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Andhra Pradesh Srikalahasti Temple
Exact location of this temple is Srikalahasti town of Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh. In this temple one of the Panchbhootas, Vayu is established. Vayu is one of the incarnations of Lord Shiva and hence called Vayu lingam. This temple is located at 35 kilometers from famous pilgrim Tirupati Balaji. Two layers of the temple have been constructed in different phases of time. Alongside the temple, the holy River Swarnamukhi flows and it is believed that at some time the water of this river was used in Abhishekam of Lord Shiva (Vayu Lingam) established at this temple. River Swarnamukhi flows just adjacent to the temple and it is said that the western wall of the temple is regularly being washed by the river. Kailash of south is another designation of this temple as Lord Shiva assumed seated in this temple being established on a hillock.
History
It is believed that one of the devotee of Lord Shiva named Kanappa once saw that the blood coming out from the Vayu Lingam and wanted to stop the same. On being unsuccessful in his efforts, he also desired to donate his eyes so that he may not see the same. Main temple was built under the Chola dynasty and later after a long time outer layer of the temple was constructed during Vijayanagar Empire. This temple was constructed by King Krishnadevaraya in 1516 A.D. A religious myth about this temple is that three different living being of the earth (from animals) Sri (The Spider), Kala (The Snake) and Hasti (The Elephant) worship the Vayu Lingam and Lord Shiva. They also present their routine maintenance services but were unknown who is doing what. Sri creates web around the Lingam for its safety, Kala kept his gem at the Lingam for light and Hasti kept washing the Lingam by carrying water of Swarnamukhi River in his trunk. One day a mishappening done. Hasti poured a huge quantum of water over the Lingam. Gem and web in this process washed away. All the three quarreled on this aspect. Snake entered deeply into the trunk of elephant and left his poison. Elephant beaten his trunk on the Lingam and in this effort, snake died, Sri also died in this quarrelling, while weaving the dark and thick web around the Lingam. Later Elephant also died due to poison of the snake. Lord Shiva also gave the boon that the name of Sri, Kala and Hasti will be remembered with his name. Since then this temple is famous as Srikalahasti temple.
Architecture
The Gopuram is constructed in traditional Dravidian style. Seven storied high Gopuram is visible from the outskirts of Srikalahasti town. Each storey of Gopuram has carving in shape of small huts made for meditation. Total height of the Gopuram is 120ft and the temple is an example of carving of stone on a rock corner. A huge gate is made as entrance to the temple. Inside the gate there is a long corridor or Mandapam supported on hundred pillars. Front side of the corridor has an arch of semi-circular shape with two dia-meter lines outside. Inside roof of the corridor is in round shape. Idols of Goddess Parvathi and Lord Ganesha are established on both sides to the facing of corridor. A fine and carved boundary in semi-circular shape is over the corridor having various idols and conical domes in prone shape. Garbhagriha is decorated with three idols of Sri (Spider), Kala (Snake), Hasti (Elephant) and their devotion is also worshipped as well as Vayu Lingam, the main deity of the temple.
Festival
Mahashivaratri is the main festival of this temple and people across the country reach here to celebrate the same.
How to Reach
This place can be visited through three ways of transportation.
By Air
Tirupati is the nearest airport and located at just 25 kilometers from here. Road conveyances are easily available from airport to reach this temple.
By Rail
Srikalahasti is the railway station and all the major trains take a halt at this station. Renigunta is another nearest rail head to reach this temple.
By Road
From Bangalore, Tirupati is located at approximately 5 hrs drive. APSRTC buses and private taxi operators are easily available for reaching the temple.
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