Srikalahasti Temple

                                            Srikalahasti Temple is located in the town of Srikalahasti, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the most famous Shiva temples in South India, and is said to be the site where Kannappa was ready to offer both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Siva linga before the Lord Siva stopped him and granted him mukti.                                                                                 Srikalahasti temple, situated 36 km away from Tirupati is famous for its Vayu linga, one of the Panchabhoota Sthalams, representing wind. The temple is also regarded as Rahu-Ketu kshetra and Dakshina Kasi. The inner temple was constructed around 5th century and the outer temple was constructed in the 12th century by the Chola kings and theVijayanagara kings. Lord Shiva in his aspect as Vayu is worshiped as Kalahasteeswara.

rahu ketu puja

               

  Sri Kalahasti Temple was built by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings. Considered one of the most prominent South Indian temples, it is famous for its Vayu Linga which represnts the wind. The temple is believed to be the site where Kannappa, one of the 63 Saivite Nayanars was ready to offer both his eyes to cover the blood flowing from the Shiva Linga. But before he could do this, Lord Siva stopped him and granted him salvation. The temple is known for its splendid architecture.

The Sri Kalahasti Temple is also said to be associated with Rahu and Kethu, two of the nine celestial bodies in Indian astrology. The temple is hence famous for conducting Rahu-Kethu Sarpa Dosha Nirvana Pujas, a ritual for which people flock here from all over the country.