Temple

Sri Kalahasti Temple: Myths, History & Devotion in the "Kailas of the South" - by priest ---------

Step into the mystical world of Sri Kalahasti Temple, where devotion transcends forms. Discover the legendary story of the spider, serpent, and elephant, whose unique acts of worship touched Lord Shiva. With a history dating back to the 10th century and crowned by Sri Krishnadevaraya's monumental gopuram, Sri Kalahasti Temple stands by the sacred Swarnamukhi River, blending powerful lore with centuries-old traditions. This temple is more than an architectural wonder; it’s a living legend of faith.

Description

Sri Kalahasti, often referred to as the "Kailas of the South," is a revered Hindu temple located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Positioned on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, it is about 36 kilometers from Tirupati, a major pilgrimage city famous for the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, and the closest railway station is at Sri Kalahasti, which is well-connected to major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

History: Sri Kalahasti Temple, known as the "Kailas of the South," has a rich history dating back to the 10th century CE during the Chola dynasty. It is situated adjacent to the Swarnamukhi River and flanked by natural hills like Durgambika, Kannappar, and Kumaraswamy. The temple's name originates from the legends of a spider (Sri), serpent (Kala), and elephant (Hasti), all revered for their devout worship of Lord Shiva. Over the centuries, it has been enhanced by successive Chola rulers and the Vijayanagara emperors, culminating in the construction of a monumental gopuram by Sri Krishnadevaraya in 1516 CE.

Lore: According to mythological lore, the spider inside the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Kalahasti Temple, intricately wove temples and images of Shiva. When its offerings were accidentally consumed by altar fire, the spider attempted to swallow the flames, impressing Shiva with its devotion. Similarly, a cobra brought rare gems from Nagaland as offerings, symbolizing the spiritual power of the Self. An elephant purified the altar with water and adorned it with leaves, inadvertently disrupting the cobra's offerings, leading to a fatal conflict. Moved by their sacrifices, Shiva granted both liberation and integrated their spirits into his divine presence, immortalizing their devotion at the temple through symbolic carvings.

Architecture: The architectural brilliance of Sri Kalahasti Temple is evident in its intricate carvings and monumental structures. The main entrance is adorned with a towering gopuram standing 36.5 meters (120 feet) high, built by Sri Krishnadevaraya. Within the temple complex, an outer prakaram houses an underground shrine dedicated to Ganapati, while the innermost prakaram enshrines Lord Shiva and Parvati. The temple's irregular plan follows the natural contour of the adjacent hill, integrating harmoniously with its surroundings. Symbolically, the temple's west-facing orientation and its alignment with surrounding hills evoke spiritual connections, while the northward flowing Swarnamukhi River symbolizes the sacred essence akin to the Ganges.

In essence, Sri Kalahasti Temple stands as a testament to India's ancient spiritual traditions, blending history, mythological lore, and architectural grandeur to inspire devotees and visitors alike with its divine presence.

To be updated