Srikalahasti Temple

The Srikalahasti Temple is situated in Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh, India. This is one of South India's most prominent Shiva temples. It is believed that this is the site where Kannappa was about to cover the blood flowing from the Siva linga by donating both of his eyes before Shiva stopped him and granted him moksha. Srikalahasti temple is 36 away kilometers from Tirupati. Dakshina Kailasam and Rahu-Ketu kshetra are two other names of the temple. This temple is known as the "Kashi of the South."

The idol of god Sri kalahasteeswara means Shiva, and the idol of goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi means Parvati are there in the temple. Kalahasteeswara is the name given to Shiva when he took the form of Vayu. Maha Shivratri, the festival of lord shiva, is the main festival of this temple, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The interior temple was built around the fifth century, and the exterior temple was built around the eleventh century. Rajendra Chola I constructed the temple. Krishnadevaraya built the 120-feet-high main gopuram and the 100-pillar mandapam. The architecture type of the temple is Dravidian.

Religious importance:

The temple is considered one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalam, with Vayu linga as the presiding deity. During sun and moon eclipses, this is the only temple in India that remains open. The Rahu-Ketu worship is well-known at this temple. It is believed that this pooja protects individuals from Rahu and Kethu's horoscope impacts. According to Hindu folklore, Brahma prayed Kalahatiswara at this place throughout all four yugas.

History of temple:

Various ruling kingdoms, including the Chola dynasty and the Vijayanagara Empire, contributed to the temple's restoration. Rajendra Chola I, a Chola ruler, rebuilt the temple and built the main tower in the 11th century. During the reign of Krishnadeva Raya, a hundred-pillared hall with beautiful sculptures was built.

Daily rituals timing:

• Suprabatham rituals start at 5:30 am.
• The daily time of Sarvadarshanam is 6 am.
• The timing of Pradhama Kala Abhishek is from 7:30 am
• Dwthiya kala abhishek starts at 9 AM
• Ucchi kala abhishek starts at 10:30 AM
• The rudhra Homam, chandhi Homam, and nityasavam start at 11 am.
• The nithya kalyanam starts at 11:30 AM.
• The daily timing of prodhosha Kala Abhishek is 5:30 pm
• The timing of the nirajana mantra pushpam is 7 pm
• At 9 pm, the ekantha seva starts.
• The temple closes at 9 pm on weekdays (except Monday) and 9:30 pm on Saturday, Sunday & Monday.

The rate as per of worship:

Devotees have to pay fees to worship at this temple, and the fees vary according to the type of worship performed:

• The rate of astothra Archana is 25 Rupees.
• The rate of sahasra namrchana is 200 rupees.
• To perform the trisathri Archana, devotees have to pay 125 rupees.
• The rate of milk abhishekam is 100 rupees.
• To perform the rudrabhishekam, devotees have to pay 600 rupees.
• The rate of ekantha seva is 120 rupees.
• To perform the Nitya kalyanam, the devotee has to pay 501 rupees.
• The rate of heavy vahana puja is 100 rupees, and light vahana is 20 rupees.
• The rate of Rudra Homam and chandiyagam is 1116 rupees.
• The rate of Nitya Ditta abhishekam is 100 rupees.
• To perform the akhanda deeparadhana katnam, devotees have to pay 100 rupees and for gopuja 50 rupees.
• The rate of Kasi gangabhishek is 25 rupees.

Devotees have to keep their mobile phones outside the temple because the use of mobile phones is prohibited inside the temple.