About Srikalahasti

Srikalahasti is a temple town, where tradition, myth and folklore combine to form a vivid and vibrant outlook. Usually this sleepy locale in the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh is termed as a hurried stop en route to Tirupati. 

Srikalahasti is a predominant pilgrimage centre where the destroyer lord in the Hindu Pantheon is manifested as Vayulinga. The term Srikalahasti is a unique combination of three words Sri, Kala and Hasti, which stands for spider, serpent and elephant respectively. The name itself carries with it a legendary tale that narrates how these three animals obtained salvation with their ardent faith and devotion to Lord Shiva. 

Steeped with a rich and vibrant history, this place is all set to allure the visitors with its flamboyant shrines and its pristine nature. Kalahasti is a fine example of south Indian architecture where highly embellished gopuram and delicately carved interiors unfurls the bizarre charm of Dravidian structural designs. Almost all the shrines in this area are placed in high altitudes that enable the visitors to have a perfect vision of the surroundings below. 

Apart from its religious significance, Srikalahasti is famous for Kalamkari paintings, its rich colour combination and fine texture leaves indelible impressions on the onlooker.

How to reach?

By Air:  Nearest airport is located at Tirupathi at a distance of 60 km from Srikalahasti. Tirupathi is connected to Madurai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Taxi services are available from Tirupathi to Kalahasti and the fare is about Rs. 750. Chennai International airport is the major closest airport to Srikalahasti.

Airports near Srikalahasti	Type	Arial Distance
Tirupati Airport (TIR)	Domestic	21 km
Chennai International Airport (MAA)	International	99 km
Bengaluru International Airport (BLR)	International	230 km
Vijayawada Airport (VGA)	Domestic	333 km

By Train: Srikalahasti is on Tirupati-Vijayawada broad gauge rail route and all express trains have stop at Srikalahast. It is well connected to all major cities in South India directly.

By Bus: State owned buses ply from all nearby towns like Vijayawada, Tirupati, Bangalore, Chennai, Nayudupet and Nellore. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation is operating number of buses from different routes to reach Kalahasti.

Attraction

Bhakta Kannappa Temple: A Shrine that reminds one about the miracles of true faith and devotion, the small but beautiful temple of Bhakta Kannappa, boast of an odd custom. This distinct temple is on eastern side of the main shrine depicts the idol of Kannappa a tribal youth. Legend has it that Kannappa gave his eye to the lord and this true love and devotion fetched him the unparalleled position of being worshipped along with the lord. 

Kannappa’s ideal is placed just to the right of the Shivalingam and it is quite strange to see that the offerings are made to Kannappa first than to the lord.

Durgambika Temple: The Durgambika temple is a delightful shrine dedicated to Goddess Durgambika. Its pretty location on an enthralling mound makes it a much sought after destinations in the nearby areas. This ancient temple at an elevation of 800 meters situates to the north of Kalahastishwara Temple. Broad steps in the hillock make one’s ascent to the shrine quite easy. 

Though a small structure, this lovely shrine allures the devotees and the tourists alike since it reveals the glory of the panoramic nature before them. One can have a grand glimpse of the entire area from this knoll.

Srikalahastisvara Temple: One among the Panchabootha Stalams, where Lord Shiva is manifested in the form of Vayu linga, visiting Kalahastheswara temple would be an unforgettable experience to all. Famed as the Kailash of the south this ancient temple holds a vivacious history of so many centuries, which is revealed through its marvelous architecture. 

Majestically situated in the midst of two steep knolls this temple gives an appeasing feeling to all. Swarnamukhi river, which touches the western wall of the temple adds the serenity of this divine abode of Lord Shiva. It is the only temple in India where one can see lord is embraced in the form of Vayulinga and it is important to note that the lord is named after his staunch devotees, namely the Spider, the Elephant and the Serpent. 

Apart from holding so many myths and legends, this temple shows exemplary artworks and structural designs, which gains accolades from all the visitors. Its giant gopuram, hundred pillared mantapam and the prakaras catches the attention of the onlooker. The temple is a typical example of South Indian artistic expressions and this centuries old shrine boast of the patronage of different rulers of ancient times.

Bharadwaja Tirtham: A gurgling stream of water that situates just three and a half miles from the main temple, Bharadwaja Theertham is well known for its pretty ambience and its imposing look. This tank houses one beautiful statue of Vinayaka, which makes the pretty environ more pristine. 

This Thapo Vinayaka idol in the middle of the tank is simply marvelous and gives one with a grand impression. Tough the tank and its surroundings are a busy location, it witnesses large crowds on the Mahasivaratri day.

Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple: A holy shrine in the lap of a picturesque background, Subramanya Swami Temple unfolds the charm and prettiness of the town before the beholder. From here one can catch the glittering glimpse of the entire surroundings. 

The best thing one can do in this panoramic environ is to take dawdling walk through its wide courtyard. It is not only relaxing but refills you with much energy and vigor. Indeed it would be an enjoyable experience since one needs a relaxation of this sort after ascending 150 steps. Darshan Timings are scheduled between 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm.

Veyilingala Kona Waterfall: Prettily situated on a flamboyant location, Veyinlingala Waterfall is just 8 km east of Srikalahasti. The cascading falls tempts each visitor and it is an enchanting experience to take a dip in this mesmerizing falls. People throngs here in large crowds since the water in this cascade has the unique properties of healing. The popular belief is that the dip in the waterfalls would fetch salvation.

Sahasra Linga Temple: In ordinary parlance, the word Sahasra stands for thousand and the temple makes the term more meaningful with the same number of Shivalingas. This temple holds much mythological relevance and the popular belief is that a darshan here would absolve one from all the boons. 

The Shivalinga in the temple houses 1000 other lingas on it and it is joyful sight to have glimpse of this on a single shrine. All the lingas are carved out of the same idol. Sahasra linga temple is located in the midst of a forest and its pretty position on the backdrop of a hill makes more serene. A visit to this shrine would be a worthy affair.

Chaturmukeshvara Temple: A small but impressive shrine that holds a beautiful legend, Chathurmukheswara temple in Srikalahasti is a must visited place. It holds the amazing mythology of Brahma and Shiva. Legend has it that, it was here that lord Brahma practiced penance to get rid of his Sisihathya sins. It is believed that after worshipping Lord Shiva, Brahama regained his ability of creation. The deity of Shiva here has four faces that uphold the legendary belief. 

The temple is a prominent place of Shaivite traditions and is famed for the bas-relief carvings of Saivaite myths. To reach the shrine the devotees have to climb some 75-80 steps. The temple is open to the public from 6 in the morning to 6.30 in the evening.

Shopping: Famed for the ritualistic painting style by name Srikalamkari, Kalahasti offers you one of the most venerated styles of artistic expressions. What makes this painting so special is the fact that it is done with natural dyes, which are not only harmless but also exquisitely beautiful. You will get these paintings from the shops at BP Agraharams and Sriram Nagar Colony. 

Since the temple of lord Shiva is the major attraction here, all artifacts that we get from here show a religious inclination. Although the Holy Scriptures inspires these objects, they would be a valuable treasure and hence it is advisable to have some of them as your shopping itineraries.