Srikalahasti Temple

Srikalahasti Temple (श्रीकाळहस्ती मंदिर) is a Divya Desam in Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh.

Overview

The Srikalahasti Temple on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River enshrines Vayu Linga (Shiva as the wind god) and is one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalas representing the element of air. It is also one of the 108 Divya Desams and one of the most important Shiva temples in South India.

History and Legend

The temple’s antiquity is attested by references in the Puranas and by inscriptions from the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara periods. The legendary story relates to the devotion of three beings — a spider (Sri), a serpent (Kala), and an elephant (Hasti) — who worshipped Shiva here, giving the temple its name.

Architecture and Features

The temple features a towering gopuram with intricate sculptures. The main sanctum houses the Vayu Linga. The temple complex includes a large prakara, several mandapas, and a sacred tank. The temple is known for its daily Rahu Kalam Puja, which is believed to remove planetary doshas.

Modern Status

The temple is managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and is one of Andhra Pradesh’s most visited temples. It is an important stop on the South Indian temple pilgrimage circuit.

Verification Notes

• One of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalas and 108 Divya Desams; inscriptions from Pallava to Vijayanagara periods.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).