here and attained Moksham or Salvation. Srikalahasti is also known as a Rahu-Ketu ( The 2 shadowy planet North node and South node) kshetra and also called Dakshina Kailasam.
According to another legend in the scriptures, The air god Vayu did Tapasya (penance) for thousands of years to “Karpoora lingam” – Shivalinga made of camphor. Pleased with his devotion Shiva appeared before him and gave him a boon, ” You will be spread throughout this world. Without you there will be no life. This Linga of mine will forever be known all over through your name, and all will worship this Lingam”.
The Swarnamukhi river here is also called Dakshina Ganga. The stones found in this river are called Swarnamukhi Shilas. It contains traces of silver and gold. It represents the Agni or Fire element and Devi and kept in Pachayatana Pooja and hence is highly recommended for worship in the scriptures.
Timings: From 6:00 in the morning to 9:30 in the evening.
Poojas: It is famous for Rahu Ketu Shanti Pooja.
How to Reach:
By Airs: The nearest airport is the Tirupati Airport 30 km away.
By Rail: There is a railway station at Sri Kalahasti. It is well connected to all the cities in the Southern India
By Road: Regular buses from Tirupati 30 km away and other cities of Andhra.
To see near by:
Tirupati temple is one of the most famous Venkateswara / Balaji temple 30 km away
Sahasra Linga Temple: There are thousand carved Lingas here. 9.5 km away.
Talakona Waterfall: 97 km away it is a beautiful two hundred and seventy feet tall waterfall.
