Sri Kala Hasti Temple

 Sri KalaHasti

Srikalahasti temple is a holy place near Tirupati in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.It is located on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi, a tributary of the river Pennar. Site where Kannappa, one of the 63 Saivite Nayanars, was ready to offer both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Siva linga before the Lord Siva stopped him and granted mukti. 

This temple was constructed in the 12th century by the Chola king, Rajarajendra. Vayu incarnated as Lord Shiva and is worshipped as Kalahasteeswara. This temple`s main idol is the vayu (air) linga.

The temple is also associated with Rahu and Kethu (of the nine grahams or celestial bodies in the Indian astrological scheme). The river Suvarnamukhi takes the northerly course at Sri Kalahasthi almost washing the west wall of the famous Sri Kalahasthi temple in the Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh. (more rahu ketu page)

Meaning of Sri Kala Hasti

The name of the place comes from three animals, Sri (spider), Kala (snake) and Hasti (elephant) who worshipped Shiva and gained salvation here. A statue that shows all three animals is situated in the main shrine.

History

Srikalahasti which is situated on the banks of Swarnamukhi River and picturesque surrounding of hillocks is a famous Saivite Temple in South India. Thousands of pilgrims visits the temple to have darshan of the almighty Sri Kalahasteeswara and Sri Gnanaprasunambika Devi. Sri Kalahasteeswara showers grace to wipe out the sins and obstacles of devotees. Seers and sages worshipped lord Srikalahasteeswara and praised with hymns.

Sri Adi Sankara visited this Kshetra and praised the bhakti of Kannappa in his Sivanandalahari.

The historical reference to this temple occur in the works of Nakkeerar, a Tamil poet in 3rd Century BC during the Tamil Sangam Dynasty. He called it as Southern Kailash. Nakkeera composed hundred stanzas to praise Srikalahasteeswara. Dhoorjati a Telugu poet native of this place and one among the ashtadiggajas of Sri Krishnadevaraya’s court composed hundred stanzas on Sri Kalahasteeswara.

It is one of the panchabhoota sthalam - representing five basic elements. This is the Vayu Sthalam among the Pancha Bootha Sthalams representing Air. The others are - Tiruvannamalai (Thejo sthalam - Fire) Kanchipuram (Prithvi sthalam - Earth) Tiruvanaikaval (Appu sthalam - Water) Chidambaram (Akasa sthalam - Space).

Legend has it that Lord Shiva disguised as Vayu (Air) observed that The Spider (SRI), Cobra (KALA) and Elephant (HASTI) worshipped Him very devotedly. So Lord Shiva made them to relieve from the curse and attain salvation, hence this place is called Srikalahasti.

Many more Tamil Saivite saints like Sambandar, Appar, Manikkavasagar, Sundaramurti, Pattinathar and Sri Ramalinga Swami of Vadalur have also visited this place.[1]

The hill adjacent to temple has still carvings in Pallava style. The Cholas renovated the old Pallava temple in 11th century. Kulottunga Chola I constructed the Galigopuram, the main entrance facing south and Kulottunga Chola III constructed few other temples. In 12th Century A.D., King Veeranarasimha Yadavaraya built the present Prakaras, and the four Gopurams connecting the four entrances. According an inscription of Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara empire dating back to 1516 A.D., he constructed the Hundred Pillared Mantapam and the other tall Galigopuram that faces west to east. In 1529 A.D., King Achutaraya of the Vijayanagara empire got his coronation performed here, before he celebrated in his capital City. The Natukottai Chettiars of Devakottai gave the final shape to the temple in 1912 by donating then around nine lakhs of rupees.

On 26 May 2010, the 136-foot ‘Rajagopuram' of the Srikalahasti temple, which has been in a precarious condition due to a deep fissure along its face, collapsed.[2]

Immediately (27 May 2010), The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Konijeti Rosaiah promised to reconstruct this ancient gift with exactly the same brick to brick dimensions as the one constructed by Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu.[3]

On 16 April 2011, One of the oldest Rajagopuram at veyi lingal kona is collapsed. It is situated 8 k.m east of the main temple srikalahasti.

Rahu and Ketu

What is Rahu and Ketu

Rahu & Ketu, the two Nodes of the Moon, take about 19 months to transit through a sign. Rahu will enter Pisces & Ketu in Virgo on 25'Th March 2005. They're unique in the sense that they're always transiting retrograde, indicating Karma from previous lives. Rahu & Ketu are the mysterious unseen points in space causing the eclipses. They're not technically planets but their influence is so significant that they're given the status of planets.

These two are next in importance to the other two planets -Jupiter and Saturn. These four are the slowest moving planets and require maximum attention when they are in transit.

No planet is 100% malefic (bad). The transit effects depend on how we respond to the favorable & unfavorable situations. Rahu has a positive side, offering great boons in communications, new inventions, technology etc.

Rahu is extroverted, affirming, and ambitious, while Ketu is introverted, negating and detached. Rahu's transits show where someone is likely to expand, driven, try new things and disperse their energy into materialistic pursuits. Ketu's transits show where someone is likely to experience restriction, detachment, completion or focus and deepen their spiritual pursuits. If both the running period & transit effects are bad, the overall effect ought to be bad.

Therefore, you can reduce the malefic effects by performing remedies.

Here goes the list of indications of Rahu/Ketu's transit based on your rising 12 sign or ascendant.

Places To Visit

Sri Durga Temple

Hillock

North from temple

Sri Subrahmanya Temple

Hillock

East from temple

Sri Kannappa Temple

Hillock

South from temple

Sri sukabrahmashram

Close to the Main temple

Sri Pancha Mukeswara Temple

Adjacent to Main Temple

South from temple

Sri Dakshina kali Temple

Approximately 06 km

South from temple

Sri Veyi Lingala Kona (Hills)

Approximately 08 km

South from temple

Sri Varadaraja Swamy Temple

0.5 KM from Main temple

Sri Mutyalamma Temple

1 KM from Main temple towards Court road

Sri Chakreswara Swamy Temple

1 KM from Main temple towards Court road

Sri Dharmaraju Temple

2KM from Main temple towards Sullurpet Road

Sri Shiridi Saibaba Temple

2&nbps;KM from Main temple towards Sullurpet Road

Sri Neelakanteswara swami Temple Urandur

1.5&nbps;km form Railway station

Gudi Mallam

Approximately 20 km

South from temple

Thala Kona

Approximately 120 km

West from temple (Via Tirupati)

Pallikondeswara Swamy Temple

Approximately 100 km

East from temple (Via Nagalapuram)

Thondamanadu sri venkateshwara swamy temple built by thondaman chakravarthy brother of sri padmavathi ammavaru(brother-in-law to sri venkateswara swamy) and Temple is located 10 km away from sri kalahasthi, good transport facility is available and this is only temple where u can see swamy will be sitting along with sri lakshmi devi and padmavathi ammavaru.

Sevas

Abhishekam

Morning: 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 10: 30am

Evening: 5:30 pm everyday

Fridays: 4:30 onwards

The Abhishekams are performed to Lord Kalahasteeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika four times a day.

The Abhishekam: A ritual and part of daily prayers, Abhishekams (bathing the Lingam) are performed to Lord Kalahasteesvara. The Abhishekam is done with Panchakarpura (camphor mixed with water, honey, milk, camphor and Panchamruta) along with chanting of the mantra, which signifies the act cleansing and singing melodious hymns of praises to the Lord. However, the main Lingam is not touched by any human hands and all the prayers and Panchkarpura Abhisheka are offered to the bronze idol called as Utsavamurty. Pilgrims who visit the temple can participate in the Abhishekam that are performed by priests belonging to Bhardwaja Gotra of Apsthmaba Sutra who take up the approved Diksha, a religious initiation, in the temple. During the Abhishekam, flowers, sandal paste and scared threads are offered to the lord.

Kinds of Abhishekams

* Rudrabhishekam

A different kind of Abhishekam, it is a prayer that involves bathing the Lord with milk and camphor, while chanting mantras for purification. Devotees can take part into this by paying Rs 100. After the Abhishekam, the devotees are presented with trithprasadam.

* Palabhishekam

A different kind of Abhishekam, it is a prayer that involves bathing the Lord with milk and camphor, while chanting mantras for purification. Devotees can take part into this by paying Rs 100. After the Abhishekam, the devotees are presented with trithprasadam.

Fees

AARIJITHA SEVAS = PAID SEVAS

1. Go (Cow) Pooja ------ Rs. 50.00 ---- 05.00 AM ---- Allowed 2

2. Suprabhatha Seva per Head ------ Rs. 30.00 ---- 05.30 AM ---- Allowed 2

3. Sarva Darshanam ----- Free ---- 06.00 AM to 09.00 PM ---- Free

4. Special Darshanam ------ Rs. 30.00 ---- 06.00 AM to 09.00 AM ---- Allowed 1

* Note :

* Keep the ticket until leaving the Temple premises

* wearing of white dhoti and apron is a must for abhishekamdars

5. Rudrabhishekam **** Rs. 600.00 ---- 07.00 AM Onwards ---- Allowed 4

* 5.1 Firstly : Sankalpam at Sri Swamy Sannidhi.

* 5.2 Secondly : Abhishekam for Sri Gnana Prasunambika Devi.

* 5.3 Thirdly : Abhishekam for Srikalahasteeswara Swamy & Prasadam receiving

6. Panchamruthabhishekam Rs. 300.00 ---- 07.00 AM Onwards ---- Allowed 4

* 6.1 Firstly : Sankalpam at Sri Swamy Sannidhi

* 6.2 Secondly : Sri Gnana Prasunambika Devi Abhishekam

* 6.3 Thirdly : Srikalahasteeswara Swamy Abhishekam & Prasadam receiving

7. Nityadittam Abhishekam: Rs. 100.00 ---- 07.00 AM Onwards ---- Allowed 4

* 7.1 Firstly : Sankalpam at Sri Swamy Sannidhi

* 7.2 Secondly : Sri Gnana Prasunambika Devi Abhishekam

* 7.3 Thirdly : Srikalahasteeswara Swamy Abhishekam & Prasadam receiving

8. Ksheerabhishekam (Milk Abhishekam) : Rs.100.00 ---- 07.00 AM Onwards ---- Allowed 2

* Note : Not Less than 2 litres or more milk should be brought by devotee

* 8.1 Firstly : Sankalpam, abhishekam to Gnanaprasunambika Devi

* 8.2 Secondly : Sankalpam, abhishekam to Srikalahasteeswara

9. Kasi Ganga Jalabhishekam: Rs. 25.00 ---- 07.00 AM Onwards ---- Allowed 1

* Note : *Devotee should bring the sealed brass or copper container

10. Pachcha Karpurabhishekam: Rs. 100.00 ---- 07.00 AM Onwards ---- Allowed 2

* Note :Sankalpam and abhishekam only for Srikalahasteeswara

11. Sri Saneeswarabhishekam: Rs. 150.00 ---- 10.00 AM & 05.30 PM --- Allowed 2

12. Astothra Archana : Rs. 25.00 ---- 06.30 AM to 08.30 PM—Allowed 2

13. Sahasranamarchana : Rs. 200.00 ---- After abhishekams ---- Allowed 2

* 13.1 Firstly : Sankalpam and archana for Sri GnanaprasunambikaDevi

* 13.2 Secondly : for Srikalahasteeswara Swamy & Prasadam receiving at Kitchen

14. Trisathi Archana : Rs. 150.00 ---- After abhishekams ---- Allowed 2

* 14.1 Firstly : Sankalpam and archana for Sri Gnanaprasunambika Devi

* 14.2 Secondly : for Srikalahasteeswara Swamy & Prasadam receiving at Kitchen

15. Rudra Homam : Rs. 1116.00 --- at 10.00 A.M daily once

16. Chandiyagam : Rs. 1116.00 --- at 10.00 A.M daily once

17. Naivedya Katnam (Fee) : Rs. 10.00 ---

18. Nityothsavam (Only mornings): Rs. 58.00 --- at 10.30 A.M daily once

19. Sri Gnanaprasunamba Devi Cradle Seva : Rs. 58.00 --- at 07.30 PM (Only on Friday evening)

20. Kalyanothsavam : Rs. 501.00 --- at 10.30 A.M. daily once

21. Ekantha Seva : Rs. 100.00 --- at 09.00 P.M

22. Pradosha Nandi Seva : Rs. 120.00 --- at 06.30 P.M ----- Allowed 1 person for darshan

23. Sarpadosha Rahu-Kethu Pooja : Rs. 250.00 --- at 06.30 AM to 08.30 PM—Allowed 4 for Darshan

24. Spl.Rahu-Kethu Pooja : Rs. 600.00 --- at 06.30 AM to 08.30 PM—Allowed 4 for Darshan

25. Spl. Ashirwada sarpadosha Rahu-Kethu Pooja : Rs.1000.00 --- at 06.30 AM to 08.30 PM—Allowed 4 for Darshan

26. Spl. Ashirwadam-Rahu-Kethu Pooja : Rs.1500.00 --- at 06.30 AM to 08.30 PM—Allowed 4 for Darshan

27. Spl.Darshan,Asheervadam,Prasadham : Rs. 500.00 --- at 07.00 AM to 08.00 PM

28. Devotees Marriage Fee : Rs. 200.00 --- Only in the mornings

* Note :On Producing necessary Documents from civil authorities

29. Vahana Pooja

* for Heavy: : Rs. 25.00

* For Light: : Rs. 20.00

Accomdation

Name of the Choultry No.of Rooms A/c Rooms Amount Non A/c Rooms Amount  

Trinetra Guest House

28

18

400/-

10

150-00

Shankara Muni Complex

47

47

150-00

Shiva Sadan

12

12

300-00

Bharadwaja Sadan

36

36

150-00

How To reach

The nearest airport is about 20 km from here at Renigunta, the Tirupati Airport. It is reachable by road from Tirupati, Chennai or Gudur. It is on the Renigunta-Gudur section of Guntakal (GTL) Division of the South Central Railway (SCR). All trains from Vijayawada to Tirupati halt at Kalahasti.

Sri Kalahasthi is connected to the state capital Hyderabad (HYD) by the following trains:

Tirupati-Adilabad Krishna Express

Tirupati-Secunderabad Narayanadri Express

Tirupati-Secunderabad Padmavathy Express

Thiruvananthapuram Central-Hyderabad Sabari Express

Tirupati-Vishakapatnam Tirumala Express

The local transport is by taxis or autorickshaws and city buses. Shuttle buses between Tirupathi and Srikalahasti run every 10 mins.

Andhra Pradesh State owned Bus services (APSRTC) are available from Tirupati central bus station, at a frequency of 10 minutes and other tour operators provide religious tour package visits to the temple in Srikalahasti from the City centre at Tirupati. Taxicabs are also available from Tirupati.

Bhakta Kanappa Temple