The Srikalahasteeswara Temple stands on the banks of the Swarnamukhi river near Tirupati. It represents air (Vayu) among the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams of Lord Shiva — a lamp inside the sanctum is said to flicker constantly even though there is no draught.
Significance
The temple’s name joins three devotees: Sri (a spider), Kala (a serpent) and Hasti (an elephant), each of whom worshipped the lingam here and attained liberation. It is also closely linked to the legend of Kannappa, the hunter-devotee who offered his own eyes to Shiva.
Srikalahasti is widely known for the Rahu–Ketu pooja, performed for relief from sarpa dosha and related afflictions.
Visiting
Srikalahasti is included in our Tirupati pilgrimage and the Pancha Bhoota Sthalam tour.
