Srikalahasteeswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh,India.

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About Srikalahasteeswara Temple

Srikalahasti Temple is located in the town of Srikalahasti, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the most famous Shiva temples in South India and is said to be the site where Kannappa was ready to offer both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Siva linga before the Lord Siva stopped him and granted him mukti.

Srikalahasti temple, situated 36 km away from Tirupati is famous for its Vayu linga, one of the Panchabhoota Sthalams, representing wind. The temple is also regarded as Rahu-Ketu kshetra and Dakshina Kasi. The inner temple was constructed around the 5th century and the outer temple was constructed in the 12th century by the Chola kings and the Vijayanagara kings. Lord Shiva in his aspect as Vayu is worshipped as Kalahasteeswara.

History

There are several other legends connected to the glory of the temple. Prominent among them is of Parvati who was cursed by Lord Shiva to discard her heavenly body and assume the human form. To get rid of the above curse Parvati did a long penance here. Pleased with her deep devotion Lord Shiva again recreated her body – a hundred times better than her previous heavenly body and initiated various mantras including the Panchakshari. Consequent of this, Parvati gained and came to be known as Shiva-Gnanam Gnana Prasunamba or Gnana Prasunambika Devi.

There are two major shrines within the temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. Lord Shiva exists in the form of Linga facing West. The Linga also bears the name Srikalahasteeswara. Parvati is in the standing posture facing East and is called by the name Gnana Prasunamba. There is a small shrine dedicated to Dakshinamurthy at the entrance of the temple who is regarded as one of the forms of Lord Shiva. Other than these there are many deities and idols dedicated to Venkateswara, Vinayaka, Nataraja, Subramanya, Surya, Nayanars and also replica Lingas of other famous Shiva temples all over India.

Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival when lakhs of devotees offer prayers to seek the blessings of the Lord. Mahasivaratri Brahmotsavams are celebrated in par with Maha Shivaratri for 13 days during which the Utsava murtis of Siva and Parvati will be taken on Vahanams in a procession around the temple streets.Nithya Kalyana Seva, aradhanaa paid service, is conducted to Sri Siva – Parvathi daily along with Aradhana.