Srikalahasteeswara Templeश्रीकालहस्तीश्वर मंदिर

About Srikalahasteeswara Temple

The Srikalahasteeswara Temple is in the town of Srikalahasti on the banks of the Swarnamukhi river, about 36 km from Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams and represents air (vayu); Shiva is worshipped as the Vayu Lingam, alongside the goddess Gnana Prasunambika. Many pilgrims visit it together with Tirumala, and it is also praised in the Tevaram hymns as a Paadal Petra Sthalam.

The name of the temple comes from a well-known legend. A spider (sri), a snake (kala) and an elephant (hasti) each worshipped the lingam in their own way; the spider wove webs over it, the snake placed a gem on it, and the elephant bathed it with water. Their devotion clashed, all three died, and Shiva granted them liberation, which tradition says is why their forms are seen on the lingam. The temple is also linked with Kannappa, a hunter who, according to legend, offered his own eyes to Shiva and became one of the 63 Nayanar saints. The temple was supported by the Cholas and later by the Vijayanagara kings; the large detached gopuram built under Krishnadevaraya collapsed in 2010 and has since been rebuilt.

The temple is built against a hill and has a large complex of halls and shrines in the Dravidian style. The white lingam in the sanctum is not touched even by the priests, and offerings are made at a separate place. A lamp inside the sanctum is said to flicker constantly though there is no breeze, which devotees see as a sign of the air element. The temple is widely known for Rahu-Ketu sarpa dosha puja, and unlike most temples it traditionally stays open during eclipses.

Srikalahasteeswara Temple timings & aarti

Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Srikalahasteeswara Temple

Festivals at Srikalahasteeswara Temple

• Maha Shivaratri BrahmotsavamFeb/Mar
• Kartika MasamOct/Nov
• UgadiMar/Apr

Visitor tips

Dress code

Traditional clothing is expected, and is usually required for Rahu-Ketu puja and other sevas (dhoti for men, saree or churidar with dupatta for women).

Entry

Free general darshan; paid tickets for special darshan and Rahu-Ketu puja are available at the temple counters.

• If you plan Rahu-Ketu puja, go in the morning, carry traditional clothes and buy the ticket at the official counter.
• Combine the visit with Tirumala and Tirupati; many pilgrims cover Srikalahasti on the way back.
• Mobile phones and cameras are usually not allowed inside; use the deposit counters.
• Summer afternoons are very hot; plan darshan for morning or evening.

Places to visit near Srikalahasteeswara Temple

• Kannappa TempleSmall shrine to the hunter-saint Kannappa on the hill beside the main temple, less than 1 km away
• TirupatiTown with the Govindaraja Swamy temple and access to Tirumala, about 36 km away
• Tirumala Venkateswara TempleOne of the most visited Vishnu temples in India, about 60 km away

Frequently asked questions