Srikalahasthi - Lord Srikalahasthishwarar and Goddess Gnanaprasoonambika

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Sri Kalahasthisvara Temple, Kalahasthi

The temple has four huge towers on all its four sides. A huge tower of height

120 ft. known as Raja Gopuram gives the temple a majestic look. The Gopura of

the temple is adorned with various sculptures of Gods and Goddesses.The temple

stands close to Swarnmukhi River. The earliest inscription in this temple

belongs to the period of Rajaraja Chola. It is a repository of artistic

excellence in Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara tradition. Vijayanagara

Structures in the Kalahastisvara Temple, Kalahasti Kalahasti, a taluk

headquarters Chittoor district is about twenty-four miles from Tirupati. The

town is famous for the Kalahastisvara temple, which is situated amidst a

singularly picturesque setting at the foot of a curved hill, named Daksina

kailasam. The temple is visited by a large number of devout Hindus from all

parts of India. There are about seventy Vijayanagara inscriptions in this

temple covering the reigns of Harihara

II, Devaraya II, Krishnadevaraya, Achyutaraya, and Sadasivaraya. The earliest

Vijayanagara record found in this temple is dated in 1401 A.D., while the

latest is dated in 1569 A.D. It is evident from the large number of

inscriptions found in this temple that it received active patronage of the

Rayas of Vijayanagra. The entrance to the first enclosure is surmounted by

another gopura of the Vijayanagara period. In all probability this gopura was

constructed by one of the predecessors of Krishnaraya. This gopura faces the

North and has a narrow pillared mantapa in two sections, on either side of the

passage in the front covering the adhistana. In a niche in the back wall of the

mantapa to the right of entrance is a fine icon of Durga. Correspondingly in a

niche to the left of the entrance is the icon of Nrtta-Ganapati. Each of the

two sections of the mantapa contains two pillars each with a pillaret

projecting from the main block. The pillars have Vijayanagara capitals.

The second gopura, which gives access to the second enclosure, seems to belong

to the pre-Vijayanagara period. To the south of the gopura, built against the

prakara wall are two small shrines, one dedicated to Ganapathi and the other to

Lord Shiva. The Ganapathi shrine consists of a mantapa in two sections and the

garbhagriha built in the back section of mantapa. The front section of the

mantapa contains two rows of four round pillars with Cola capitals. The back

section of the mantapa contains two rows of two round pillars with Cola

capitals. There is a pradakshina round the garbhagriha. The walls of the

garbhagriha are plain and the roof is flat. The lintel above the entrance of

the garbhagriha contains the Gajalaksmi. The shrine which is to the south of

the Ganapathi shrine consists of a garbhagriha and antarala whose walls are

plain and the roof flat. How to Reach The Temple is about 38 kms. from

Tirupati. Srikalahasthi is well connected by Road &

Rail and there are frequent buses from Tirupati. Private transport is also available from Tirupati.

How to Reach This Place

It is 38 km from Tirupati

It is 54 Km from Gudur railway station and 38 km from Tirupati.

Tirupati,Chennai,Bangalore and Hyderabad Air ports.

Tourist Menu

Tourist Attractions

How to Reach

Where to Stay

Travel Information

Maps

 

 

The temple for Siva in the form of a 'Vayulinga' lies 36 km from Tirupati.

According to legend, a spider (Sri) spun a web over the Linga, Kala, a snake,

placed a gem atop it and Hasti, an elephant, brought water in its trunk to wash

the Linga. All three were ardent worshippers of Siva. The flame (deepam) in the

temple flickers frequently as air (Vayu) is said to be constantly emanating

from the Sivalinga

How to Reach This Place

It is 38 km from Tirupati

It is 54 Km from Gudur railway station and 38 km from Tirupati.

Tirupati,Chennai,Bangalore and Hyderabad Air ports.

 

 

Chittoor District

(1)

http://64.164.14.92/apservlets/jsp/ihotels.jsp?sp=hotels.jsp&oid=4&DISTRICT=Chittoor&disp=2

S.No

Hotel Name

Place

Type of Hotel

1

Punnami - Highway Resort

Puttur

AP Tourism Hotels

2

Punnami - Hotel

Thalakona

AP Tourism Hotels

3

Punnami-Hill Resort

Horsely Hills

AP Tourism Hotels

4

HOTEL GUESTLINE

Tirupati

3*

5

HOTEL KALYAN RESIDENCY

Tirupati

3*

6

HOTEL MAYURA

Tirupati

3*

7

HOTEL SINDHURI PARK

Tirupati

3*

8

Hotel Bhimas Paradise

Tirupati

Budget Hotel

9

Quality Inn Bliss

Tirupati

3*

AP Tourism Hotels District

S.No

Hotel Name

Place

Type of Hotel

1

Ganga Sadan/Gowri Sadan

Srisailam

AP Tourism Hotels

2

Pongali-Ethipothala(Nagarjuna Sagar)

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

3

Punnami (Vihar)

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

4

Punnami - Highway Resort

Puttur

AP Tourism Hotels

5

Punnami - Hotel

Mahanandi

AP Tourism Hotels

6

Punnami - Hotel

Thalakona

AP Tourism Hotels

7

Punnami - Hotel

Kailasnathkona

AP Tourism Hotels

8

Punnami - Hotel

Keesaragutta

AP Tourism Hotels

9

Punnami Yadagiri Sadan

Badrachalam

AP Tourism Hotels

10

Punnami(Hill Colony)

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

11

Punnami-Beach Resort (Rushi Konda)

Visakhapatnam

AP Tourism Hotels

12

Punnami-Hill Resort

Horsely Hills

AP Tourism Hotels

13

Punnami-Hill Resort (Yatri Nivas)

Araku

AP Tourism Hotels

14

Punnami-Hotel

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

15

Punnami-Hotel

Yadagirigutta

AP Tourism Hotels

16

Punnami-Hotel

Basara

AP Tourism Hotels

17

Punnami-Hotel

Srisailam

AP Tourism Hotels

18

Punnami-Hotel

Amaravati

AP Tourism Hotels

19

Punnami-Hotel

Warangal

AP Tourism Hotels

20

Punnami-Hotel

Mantralayam

AP Tourism Hotels

21

Punnami-Hotel (Yatri Nivas)

Visakhapatnam

AP Tourism Hotels

22

Punnami-Hotel(Mayuri)

Araku

AP Tourism Hotels

23

Yatrinivas-Secunderabad

Hyderabad

AP Tourism Hotels

(2)

http://64.164.14.92/apservlets/jsp/itravelinfo.jsp?sp=travelinfo.jsp&oid=9&DISTRICT=Chittoor&disp=2

 

S.No

Name

Place

1

A.P Tourism Dev. Corporation Ltd.,

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: T.P Area, Beside Venkateswara Bus Station, Tirupati.Contact Numbers: 0877-2255385

2

ATS Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: ATS Travels, Railway Station,TirupatiContact Numbers: 2252624

3

Allahabad Bank

Tirupati

Banks

Address: Mosque road

4

Anuradha Nursing Home

Tirupati

Hospitals

Address: Nehru Street,TirupatiContact Numbers: 0

5

Appolo Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Appolo Travels,Tirupati.

6

B. Sreerangaswamy

Tirupati

Tourist Guides

Address: H.No.13-26, Srinivasapuram,Tiruchanur RoadContact Numbers: 08574-39860

7

Balaji Blessing.com

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Balaji Blessing.comTirupati

8

Balaji Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Balaji Travels, T.P.Area,Tirupati.

9

Bank of Baroda

Tirupati

Banks

Address: Amaravathi Nagar

10

Bank of India

Tirupati

Banks

Address: Gandhi road

11

C. Madhusudhan Kumar

Tirupati

Tourist Guides

Address: S/o Channappa C.H.No.18-1-73, OpsterBack Houses, YasodhnagarK.T. Road,

Tirupati.Contact Numbers: 08574-34164

12

C. Seenaiah

Chittoor

Tourist Guides

Address: Dasireeddigaripalli

13

Canara Bank

Tirupati

Banks

Address: B.Patteda BR. R.C. Road

14

Chittor District Map

Chittoor

Maps

15

Dena Bank

Tirupati

Banks

Address: 66 M.G Car Street

16

Divisional Office of APTDC - Tirupati

Tirupati

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: 139, T.P. Area, 3rd Choultry Phone: 08574-255386 Fax: 56877

17

G.B.Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: G.B.Tours & Travels Opp.Railway Station,Tirupati.Contact Numbers: 2227638

18

Garuda Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Garuda Tours & Travels, Opp.Railway Station,TirupatiContact Numbers: 2225771

19

Janatha Travels

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: 13-6-616,J-3-37, Near Rtc Bus Stand, Tirupati.Contact Numbers: 0877- 2223471

20

Kalpana Nursing Home

Tirupati

Hospitals

Address: Radio StationContact Numbers: 0

 

S.No

Hotel Name

Place

Type of Hotel

1

Punnami - Highway Resort

Puttur

AP Tourism Hotels

2

Punnami - Hotel

Thalakona

AP Tourism Hotels

3

Punnami-Hill Resort

Horsely Hills

AP Tourism Hotels

4

HOTEL GUESTLINE

Tirupati

3*

5

HOTEL KALYAN RESIDENCY

Tirupati

3*

6

HOTEL MAYURA

Tirupati

3*

7

HOTEL SINDHURI PARK

Tirupati

3*

8

Hotel Bhimas Paradise

Tirupati

Budget Hotel

9

Quality Inn Bliss

Tirupati

3*

S.No

Hotel Name

Place

Type of Hotel

1

Punnami - Highway Resort

Puttur

AP Tourism Hotels

2

Punnami - Hotel

Thalakona

AP Tourism Hotels

3

Punnami-Hill Resort

Horsely Hills

AP Tourism Hotels

4

HOTEL GUESTLINE

Tirupati

3*

5

HOTEL KALYAN RESIDENCY

Tirupati

3*

6

HOTEL MAYURA

Tirupati

3*

7

HOTEL SINDHURI PARK

Tirupati

3*

8

Hotel Bhimas Paradise

Tirupati

Budget Hotel

9

Quality Inn Bliss

Tirupati

3*

S.No

Hotel Name

Place

Type of Hotel

1

Ganga Sadan/Gowri Sadan

Srisailam

AP Tourism Hotels

2

Pongali-Ethipothala(Nagarjuna Sagar)

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

3

Punnami (Vihar)

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

4

Punnami - Highway Resort

Puttur

AP Tourism Hotels

5

Punnami - Hotel

Mahanandi

AP Tourism Hotels

6

Punnami - Hotel

Thalakona

AP Tourism Hotels

7

Punnami - Hotel

Kailasnathkona

AP Tourism Hotels

8

Punnami - Hotel

Keesaragutta

AP Tourism Hotels

9

Punnami Yadagiri Sadan

Badrachalam

AP Tourism Hotels

10

Punnami(Hill Colony)

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

11

Punnami-Beach Resort (Rushi Konda)

Visakhapatnam

AP Tourism Hotels

12

Punnami-Hill Resort

Horsely Hills

AP Tourism Hotels

13

Punnami-Hill Resort (Yatri Nivas)

Araku

AP Tourism Hotels

14

Punnami-Hotel

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

15

Punnami-Hotel

Yadagirigutta

AP Tourism Hotels

16

Punnami-Hotel

Basara

AP Tourism Hotels

17

Punnami-Hotel

Srisailam

AP Tourism Hotels

18

Punnami-Hotel

Amaravati

AP Tourism Hotels

19

Punnami-Hotel

Warangal

AP Tourism Hotels

20

Punnami-Hotel

Mantralayam

AP Tourism Hotels

21

Punnami-Hotel (Yatri Nivas)

Visakhapatnam

AP Tourism Hotels

22

Punnami-Hotel(Mayuri)

Araku

AP Tourism Hotels

23

Yatrinivas-Secunderabad

Hyderabad

AP Tourism Hotels

..No

Name

Place

21

Laepakshi Handicrafts Emporium

Tirupati

Shopping

Address: Laepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Tirumala HillsContact Numbers: 08574-77246

22

Laepakshi Handicrafts Emporium

Tirupati

Shopping

Address: Laepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Sannidhi Street, Tirupathi-517 501.

23

M/S. Murali Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Sri.V.Chandra Sekhar Naidu, M/S. Murali Travels,140, T.Nagar, Opp.

Bhavani Nagar, Anjaney Swamy Temple,Tirupati.Contact Numbers: 228271 ( O

),2287736 ( R ).

24

M/S.Alankar Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Sri.G.Bhanu Prakash Reddy, M/S.Alankar Travels,79, G.S.Mada Street,

Tirupati-517501Contact Numbers: 2220746 ( O ),2222827 ( R ).

25

M/S.Swarnandhra Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Sri.K.Sudhakar,S/o. Karanam Gopal, M/S.Swarnandhra Tours &

Travels,No:1, Soundara Rajan Street, Venkatanarayana Road,T.Nagar, Chennai-

17Contact Numbers: 4331977,433010

26

Mitson Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Mitson Travels, Opp.Railway Station,Tirupati.

27

Mr. B. Ravindra

Tirupati

Tourist Guides

Address: H.No.4-6-9, ReserviewColony, Tirupati.

28

N. Hari Krishna

Chandragiri

Tourist Guides

Address: S/o N. ApparaoDiguvareddy Vari Palli,Chandragiri PostChittoor District

- 517 101Contact Numbers: 06816 -76816

29

Rahul Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Rahul Tours & Travels,Tirupati.Contact Numbers: 2225004

30

Rani Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Rani Tours & Travels, TirupatiContact Numbers: 2251966

31

Rayalseema Hospital

Tirupati

Hospitals

Address: Tilak RoadContact Numbers: 0

32

SVIMS

Tirupati

Hospitals

Address: TK StreetContact Numbers: 0

33

Sagar Travels

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: No. 14/138 TP Area, TirupatiContact Numbers: 0877- 2225163

34

Seven Star Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Seven Star Travels, T.P.Area,TirupatiContact Numbers: 2225186

35

Siddartha Travels

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: 203 TP Area, TirupatiContact Numbers: 0877- 2221277

36

Sri Balaji Travels

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: 10-14-584 2nd Floor Vv-Mahal Rd, Tirupati, Chittoor Dist 517501Contact

Numbers: 0877- 2227094

37

Sri Ramana Travels

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: 14-3-302 A, Opp. Venkateswara Theatre, Tiruchanur Road, Tirupati,

Chittoor District 517501Contact Numbers: 0877- 2221667

38

Sri.Krishna Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Sri.Krishna Tours & Travels,Tirupati.

39

State Bank Of Mysore

Tirupati

Banks

Address: Balaji Colony

40

State Bank of Hyderabad

Tirupati

Banks

Address: Railway Station Branch

Travel Information

APTDC-Divisional Offices

APTDC-Reservation Offices

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Authorised Travel Agents

Banks

Hospitals

Maps

Shopping

Tour & Travel Agents

Tourist Guides

 

S.No

Name

Place

41

Syndicate Bank

Tirupati

Banks

Address: Tiruchanur

42

Teja Travels

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: 75(1), Sarojini Devi Road, TirupatiContact Numbers: 0877- 2286969

43

Tirumala Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Sri.B.L. Rangaiah, Tirumala Tours & Travels, Tirupati Park Hotel,93/1,

Renigunta Road, Tirupati- 517506Contact Numbers: 2238600,2239087

44

Tirumala Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Sri. G.Rajendra Naidu, Tirumala Tours & Travels, Sayee Guest House,

APSRTC Complex,TirupatiContact Numbers: 2269331

45

Tirumala Tourist Cabs Ltd

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: 1-2-118 F Court Road Tirupati, Chittoor 517501Contact Numbers: 0877- 2221449

46

Tirupati Online Service

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Tirupati Online Service,Tirupati.

47

Tirupati APTDC - Central Reservation Office

Tirupati

APTDC-Reservation Offices

Address: T.P.Area, Beside Venkateswara Bus Station, Tirupati - 517 501. Ph: +91

(8574) 55385; 55386 Fax: +91 (8574) 56877

48

Tirupati Road Routs From Major Cities

Tirupati

Maps

49

Tirupati co-op Bank

Tirupati

Banks

Address: Bazaar Street

50

Tourist Information Centre - Tirupati

Tirupati

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: Regional Tourist information Bureau Near 3rd Choultry, Tirupati -

517501. Ph: +91 (8754) 243306

51

Universal Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Universal Travels, Cuddapah, Tirupati

52

V. Balaji

Tirupati

Tourist Guides

Address: S/o S. Veerachari, 1-2-256,Prakasam Rd., Tirupati-517504Contact Numbers: 08574 -26798

53

Vishaka Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Vishaka Tours & Travels Ist Chowltry,Tirupati.Contact Numbers: 2252624

 

 

 

 

APTDC-Divisional Offices

S.No

Name

Place

1

Divisional Office - Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Tourist Regional Office VUDA Building, Visakhapatnam. Ph: +91 (891)

2754716 2nd Floor, Titan Building, Srimukh Complex, Dwaraka Nagar Phone:

0866-2570761; Fax: 571800

2

Divisional Office of APTDC - Hyderabad

Hyderabad

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Tank Bund Road, Phone: 040-26511150

3

Divisional Office of APTDC - Kurnool

Kurnool

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: C/o. 6, C-Camp, Nandyal Road, Telefax: 08712-70104

4

Divisional Office of APTDC - Nagarjunasagar

Nagarjunasagar

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Punnami, Hill Colony, Vijayapuri North, Phone: 08680-277364/276540; Fax: 76633

5

Divisional Office of APTDC - Rajahmundry

Rajahmundry

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: 7-28-38, T.Nagar, Jupudi Complex, 1st Floor, Phone:0883-2473257; Fax: 0883-2447056

6

Divisional Office of APTDC - Srisailam

Srisailam

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Punnami Hotel, Phone: 08524-28311

7

Divisional Office of APTDC - Tirupati

Tirupati

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: 139, T.P. Area, 3rd Choultry Phone: 08574-255386 Fax: 56877

8

Divisional Office of APTDC - Vijayawada

Vijayawada

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Opp. Sub-Collector's Office, M.G.Road Phone:0866-2570761;Fax:571800

9

Divisional Office of APTDC - Waranagal

Warangal

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: 1-1-1/1, 1st Floor, Talwar Hyundai Show Room, Chaitanyapuri, Opp. REC

Petrol Pump, REC, Kazipet. Phone: 08712-2446606

 

 

 

S.No

Name

Place

1

Divisional Office - Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Tourist Regional Office VUDA Building, Visakhapatnam. Ph: +91 (891)

2754716 2nd Floor, Titan Building, Srimukh Complex, Dwaraka Nagar Phone:

0866-2570761; Fax: 571800

2

Divisional Office of APTDC - Hyderabad

Hyderabad

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Tank Bund Road, Phone: 040-26511150

3

Divisional Office of APTDC - Kurnool

Kurnool

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: C/o. 6, C-Camp, Nandyal Road, Telefax: 08712-70104

4

Divisional Office of APTDC - Nagarjunasagar

Nagarjunasagar

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Punnami, Hill Colony, Vijayapuri North, Phone: 08680-277364/276540; Fax: 76633

5

Divisional Office of APTDC - Rajahmundry

Rajahmundry

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: 7-28-38, T.Nagar, Jupudi Complex, 1st Floor, Phone:0883-2473257; Fax: 0883-2447056

6

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Srikalahasthi - Lord Srikalahasthishwarar and Goddess Gnanaprasoonambika

LordVinayaka, GoddessPadmavathi,

LordVenkateshwara, GoddessSriLakshmi,

LordVishnu, GoddessBhoomiDevi,

GoddessSaraswathi, GoddessParvathi,

LordShivaShankara, GoddessGanga,

GoddessDurga, GoddessKali,

LordRama, LordSriKrishna,

LordNarasimha, GoddessSanthoshiMaa,

GoddessVaishnoDevi, LordKumara,

LordAyyappa, LordBrahma,

LordDattatreya, SriHanuman,

AllDeitiesGodsandGoddessess,

SriSaiBabaofShirdi, LordSriRama,

JaiRadhaKrishna, goddessgayatri

Cc: doktersandy

Sri Kalahasthisvara Temple, Kalahasthi

The temple has four huge towers on all its four sides. A huge tower of height

120 ft. known as Raja Gopuram gives the temple a majestic look. The Gopura of

the temple is adorned with various sculptures of Gods and Goddesses.The temple

stands close to Swarnmukhi River. The earliest inscription in this temple

belongs to the period of Rajaraja Chola. It is a repository of artistic

excellence in Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara tradition. Vijayanagara

Structures in the Kalahastisvara Temple, Kalahasti Kalahasti, a taluk

headquarters Chittoor district is about twenty-four miles from Tirupati. The

town is famous for the Kalahastisvara temple, which is situated amidst a

singularly picturesque setting at the foot of a curved hill, named Daksina

kailasam. The temple is visited by a large number of devout Hindus from all

parts of India. There are about seventy Vijayanagara inscriptions in this

temple covering the reigns of Harihara

II, Devaraya II, Krishnadevaraya, Achyutaraya, and Sadasivaraya. The earliest

Vijayanagara record found in this temple is dated in 1401 A.D., while the

latest is dated in 1569 A.D. It is evident from the large number of

inscriptions found in this temple that it received active patronage of the

Rayas of Vijayanagra. The entrance to the first enclosure is surmounted by

another gopura of the Vijayanagara period. In all probability this gopura was

constructed by one of the predecessors of Krishnaraya. This gopura faces the

North and has a narrow pillared mantapa in two sections, on either side of the

passage in the front covering the adhistana. In a niche in the back wall of the

mantapa to the right of entrance is a fine icon of Durga. Correspondingly in a

niche to the left of the entrance is the icon of Nrtta-Ganapati. Each of the

two sections of the mantapa contains two pillars each with a pillaret

projecting from the main block. The pillars have Vijayanagara capitals.

The second gopura, which gives access to the second enclosure, seems to belong

to the pre-Vijayanagara period. To the south of the gopura, built against the

prakara wall are two small shrines, one dedicated to Ganapathi and the other to

Lord Shiva. The Ganapathi shrine consists of a mantapa in two sections and the

garbhagriha built in the back section of mantapa. The front section of the

mantapa contains two rows of four round pillars with Cola capitals. The back

section of the mantapa contains two rows of two round pillars with Cola

capitals. There is a pradakshina round the garbhagriha. The walls of the

garbhagriha are plain and the roof is flat. The lintel above the entrance of

the garbhagriha contains the Gajalaksmi. The shrine which is to the south of

the Ganapathi shrine consists of a garbhagriha and antarala whose walls are

plain and the roof flat. How to Reach The Temple is about 38 kms. from

Tirupati. Srikalahasthi is well connected by Road &

Rail and there are frequent buses from Tirupati. Private transport is also available from Tirupati.

How to Reach This Place

It is 38 km from Tirupati

It is 54 Km from Gudur railway station and 38 km from Tirupati.

Tirupati,Chennai,Bangalore and Hyderabad Air ports.

Tourist Menu

Tourist Attractions

How to Reach

Where to Stay

Travel Information

Maps

 

 

The temple for Siva in the form of a 'Vayulinga' lies 36 km from Tirupati.

According to legend, a spider (Sri) spun a web over the Linga, Kala, a snake,

placed a gem atop it and Hasti, an elephant, brought water in its trunk to wash

the Linga. All three were ardent worshippers of Siva. The flame (deepam) in the

temple flickers frequently as air (Vayu) is said to be constantly emanating

from the Sivalinga

How to Reach This Place

It is 38 km from Tirupati

It is 54 Km from Gudur railway station and 38 km from Tirupati.

Tirupati,Chennai,Bangalore and Hyderabad Air ports.

 

 

Chittoor District

(1)

http://64.164.14.92/apservlets/jsp/ihotels.jsp?sp=hotels.jsp&oid=4&DISTRICT=Chittoor&disp=2

S.No

Hotel Name

Place

Type of Hotel

1

Punnami - Highway Resort

Puttur

AP Tourism Hotels

2

Punnami - Hotel

Thalakona

AP Tourism Hotels

3

Punnami-Hill Resort

Horsely Hills

AP Tourism Hotels

4

HOTEL GUESTLINE

Tirupati

3*

5

HOTEL KALYAN RESIDENCY

Tirupati

3*

6

HOTEL MAYURA

Tirupati

3*

7

HOTEL SINDHURI PARK

Tirupati

3*

8

Hotel Bhimas Paradise

Tirupati

Budget Hotel

9

Quality Inn Bliss

Tirupati

3*

AP Tourism Hotels District

S.No

Hotel Name

Place

Type of Hotel

1

Ganga Sadan/Gowri Sadan

Srisailam

AP Tourism Hotels

2

Pongali-Ethipothala(Nagarjuna Sagar)

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

3

Punnami (Vihar)

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

4

Punnami - Highway Resort

Puttur

AP Tourism Hotels

5

Punnami - Hotel

Mahanandi

AP Tourism Hotels

6

Punnami - Hotel

Thalakona

AP Tourism Hotels

7

Punnami - Hotel

Kailasnathkona

AP Tourism Hotels

8

Punnami - Hotel

Keesaragutta

AP Tourism Hotels

9

Punnami Yadagiri Sadan

Badrachalam

AP Tourism Hotels

10

Punnami(Hill Colony)

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

11

Punnami-Beach Resort (Rushi Konda)

Visakhapatnam

AP Tourism Hotels

12

Punnami-Hill Resort

Horsely Hills

AP Tourism Hotels

13

Punnami-Hill Resort (Yatri Nivas)

Araku

AP Tourism Hotels

14

Punnami-Hotel

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

15

Punnami-Hotel

Yadagirigutta

AP Tourism Hotels

16

Punnami-Hotel

Basara

AP Tourism Hotels

17

Punnami-Hotel

Srisailam

AP Tourism Hotels

18

Punnami-Hotel

Amaravati

AP Tourism Hotels

19

Punnami-Hotel

Warangal

AP Tourism Hotels

20

Punnami-Hotel

Mantralayam

AP Tourism Hotels

21

Punnami-Hotel (Yatri Nivas)

Visakhapatnam

AP Tourism Hotels

22

Punnami-Hotel(Mayuri)

Araku

AP Tourism Hotels

23

Yatrinivas-Secunderabad

Hyderabad

AP Tourism Hotels

 

(2)

http://64.164.14.92/apservlets/jsp/itravelinfo.jsp?sp=travelinfo.jsp&oid=9&DISTRICT=Chittoor&disp=2

 

S.No

Name

Place

1

A.P Tourism Dev. Corporation Ltd.,

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: T.P Area, Beside Venkateswara Bus Station, Tirupati.Contact Numbers: 0877-2255385

2

ATS Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: ATS Travels, Railway Station,TirupatiContact Numbers: 2252624

3

Allahabad Bank

Tirupati

Banks

Address: Mosque road

4

Anuradha Nursing Home

Tirupati

Hospitals

Address: Nehru Street,TirupatiContact Numbers: 0

5

Appolo Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Appolo Travels,Tirupati.

6

B. Sreerangaswamy

Tirupati

Tourist Guides

Address: H.No.13-26, Srinivasapuram,Tiruchanur RoadContact Numbers: 08574-39860

7

Balaji Blessing.com

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Balaji Blessing.comTirupati

8

Balaji Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Balaji Travels, T.P.Area,Tirupati.

9

Bank of Baroda

Tirupati

Banks

Address: Amaravathi Nagar

10

Bank of India

Tirupati

Banks

Address: Gandhi road

11

C. Madhusudhan Kumar

Tirupati

Tourist Guides

Address: S/o Channappa C.H.No.18-1-73, OpsterBack Houses, YasodhnagarK.T. Road,

Tirupati.Contact Numbers: 08574-34164

12

C. Seenaiah

Chittoor

Tourist Guides

Address: Dasireeddigaripalli

13

Canara Bank

Tirupati

Banks

Address: B.Patteda BR. R.C. Road

14

Chittor District Map

Chittoor

Maps

15

Dena Bank

Tirupati

Banks

Address: 66 M.G Car Street

16

Divisional Office of APTDC - Tirupati

Tirupati

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: 139, T.P. Area, 3rd Choultry Phone: 08574-255386 Fax: 56877

17

G.B.Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: G.B.Tours & Travels Opp.Railway Station,Tirupati.Contact Numbers: 2227638

18

Garuda Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Garuda Tours & Travels, Opp.Railway Station,TirupatiContact Numbers: 2225771

19

Janatha Travels

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: 13-6-616,J-3-37, Near Rtc Bus Stand, Tirupati.Contact Numbers: 0877- 2223471

20

Kalpana Nursing Home

Tirupati

Hospitals

Address: Radio StationContact Numbers: 0

 

S.No

Hotel Name

Place

Type of Hotel

1

Punnami - Highway Resort

Puttur

AP Tourism Hotels

2

Punnami - Hotel

Thalakona

AP Tourism Hotels

3

Punnami-Hill Resort

Horsely Hills

AP Tourism Hotels

4

HOTEL GUESTLINE

Tirupati

3*

5

HOTEL KALYAN RESIDENCY

Tirupati

3*

6

HOTEL MAYURA

Tirupati

3*

7

HOTEL SINDHURI PARK

Tirupati

3*

8

Hotel Bhimas Paradise

Tirupati

Budget Hotel

9

Quality Inn Bliss

Tirupati

3*

S.No

Hotel Name

Place

Type of Hotel

1

Punnami - Highway Resort

Puttur

AP Tourism Hotels

2

Punnami - Hotel

Thalakona

AP Tourism Hotels

3

Punnami-Hill Resort

Horsely Hills

AP Tourism Hotels

4

HOTEL GUESTLINE

Tirupati

3*

5

HOTEL KALYAN RESIDENCY

Tirupati

3*

6

HOTEL MAYURA

Tirupati

3*

7

HOTEL SINDHURI PARK

Tirupati

3*

8

Hotel Bhimas Paradise

Tirupati

Budget Hotel

9

Quality Inn Bliss

Tirupati

3*

S.No

Hotel Name

Place

Type of Hotel

1

Ganga Sadan/Gowri Sadan

Srisailam

AP Tourism Hotels

2

Pongali-Ethipothala(Nagarjuna Sagar)

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

3

Punnami (Vihar)

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

4

Punnami - Highway Resort

Puttur

AP Tourism Hotels

5

Punnami - Hotel

Mahanandi

AP Tourism Hotels

6

Punnami - Hotel

Thalakona

AP Tourism Hotels

7

Punnami - Hotel

Kailasnathkona

AP Tourism Hotels

8

Punnami - Hotel

Keesaragutta

AP Tourism Hotels

9

Punnami Yadagiri Sadan

Badrachalam

AP Tourism Hotels

10

Punnami(Hill Colony)

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

11

Punnami-Beach Resort (Rushi Konda)

Visakhapatnam

AP Tourism Hotels

12

Punnami-Hill Resort

Horsely Hills

AP Tourism Hotels

13

Punnami-Hill Resort (Yatri Nivas)

Araku

AP Tourism Hotels

14

Punnami-Hotel

Nagarjunasagar

AP Tourism Hotels

15

Punnami-Hotel

Yadagirigutta

AP Tourism Hotels

16

Punnami-Hotel

Basara

AP Tourism Hotels

17

Punnami-Hotel

Srisailam

AP Tourism Hotels

18

Punnami-Hotel

Amaravati

AP Tourism Hotels

19

Punnami-Hotel

Warangal

AP Tourism Hotels

20

Punnami-Hotel

Mantralayam

AP Tourism Hotels

21

Punnami-Hotel (Yatri Nivas)

Visakhapatnam

AP Tourism Hotels

22

Punnami-Hotel(Mayuri)

Araku

AP Tourism Hotels

23

Yatrinivas-Secunderabad

Hyderabad

AP Tourism Hotels

..No

Name

Place

21

Laepakshi Handicrafts Emporium

Tirupati

Shopping

Address: Laepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Tirumala HillsContact Numbers: 08574-77246

22

Laepakshi Handicrafts Emporium

Tirupati

Shopping

Address: Laepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Sannidhi Street, Tirupathi-517 501.

23

M/S. Murali Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Sri.V.Chandra Sekhar Naidu, M/S. Murali Travels,140, T.Nagar, Opp.

Bhavani Nagar, Anjaney Swamy Temple,Tirupati.Contact Numbers: 228271 ( O

),2287736 ( R ).

24

M/S.Alankar Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Sri.G.Bhanu Prakash Reddy, M/S.Alankar Travels,79, G.S.Mada Street,

Tirupati-517501Contact Numbers: 2220746 ( O ),2222827 ( R ).

25

M/S.Swarnandhra Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Sri.K.Sudhakar,S/o. Karanam Gopal, M/S.Swarnandhra Tours &

Travels,No:1, Soundara Rajan Street, Venkatanarayana Road,T.Nagar, Chennai-

17Contact Numbers: 4331977,433010

26

Mitson Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Mitson Travels, Opp.Railway Station,Tirupati.

27

Mr. B. Ravindra

Tirupati

Tourist Guides

Address: H.No.4-6-9, ReserviewColony, Tirupati.

28

N. Hari Krishna

Chandragiri

Tourist Guides

Address: S/o N. ApparaoDiguvareddy Vari Palli,Chandragiri PostChittoor District

- 517 101Contact Numbers: 06816 -76816

29

Rahul Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Rahul Tours & Travels,Tirupati.Contact Numbers: 2225004

30

Rani Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Rani Tours & Travels, TirupatiContact Numbers: 2251966

31

Rayalseema Hospital

Tirupati

Hospitals

Address: Tilak RoadContact Numbers: 0

32

SVIMS

Tirupati

Hospitals

Address: TK StreetContact Numbers: 0

33

Sagar Travels

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: No. 14/138 TP Area, TirupatiContact Numbers: 0877- 2225163

34

Seven Star Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Seven Star Travels, T.P.Area,TirupatiContact Numbers: 2225186

35

Siddartha Travels

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: 203 TP Area, TirupatiContact Numbers: 0877- 2221277

36

Sri Balaji Travels

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: 10-14-584 2nd Floor Vv-Mahal Rd, Tirupati, Chittoor Dist 517501Contact

Numbers: 0877- 2227094

37

Sri Ramana Travels

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: 14-3-302 A, Opp. Venkateswara Theatre, Tiruchanur Road, Tirupati,

Chittoor District 517501Contact Numbers: 0877- 2221667

38

Sri.Krishna Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Sri.Krishna Tours & Travels,Tirupati.

39

State Bank Of Mysore

Tirupati

Banks

Address: Balaji Colony

40

State Bank of Hyderabad

Tirupati

Banks

Address: Railway Station Branch

Travel Information

APTDC-Divisional Offices

APTDC-Reservation Offices

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Authorised Travel Agents

Banks

Hospitals

Maps

Shopping

Tour & Travel Agents

Tourist Guides

 

S.No

Name

Place

41

Syndicate Bank

Tirupati

Banks

Address: Tiruchanur

42

Teja Travels

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: 75(1), Sarojini Devi Road, TirupatiContact Numbers: 0877- 2286969

43

Tirumala Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Sri.B.L. Rangaiah, Tirumala Tours & Travels, Tirupati Park Hotel,93/1,

Renigunta Road, Tirupati- 517506Contact Numbers: 2238600,2239087

44

Tirumala Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Sri. G.Rajendra Naidu, Tirumala Tours & Travels, Sayee Guest House,

APSRTC Complex,TirupatiContact Numbers: 2269331

45

Tirumala Tourist Cabs Ltd

Tirupati

Tour & Travel Agents

Address: 1-2-118 F Court Road Tirupati, Chittoor 517501Contact Numbers: 0877- 2221449

46

Tirupati Online Service

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Tirupati Online Service,Tirupati.

47

Tirupati APTDC - Central Reservation Office

Tirupati

APTDC-Reservation Offices

Address: T.P.Area, Beside Venkateswara Bus Station, Tirupati - 517 501. Ph: +91

(8574) 55385; 55386 Fax: +91 (8574) 56877

48

Tirupati Road Routs From Major Cities

Tirupati

Maps

49

Tirupati co-op Bank

Tirupati

Banks

Address: Bazaar Street

50

Tourist Information Centre - Tirupati

Tirupati

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: Regional Tourist information Bureau Near 3rd Choultry, Tirupati -

517501. Ph: +91 (8754) 243306

51

Universal Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Universal Travels, Cuddapah, Tirupati

52

V. Balaji

Tirupati

Tourist Guides

Address: S/o S. Veerachari, 1-2-256,Prakasam Rd., Tirupati-517504Contact Numbers: 08574 -26798

53

Vishaka Tours & Travels

Tirupati

Authorised Travel Agents

Address: Vishaka Tours & Travels Ist Chowltry,Tirupati.Contact Numbers: 2252624

 

 

 

 

APTDC-Divisional Offices

S.No

Name

Place

1

Divisional Office - Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Tourist Regional Office VUDA Building, Visakhapatnam. Ph: +91 (891)

2754716 2nd Floor, Titan Building, Srimukh Complex, Dwaraka Nagar Phone:

0866-2570761; Fax: 571800

2

Divisional Office of APTDC - Hyderabad

Hyderabad

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Tank Bund Road, Phone: 040-26511150

3

Divisional Office of APTDC - Kurnool

Kurnool

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: C/o. 6, C-Camp, Nandyal Road, Telefax: 08712-70104

4

Divisional Office of APTDC - Nagarjunasagar

Nagarjunasagar

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Punnami, Hill Colony, Vijayapuri North, Phone: 08680-277364/276540; Fax: 76633

5

Divisional Office of APTDC - Rajahmundry

Rajahmundry

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: 7-28-38, T.Nagar, Jupudi Complex, 1st Floor, Phone:0883-2473257; Fax: 0883-2447056

6

Divisional Office of APTDC - Srisailam

Srisailam

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Punnami Hotel, Phone: 08524-28311

7

Divisional Office of APTDC - Tirupati

Tirupati

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: 139, T.P. Area, 3rd Choultry Phone: 08574-255386 Fax: 56877

8

Divisional Office of APTDC - Vijayawada

Vijayawada

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Opp. Sub-Collector's Office, M.G.Road Phone:0866-2570761;Fax:571800

9

Divisional Office of APTDC - Waranagal

Warangal

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: 1-1-1/1, 1st Floor, Talwar Hyundai Show Room, Chaitanyapuri, Opp. REC

Petrol Pump, REC, Kazipet. Phone: 08712-2446606

 

 

 

S.No

Name

Place

1

Divisional Office - Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Tourist Regional Office VUDA Building, Visakhapatnam. Ph: +91 (891)

2754716 2nd Floor, Titan Building, Srimukh Complex, Dwaraka Nagar Phone:

0866-2570761; Fax: 571800

2

Divisional Office of APTDC - Hyderabad

Hyderabad

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Tank Bund Road, Phone: 040-26511150

3

Divisional Office of APTDC - Kurnool

Kurnool

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: C/o. 6, C-Camp, Nandyal Road, Telefax: 08712-70104

4

Divisional Office of APTDC - Nagarjunasagar

Nagarjunasagar

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Punnami, Hill Colony, Vijayapuri North, Phone: 08680-277364/276540; Fax: 76633

5

Divisional Office of APTDC - Rajahmundry

Rajahmundry

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: 7-28-38, T.Nagar, Jupudi Complex, 1st Floor, Phone:0883-2473257; Fax: 0883-2447056

6

Divisional Office of APTDC - Srisailam

Srisailam

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Punnami Hotel, Phone: 08524-28311

7

Divisional Office of APTDC - Tirupati

Tirupati

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: 139, T.P. Area, 3rd Choultry Phone: 08574-255386 Fax: 56877

8

Divisional Office of APTDC - Vijayawada

Vijayawada

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: Opp. Sub-Collector's Office, M.G.Road Phone:0866-2570761;Fax:571800

9

Divisional Office of APTDC - Waranagal

Warangal

APTDC-Divisional Offices

Address: 1-1-1/1, 1st Floor, Talwar Hyundai Show Room, Chaitanyapuri, Opp. REC

Petrol Pump, REC, Kazipet. Phone: 08712-2446606

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

S.No

Name

Place

1

Tourist Information Centre - Bangalore

Bangalore

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: C/o. ITDC Unit, Ashoka Travels & Tours Race Course Road, Bangalore-560

001. Ph: 080-2383361,2383362 Fax: 080-2383363

2

Tourist Information Centre - Chennai

Chennai

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: A.P. Tourist Information Counter Tamil Nadu Tourism Complex Near

Kalaivalar Arangam, Walajah Road Chennai-600 002. Ph: 044-5381213

3

Tourist Information Centre - Hyderabad

Hyderabad

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: Tourist Information Counter Railway Station, Secunderabad. Tourist

Information Counter Gagan Vihar, Ground Floor, Opp. Gandhi Bhavan, Nampally,

Hyderabad.

4

Tourist Information Centre - Mumbai

Mumbai

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: A.P.Tourist Information Counter General Assurance Building, D.N.Road,

Opp. Handloom House, Mumbai. Tel: 022-208 2846

5

Tourist Information Centre - Nagarjunasagar

Nagarjunasagar

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: Regional Tourist Information Centre 'Punnami', Hill Colony, Vijayapuri

North, Nagarjunasagar. Ph: +91 (8680)-277364/276540 Fax: +91 (8680)-276633

6

Tourist Information Centre - New Delhi

New Delhi

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: A.P. Tourist Information Counter 210, Kanishka Hotel Shopping Plaza 19,

Asoka Road, New Delhi-110 001011-3366328 Tourist Information Centre A.B.Bhavan,

1, Asoka Road New Delhi-110 001. Phone:011-23381293

7

Tourist Information Centre - Srisailam

Srisailam

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: Regional Tourist Information Centre Punnami Hotel, Srisailam Ph: +91-40-(8524)-288311

8

Tourist Information Centre - Tirupati

Tirupati

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: Regional Tourist information Bureau Near 3rd Choultry, Tirupati -

517501. Ph: +91 (8754) 243306

9

Tourist Information Centre - Vijayawada

Vijayawada

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: Tourist Information Counter Railway Station, Vijayawada. Tourist

Information Counter Transport Unit, APSRTC Bus Complex, Vijayawada. Ph: +91

(866) 2523966

10

Tourist Information Centre - Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: APTDC, Railway Station Visakhapatnam - 530 020. Ph: +91 (891) 2746446

Regional Tourist Information Bureau VUDA Complex, Sripuram, Visakahapatnam

Phone: +91 (891) 2754716

11

Tourist Information Centre - Warangal

Warangal

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: 1-1/1, First Floor, Talwar Hyundai Showroom, Chaitanyapuri, Opp. REC

Petrol Pump, Kazipet. Phone: +91 (8712) 2446606

 

APTDC-Reservation Offices

S.No

Name

Place

1

Divisional Office - Kurnool

Kurnool

APTDC-Reservation Offices

Address: APTDC Divisional Office C/D-6, C-Camp, Nandyal Road, Kurnool-518002.

Telefax : +91 (8518) 270104

2

Reservation/Booking Offices Of APTDC

Hyderabad

APTDC-Reservation Offices

Address: Hyderabad Central Reservation Office Tank Bund Road, Hyderabad - 500

004. Ph # 23453036, 23451364, 23450165 Telefax : 040-23453086 eMail :

aptdc (AT) satyam (DOT) net.in Secunderabad Tourist Information Centre Yatrinivas Complex,

S P Road, Secunderabad. Ph # 040-27893100, 27816375 Tourist Information Centre

Railway Station, Secunderabad

3

Tirupati APTDC - Central Reservation Office

Tirupati

APTDC-Reservation Offices

Address: T.P.Area, Beside Venkateswara Bus Station, Tirupati - 517 501. Ph: +91

(8574) 55385; 55386 Fax: +91 (8574) 56877

4

Vijayawada APTDC - Central Reservation Office

Vijayawada

APTDC-Reservation Offices

Address: Hotel Ilapuram Complex, Gandhi Nagar, Vijayawada. Phone & Telefax: +91

(866) 2570255

5

Visakhapatnam APTDC - Central Reservation Office.

Visakhapatnam

APTDC-Reservation Offices

Address: LIC Building, Daba Gardens, Visakhapatnam - 530 004. Ph: +91 (891)

2746446 Fax: +91 (891) 2713135

Travel Information

APTDC-Divisional Offices

APTDC-Reservation Offices

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Authorised Travel Agents

Banks

Hospitals

Maps

Shopping

Tour & Travel Agents

Tourist Guides

 

Go to thew following website for enquiry :

-http://64.164.14.92/apservlets/jsp/igeneral.jsp?sp=query.jsp

 

 

HTTP://WWW.APTOURISM/ is the main website.

 

 

 

SRI KALAHASTHI

Sri Kalahasthi is an important temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated in

Chittoor district of Andra Pradesh. The Sivalingam is said to be a 'Vayu lingam'

representing one of the five elements, air, (vayu-air) and is one of the

Panchabootha sthala of Lord Shiva. This temple is also called 'Thakshina

Kailash' meaning the abode of Lord Shiva in the south. The river Swarnamuki

running near this temple gives this place an added sacredness.

Location

The temple is about 3 km from Kalahasthi railway station but the easiest way to

travel to this temple is by road either from Chennai or Tirupathi. There are

frequent bus services from both these towns.

The Temple

The temple occupies an area of about 5 acres and the tall towers are visible

from miles around. The presiding deity is called Sri Kalahatheeswarar and the

consort is worshipped as Gnanaprasunambika. There is also a small shrine to

Lord Vinayagar that is reached by descending steep steps through a narrow

opening. As the deity is installed below ground level the deity is known as

'Pathala Vinayagar'

Legend

There are many legends associated with this temple. A spider, an elephant and a

snake were living in the vicinity of the temple. All three were devotees of

Lord Shiva. The spider wove beautiful objects with its silk like web and

offered them to the Lord in prayer, the elephant brought flowers and water and

washed the idol and offered the flowers, while the snake brought precious

stones from underground and adorned the idol with them.

The elephant seeing these precious stones adorning the Lord cleared them away

and after washing the Lord decorated Him with flowers and leaves. From this

ensued an affray between the elephant and the snake. The snake bit the elephant

and the elephant trampled the snake. The spider got caught in the middle of this

brawl and all three died. Because of the devotion with which each one of them

had spent their days worshipping, the Lord made these three souls to merge in

Him and took the name Sri-Kala-Hasthi which denotes the conjoining of the

spider (Sri), the snake (Kala), and the elephant (Hasthi) thus becoming Sri

Kalahatheeswarar.

The Story of Kannappa Nayanar

Kannappan was a hunter but an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He never failed to

perform his daily worship. He brought water from the river in his mouth and

'bathed' the image of the Lord by emptying his mouth on the lingam. Then he

would chew bits of meat to ascertain its suitability and offer it to his deity.

He would only proffer the choicest pieces of meat. One day he saw a yellowish

discharge from the left eye of the image. He in his deep devotion wanted to

cure the defect in the eye of his Lord. So he gouged out his eye from its

socket and put it on top of the eye of the idol. He then noticed the same

discharge from the other eye. He then decided to offer his other eye too, to

the Lord. He realised that he would not be able to see once he had pulled out

his other eye. So he put his shoed leg to mark the spot where the other eye

would go and was about to pull out his eye when the Lord appeared and stopped

him from self mutilation. The Lord pleased with his devotion

granted him eternal bliss.

The goddess in this temple is worshipped as Gnanaprasunambika. This name was

given to her for receiving the 'Panchaksara manthra' from the Lord himself.

Before receiving this hallowed and potent 'manthra' she had to undertake severe

penance and meditation.She arrived in Kalahasthi and started Her penance.

Pleased with Her penance Lord Shiva imparted to Her the supreme knowledge and

the 'Panchaksara manthra'. Goddess Parvathy who was in the mortal form then

attained her original form and stayed in Sri Kalahasthi as Gnanaprasunambika .

Opening Hours and Festivals

The temple opens its doors in the morning at 6 am and closes at 9 pm. The major

festival takes place in February/March spread over 13 days. The other major

festivals take place during December/January and during 'Navarathry' in

September/October

 

http://mailerindia.com/temples/history/index.php?sriKalahasti

 

The only son of the chief hunter, ThiNNan, came to kALahasthi while chasing a

pig with his friends. He saw the Shiva Lingam atop of the hill. From that

moment he forgot that he was a person who enjoyed great respect in his

community, he was the only son for his parents, he forgot his friends who

preferred going back. All his concern was "Oh! In this dense forest this

kudumiththEvar (name of Lord Shiva in kALahasthi) is alone. There are a lot of

wild animals here. Who is here to protect Him ? Who will take care of all His

needs ? So I will stay back with Him" and he stood all the nights with his arms

near the Shiva Lingam. God is the ultimate protector of each and every life.

ThiNNanAr out of his love started 'protecting' even God. God do not have any

need. But for His hunger ThiNNanAr brought the best tasted dishes that he knew,

flesh of the wild pig. Though AgamAs say offering flesh is not correct,

ThiNNanAr offered what he knew to be delicious. Lord Shiva didn't care about

the

flesh he brought, but he cared much for ThiNNanAr's love. ThiNNanAr became

kaNNappar when he offered his eyes to heal the wound in God's eyes, which He

created to show the greatness of kaNNappar. There is no surprise ! kaNNappar

got the mukthi in just seven days which the rushis and yogis try hard to get

all through their life, and he was offered a place by God to His right. He is

praised by many great saints including shankarAchArya, mANikka vAchakar , thiru

nyAna sambandhar and nakkIrar. When people learn a things they generally develop

a ego, though they survive a lot other hurdles on the way of reaching God. This

results in the loss of dedication for God. SrI pArvathi Herself came to earth

to show how people with great knowledge should act. When the Lord explained to

pArvathi the Shiva Agama, She wanted to pray the God as it is said in the

Agama. She came to kAshi and did a lot of Dharmas as annapUraNi. Then she came

to kAnchi as kAmAkshi, made a Shiva Linagam out of sand on the bank of river

kambai, and prayed the Lord according to the Agama rules. One day to show the

greatness of Bhakthi, He created flood in the river kambai on the bank of which

pArvathi was praying Shiva Lingam. PArvathi being the Adhi parA shakathi could

have stopped the flood, or She , being the part of the Supreme, could have

thought that "God is almighty and nothing can hurt Him". But Her flow of

Bhakthi - love- for Lord was much greater than the flood in river kambai. She

embraced the

God with Her hands and body to 'protect' Him from the flood. That is the height

of Bhakthi. What else can God do than appearing from the flood of Her Bhakthi.

The true Bhakthi is one when you surrender yourself to God completely and you

have nothing for you, but everything for the Lord

 

 

 

a great devotee of Lord Siva

Nagan was the king of hunters at Uduppur in Pottapi Nadu. His wife was Tattai.

They were great devotees of Lord Subramanya. By His grace, they had a child,

after a long time. It was very heavy: so, they named him Tinnanar.

Tinnanar was Arjuna in the previous birth, according to Tiru Kalahasthi Puranam.

When he went to worship Siva, to get Pasupatha Astra, and when the Lord came to

him as a hunter, Arjuna did not recognise Him. So, he had to be born as a

hunter again and adore the Lord, before attaining Final Liberation.

Tinnanar was educated according to the hunters’ customs. He became a good

archer. Even when he was young, his father retired, and crowned him king.

Though he was a hunter and carried on hunting as his Dharma, Tinnanar was full

of love and would not kill young ones, females, diseased animals, etc.

Spiritually, he had already killed the animals within himself, viz., lust,

anger, greed, vanity, etc.

One day, Tinnanar went out hunting. A pig escaped from its net and was running

away. Tinnanar pursued it accompanied by two others, Nanan and Kadan. The pig

was tired and stood near a tree. It was quickly killed by Tinnanar. They were

tired, too, and thirsty. They proceeded towards the Ponmukali. Tinnanar wanted

to climb the nearby mountain. Nanan, too, volunteered to follow him, saying

that on that, the Kalahasthi hill, there was Lord Kudumithevar (God with a

Tuft). Kadan was busy cooking the pork.

Even when he began to climb the hill, there was a definite change coming over

Tinnanar, owing to past Samskaras. He felt that a great burden was being lifted

off his shoulders. He was losing body-consciousness. As he saw the Lord there,

he felt supreme love surging in his heart. He embraced the Lingam and kissed

It. He began to shed tears of joy. He felt that the Lord was lonely there, and

that he should thenceforth remain with Him. Again, he thought that the Lord

might be hungry. Though he was reluctant to leave the Lord alone, he quickly

came down the hill to fetch some food for the Lord. He took the best pieces of

the pork, tasted them and ear-marked the very best for Him. In the mean time,

he gathered from Nanan that the Lord was worshipped daily with water, flowers,

etc, before the food was offered to Him. So, he began to collect the other

articles of worship. He filled his own mouth with water from the river.

Flowers, he gathered

and wore them on his head! He took the pork, bow and arrow and went up the hill

again, alone this time.

At the temple, Tinnanar poured from his mouth, the water that he had brought for

His worship. That was his ‘Abhishekam’. Then he decorated the Lingam with the

flowers he had brought on his own head. This was his ‘Archana’. He then placed

the pork before the Lord. He went out and stood guard for Him, at the entrance,

lest some wild animals should hurt Him. In the morning again he went out to hunt

and bring fresh food for the Lord.

In the mean time, Nanan and Kadan worried about the change that had come over

Tinnanar (which they thought to be madness). They went and reported the matter

to Tinnanar’s parents. They came and tried, in vain, to take him back. They,

too, went away.

When Tinnanar left the temple in the morning to get food for the Lord,

Sivagochariar, the temple priest, came there for the usual orthodox worship. He

was horrified at the desecration that some unknown person had done in the

temple. He was well versed in the Agamas (rituals of Siva-worship). He

performed the necessary purificatory rites and took bath again and began his

formal worship. He brought water in a holy pot, with a bandage around his own

mouth, lest the breath of his mouth should pollute it. He brought fresh flowers

in a holy basket. He brought fruits and sweets, newly made and unpolluted by

anyone tasting it, before the Lord for being offered to Him. He went home after

the worship.

Tinnanar returned with fresh meat. He removed the priest’s decorations, and did

the worship in his own way, and then as usual, stood guard at the entrance.

This went on for five days. The priest was greatly upset about the desecration

of the holy place. He appealed to the Lord to stop it. Lord Siva wanted to show

to Sivagochariar the nature of Tinnanar’s supreme devotion. He commanded him in

a dream, to hide himself behind the Lingam, when Tinnanar went to the temple

the next day, and watch what took place.

On the sixth day, Tinnanar went out as usual for getting the Lord’s food. While

returning, he saw many ill omens, which made him feel that something had

happened to the Lord: he was so unconscious of himself, that he did not think

that something could happen to him.

He ran towards the Lord. He was grieved to see blood issuing from the Lord’s

right eye. The articles he had brought for the worship dropped from his hand.

He wept bitterly. He could not find who had done this to the Lord. He treated

the eye with herbs he knew of. Still the bleeding did not stop. A simple idea

occurred to him: ‘flesh for flesh’. At once, with his own arrow, he took out

his own right eye, and fixed it over the right eye of the Lord. The bleeding

stopped. He was very happy. When he was dancing in ecstasy, he noticed that the

Lord’s left eye had begun to bleed. But, he had already found out the remedy.

There was only one problem: how to locate the eye of the Lord, when his own eye

had been pulled out. So, Tinnanar planted his foot at the place where the Lord’s

left eye was on the Lingam, and began to pull his left eye out, with his arrow.

At once, Lord Siva caught hold of his hand and said: ‘My dear child, Kannappa!

Stop plucking your eye.’ The Lord repeated the word Kannappa thrice. Kannappar

was thrice blessed. Tinnanar became Kannappar, because he gave his own eye to

the Lord. Lord Siva took him with both Hands, and kept him on His right side.

Kannappar regained his vision and lived as god himself. Sivagochariar

understood the true nature of devotion.

This story has an esoteric meaning, too. Nayanar had conquered all other evils:

but, Anava Malam or egoism had to be killed, too. The wild pig represents this.

Supreme Bhakti dawned, the moment this was killed. In its chase, the seeker is

accompanied by good and evil (the two hunters Nanan and Kadan). Nanan (good)

described the glory of the Lord to him: Nanan represents good Samskaras. Kadan

(the evil) had to be left behind. The aspirant with good Samskaras, goes to His

Presence. But, when he has to attain God-realisation, even this has to be

renounced. Hence, Nayanar, when he went to worship Him, went alone. Nayanar’s

parents (the hidden good and evil tendencies and worldly desires) tried but

failed to take him away from God. The Lord asked the priest to hide behind Him,

while Tinnanar was in front: this means, true Bhakti is far superior to mere

ritual. Tinnanar’s readiness to pluck out his own eyes for His sake is total

self-surrender

or Atma-Nivedan, the highest peak of devotion which immediately reveals the Lord in all His glory.

Legends: Shiva here was worshipped by a spider,snake & elephant as in

Tiruvanaikkaval. Kannappa Nayanar a hunter is also associated with

Kudumidevar-Shiva atop the adjacent hill. It is believed that the 3 Saints

Appar, Sundarar and Sambandar, worshipped the Shivalingam on the hill.

 

Sree Kalahasti

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Location: Sree Kaalahasti near Tirupati(Nadu Naadu-Tondai Naadu) Shiva:

Kaalahasti NaatharAmbal: Vandaar Kuzhalaal, Gnanaprasoonambika Vriksham: Vilvam

Theertham: SwarnamukhiPatikam : Sambaandar, Appar, SundararTravel Base: Chennai

Other: Pancha Bhootastalam

Description:Sree Kalahasti is one of the most revered Saivite shrines just

outside Tamilnadu, near Tirupati. It is considered to be a Navagrahastalam

where Rahu & Ketu worshipped Shiva. and a Vayu Kshetram (Wind) one of the

Panchabhoota Stalams signifying the 5 elements of wind (Kalahasti), water

(Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai), earth (Kanchipuram) and space

(Chidambaram). The Temple: This is a vast temple adjoining a hill on the banks

of Swarnamukhi. Sambandar composed hymns in honor of Kailasam, Gowrikundam &

Sreesailam from here. Muthuswamy Deekshitars Kriti Sree Kaalahasteesa

celebrates this shrine. The Gopurams and mandapams that adorn this vast temple

are contributions of the Cholas & the Vijayanagar Empire who patronized this

temple The inner precincts of the temple are very similar in construct to the

other 4 Panchabhoota Temples in Tamilnadu.

Legends: Shiva here was worshipped by a spider,snake & elephant as in

Tiruvanaikkaval. Kannappa Nayanar a hunter is also associated with

Kudumidevar-Shiva atop the adjacent hill. It is believed that the 3 Saints

Appar, Sundarar and Sambandar, worshipped the Shivalingam on the hill.

Kalahasti

 

Significance: This ancient temple dedicated to Shiva is one of the Pancha Bhoota

Stalams (temples celebrating Shiva as the embodiment of the primary elements),

air being the element in case here, the other five temples being Tiruvannamalai

(Fire), Chidambaram (Space),Tiruvanaikkaval (Water) and Kanchipuram (Earth)

respectively.

Kalahasti is located near the pilgrimage town of Tirupati and is visited by

thousands of pilgrims. This temple is also associated with Rahu and Ketu, (of

the nine grahams or celestial bodies in the Indian astrological scheme).

Antiquity: This temple has been referred to in pre-Christian Tamil literature.

The Tamil Saivite saints of the 1st millennium CE have visited this temple and

sung its fame. The adjoining hill Dakshina Kailasam has many a fine Pallava

carving.

The Tamil Cholas and the Vijayanagara Rulers have made several endowments to

this temple. Adi Sankara is said to have visited this temple and offered

worship here. There are Chola inscriptions in this temple which date back to

the 10th century CE.

The Telugu poem 'Sri Kalahasti Satakam' explains the traditions associated with

this temple.Muthuswamy Deekshitar, one of the foremost composers in the

Karnatic Music Tradition has sung the glory of this temple in his kriti 'Sree

Kaalahasteesa'.

Other works on this temple include the Sree-Kalattipuranam of the three brothers

Karunapprakasar, Sivapprakasar and Velappa Deekshitar, Tirukkalattipuranam by

Aanandakoottar of Veerainagar and Tirukkalatti Ula by Seraikkavirayar.

Architecture: The vast west facing Kalahastiswara temple is built adjoining a

hill, and on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. At some points, the hill

serves as the wall of the temple. The temple prakarams follow the contour of

the adjoining hill and hence the temple plan is rather irregular. North of the

temple is the Durgambika hill, south is the Kannappar hill and east is the

Kumaraswamy hill.

Krishnadevaraya built a huge gopuram, a few feet away from the entrance to the

temple. The entrance to the temple is crowned with a smaller tower. There is an

underground Ganapati shrine in the outer prakaram, while in the innermost

prakaram are the shrines of Shiva and Parvati.

The present structure of the temple is a foundation of the Cholas of the 10th

century, as testified by inscriptions; improvements and additions were made

during the subsequent years of the Chola rulers of Tamilnadu and the

Vijayanagar emperors.

The Manikanteswarar temple, also in Kalahasti dates back to the period of Raja

Raja Chola I (early 11th century), and it was reconstructed in stone in 1196 by

Kulottunga III. Shiva here is also referred to as Manikkengauyudaiya Nayanar.

There is also a Vishnu shrine in this temple.

Legends associated with this temple: The legend here is similar to that of the

Jambukeswara temple at Tiruvanaikka. Shiva is said to have given salvation to a

spider, elephant and a serpent who were ardent devotees of the Shiva Lingam

located here. The spider is said to have attained salvation in Kritayuga (the

first of the four yugas in the Hindu tradition), while the elephant and the

snake were devotees in Treta Yugam, the succeeding aeon. The elephant's

devotional outpouring was a source of disturbance to the serpent's display of

devotion and vice versa, resulting in animosity between the two, until Shiva's

intervention gave both the devotees their liberation.

Kannappa Nayanaar, a hunter is said to have been a great devotee of

Kalahasteeswarar. Legend has it that he offered his own eyes to the

Shivalingam, and for this reason earned the name Kannappan (his original name

being Thinnan), and the distinction of having his statue adorn the sanctum.

Nakkiradevar, Indra, Rama, Muchukunda and others are believed to have

worshipped Shiva at this temple.

Festivals: Maha Shivaratri which occurs in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb 15

through March 15) is one of the greatest festival seasons here, and the

celebrations are marked by processions of the deities. The fifth day of the

festival in the month of Maasi coincides with the Maha Shivaratri.

Access and Accomodation: Tirupati (30km) is the nearest airport and is perhaps

the most convenient base for visiting Kalahasti as it (Tirupati) is endowed

with several modern lodging facilities. A one day trip from Chennai is also

possible, as Kalahasti is well connected by road with Tirupati and with Chennai

and is only a four to five hour drive from Chennai. If well planned, Tirupati,

Tirumala and Kalahasti can be covered in a day's trip from Chennai by car.

 

The Story of Amrita - the Celestial Nectar

 

This legend is of great importance both in Saivite and Vaishnavite system of

beliefs. The devas and the asuras (gods and demons) united in their efforts to

churn the celestial ocean of milk (ksheerasaagaram), in quest of Amrita (the

nectar of life and immortality). This mammoth task was carried out with the

Mandara Mount as the churning stick and the mythological snake Vasuki as the

rope.

Vishnu assumed the Koorma avatara (tortoise) to hold the Mandara mountain in

place and to prevent it from sinking into the ocean. Lakshmi the Goddess of

wealth emerged from the ocean, and so did the moon god Chandra. Then came the

dreaded poision, Kaalakoota. The gods and demons appealed to Shiva to save them

from the fumes that emanated from the poison. Without hesitation, Shiva consumed

the poison, and retained it in his throat, which turned blue on account of the

poison, leading to the name Neelakantha or Vishaapaharana Murthy.

This instance of all of the gods, mortals and demons worshipping Shiva, for the

act of saving the Universe from the dreaded poison, is believed to have occured

during the pradosha kaala (the time period just before sun set). The pradosha

kaala puja in Shiva temples is considered to be very sacred on all occurrences

of pradosha days, two days before the new moon and the full moon each month.

The pradosha kaala puja at the Kapaleeswarar temple at Mylapore - Chennai

attracts thousands of devotees with amazing regularity.

The legend does not end here. Their obstacle out of the way, the devas and

asuras continued to churn the ocean in quest of their ultimate goal, and were

rewarded with the spectacle of the divine physician Dhanvantari emerging out of

the ocean with a pot bearing the celestial nectar. A fierce tussle followed

between the gods and the demons over the issue of sharing the nectar of

immortality. Vishnu the protector of good intervened, took the form of an

enchantress Mohini, appeared on the spot, charmed the asuras, and served all of

the nectar to the devas, and thereby protected the universe from the calamity

that would have occurred if the asuras had attained immortality.

The legend still does not end here. Two of the asuras, aware of Mohini's

trickery took the guise of devas and begot a dose of the nectar from her.

Vishnu discovered their act, only when they had consumed half their portion of

Amrita, and proceded to destroy them. Protected by the nectar of immortality,

the demons took the form of Rahu and Ketu. Rahu with a snakes head and a

human body, and Ketu with a human head and a snake's body are regarded as

celestial bodies - shadow planets, or the node positions at which eclipses are

caused. Rahu is the ascending node while Ketu is the descending node. Popular

belief has it that eclipses are caused when Rahu or Ketu swallow the moon or

the sun.

Yet another legend has it that the serpent Vasuki consumed the celestial nectar

much against the wishes of the sun and the moon, and that it was split into

two, and still continued to live in the form of Rahu and Ketu, the so called

enemies of the sun and the moon, threatening to eclispse them at the right

moment!

Rahu is believed to have worshipped Shiva at Tirunageswaram near

Thanjavur-Tamilnadu, and is enshrined there. Ketu is believed to have

worshipped Shiva at Perumpallam near Mayiladuturai (Chidambaram - Tamilnadu)

and is enshrined there. Sri Kalahasti near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh,

enshrines Shiva

who was worshipped by both Rahu and Ketu. Special worship services are carried

out in all these temples during eclipses.

Mohini avatara sevai is celebrated in many Vaishnavite temples, where Vishnu is

decorated as Mohini the enchantress. Vishnu worshipping Shiva in his Koorma

avatara is enshrined at Tirukkachur, near Chennai.

 

Kalahasti

Significance: This ancient temple dedicated to Shiva is one of the Pancha Bhoota

Stalams (temples celebrating Shiva as the embodiment of the primary elements),

air being the element in case here, the other five temples being Tiruvannamalai

(Fire), Chidambaram (Space),Tiruvanaikkaval (Water) and Kanchipuram (Earth)

respectively.

Kalahasti is located near the pilgrimage town of Tirupati and is visited by

thousands of pilgrims. This temple is also associated with Rahu and Ketu, (of

the nine grahams or celestial bodies in the Indian astrological scheme).

Antiquity: This temple has been referred to in pre-Christian Tamil literature.

The Tamil Saivite saints of the 1st millennium CE have visited this temple and

sung its fame. The adjoining hill Dakshina Kailasam has many a fine Pallava

carving.

The Tamil Cholas and the Vijayanagara Rulers have made several endowments to

this temple. Adi Sankara is said to have visited this temple and offered

worship here. There are Chola inscriptions in this temple which date back to

the 10th century CE.

The Telugu poem 'Sri Kalahasti Satakam' explains the traditions associated with

this temple.Muthuswamy Deekshitar, one of the foremost composers in the

Karnatic Music Tradition has sung the glory of this temple in his kriti 'Sree

Kaalahasteesa'.

Other works on this temple include the Sree-Kalattipuranam of the three brothers

Karunapprakasar, Sivapprakasar and Velappa Deekshitar, Tirukkalattipuranam by

Aanandakoottar of Veerainagar and Tirukkalatti Ula by Seraikkavirayar.

Architecture: The vast west facing Kalahastiswara temple is built adjoining a

hill, and on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. At some points, the hill

serves as the wall of the temple. The temple prakarams follow the contour of

the adjoining hill and hence the temple plan is rather irregular. North of the

temple is the Durgambika hill, south is the Kannappar hill and east is the

Kumaraswamy hill.

Krishnadevaraya built a huge gopuram, a few feet away from the entrance to the

temple. The entrance to the temple is crowned with a smaller tower. There is an

underground Ganapati shrine in the outer prakaram, while in the innermost

prakaram are the shrines of Shiva and Parvati.

The present structure of the temple is a foundation of the Cholas of the 10th

century, as testified by inscriptions; improvements and additions were made

during the subsequent years of the Chola rulers of Tamilnadu and the

Vijayanagar emperors.

The Manikanteswarar temple, also in Kalahasti dates back to the period of Raja

Raja Chola I (early 11th century), and it was reconstructed in stone in 1196 by

Kulottunga III. Shiva here is also referred to as Manikkengauyudaiya Nayanar.

There is also a Vishnu shrine in this temple.

Legends associated with this temple: The legend here is similar to that of the

Jambukeswara temple at Tiruvanaikka. Shiva is said to have given salvation to a

spider, elephant and a serpent who were ardent devotees of the Shiva Lingam

located here. The spider is said to have attained salvation in Kritayuga (the

first of the four yugas in the Hindu tradition), while the elephant and the

snake were devotees in Treta Yugam, the succeeding aeon. The elephant's

devotional outpouring was a source of disturbance to the serpent's display of

devotion and vice versa, resulting in animosity between the two, until Shiva's

intervention gave both the devotees their liberation.

Kannappa Nayanaar, a hunter is said to have been a great devotee of

Kalahasteeswarar. Legend has it that he offered his own eyes to the

Shivalingam, and for this reason earned the name Kannappan (his original name

being Thinnan), and the distinction of having his statue adorn the sanctum.

Nakkiradevar, Indra, Rama, Muchukunda and others are believed to have

worshipped Shiva at this temple.

Festivals: Maha Shivaratri which occurs in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb 15

through March 15) is one of the greatest festival seasons here, and the

celebrations are marked by processions of the deities. The fifth day of the

festival in the month of Maasi coincides with the Maha Shivaratri.

Access and Accomodation: Tirupati (30km) is the nearest airport and is perhaps

the most convenient base for visiting Kalahasti as it (Tirupati) is endowed

with several modern lodging facilities. A one day trip from Chennai is also

possible, as Kalahasti is well connected by road with Tirupati and with Chennai

and is only a four to five hour drive from Chennai. If well planned, Tirupati,

Tirumala and Kalahasti can be covered in a day's trip from Chennai by car.

 

Draksharama

 

Drakasharama is located in East Godavari district near Kakinada. Rajahmundry

is the nearest airport. Draksharama constitues one of the five Arama kshetras

of Andhra Pradesh, sacred to Shiva, the other four being Kumararama,

Ksheerarama and Bheemarama and Amararama. Draksharama, Sree Sailam and

Kalahasti together constitute the three sacred Shivalingams of Andhra

Pradesh, giving it its ancient name Trilinga Desa.

Draksharama is one of the important centers of Shiva worship in Andhra Pradesh.

Several legends tie together the five Pancharama temples dedicated to Shiva.

Legend also has it that Vyasa installed the Shivalingam at Draksharama. Legend

also has it that Draksharama was the site of Daksha yagna. Since it is believed

that Sati immolated herself at the site of her father's sacrificial hall, no

sacrificial yagna rituals are performed here.

The Bhimeswara temple at Draksharama has two prakarams. The outer prakaram is

pierced with four entrances each with a gopuram. The gopuram on the west is a

five tiered one. The entrance to the inner prakaram is on the south. A pillared

two storeyed verandah lines the inner prakaram (tiruchutrumaaligai in the

ancient temples of Tamilnadu). The sculptural work in the mukha mandapam

depicts clear Chalukyan features.

There are shrines to Lakshmi Narayana, Sankaranarayana, Ganapati and the Navagrahas.

The sanctum is two storeyed. The walls surrounding both levels are beautified

with sculptural work. Two flights of stairs lead to the upper level of the

sanctum. Bhimeswara is enshrined in the form of a ten feet high Shivalingam in

the sanctum. Shiva's consort here is Manikyamba.

Mahashivaratri and Navaratri are some of the festivals celebrated here.

History: This temple was built by the Eastern Chalukyan King of Vengi - Bhima,

during very troubled times (9th -10th centuries), when his kingdom was under

attack by the Rashtrakootas. Inscriptions reveal that he had to fight as many

as 360 battles. Chalukya Bhima also built the Chalukya Bhimeswaram temple at

Samalkota nearby. The Draksharamam temple contains as many as 400 inscriptions

going back to the 11th century. These inscriptions can be traced back to the

Eastern and the Western Chalukyas as well as the Cholas and Kalinga rulers.

 

Sri SailamTemples of Andhra PradeshAbodes of Shiva >> Jyotirlinga Shrines

Significance: This is one of the greatest Saivite shrines in India and it

constitutes one of the 12 Jyotirlingam shrines of Shiva. The presiding deities

here are Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Devi).

This is an ancient temple with fort like walls, towers and a rich endowment of

sculptural work. This huge temple built in the Dravidian style with lofty

towers and sprawling courtyards is one of the finest specimens of Vijayanagar

architecture.

The Satavahanas of the 2nd century AD have referred to it and the Saivite Tamil

Saints have sung its glory. The Kakatiyas and the Vijayanagar kings (esp

Krishnadevaraya) have made several endowments here. This temple is of immense

religious, historical and architectural significance.

Antiquity The origins of this temple are buried in antiquity. The Skanda Purana

has a chapter dedicated to it. The great religious leader Aadi Sankara is said

to have visited this shrine and composed his immortal Sivananda Lahiri here.

Praise of this temple has been sung by the Tamil Saint poets of the past

millennium.

The shrine dedicated to Bhramaramba is considered to be of great significance.

Legend has it that Durga is said to have assumed the shape of a bee and

worshipped Shiva here, and chose this place as her abode.

Temples in the vicinity:

1. Tripurantakam to the east of Sree Sailam.

2. Siddavatam of Cuddapah district to the South

3. Alampur Navabhrama temples in Mahboobnagar district to the West

4. Umamaheswaram in Mahboobnagar district to the North.

5. Paladhara Panchadara - the spot where Adi Sankara is said to have meditated.

6. Hatakeswaram: another Shiva temple near Paladhara Panchadara where the lingam

was originally made of gold.

7. Sakthi Ganapathi temple: It is considered important to visit this temple

before visiting Sri Sailam.

8. Kailasa Dwaram: The main entrance to Sri Sailam for those trekking to the temple

9. Sikharam: There is a hill temple dedicated to Shiva at a height of 2850 feet

above sea level in the Nallamalai hills

10. Patalaganga: is where the bathing ghats associated with Sri Sailam are located. (Krishna river).

Tripurantakam, Siddavatam, Alampura and Umamaheswaram are considered to be the

four gateways to Sri Sailam.

 

Pancharama TemplesTemples of Andhra Pradesh Abodes of Shiva

Groups of temples constitute pilgrimage clusters all over India. Thus we have

the Pancha Bhoota shrines dedicated to Shiva, the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines

all over India, the Alwar Nava Tirupati shrines of Tirunelveli district in

Tamilnadu, Arupadai Veedu shrines of Skanda and so on. Temples in each group

are linked through a

common thread of legends and beliefs. The Pancharama temples in Andhra Pradhesh

constitute an example of one of these groups of pilgrimage centers.

Several puranic legends are associated with these five shrines and the foremost

of it has to do with the destruction of the demon Tarakasura by Skanda.

Legend has it that when Subramanya killed the demon Tarakasura, the Shivalingam

in his throat broke and fell in five different spots, which became the

Pancharama kshetras. The foremost of these is Amareswara at Amaravati where

Indra and the Devas are believed to have worshipped Shiva. The others are

Draksharama, Kumararama at Kotipalli,

Bheemarama at Samalkota and Ksheerarama or Palakollu.

Some beliefs refer to Amararama, Draksharama, Somarama at Bhimavaram, Bhimarama

or Kumararama at Samalkota and Ksheerarama at Palakollu as the five Pancharama

Kshetras, while some even refer to the Chalukya Bhimeswara temple at Bhimavaram

as Bhimarama. Thus we also have Draksharama, Amararama, Kumararama at Kotipalli,

Ksheerarama at Palakollu and Bhimarama at Bhimavaram constituting the five

Pancharama kshetras.

By all accounts Draksharama, Amararama and Ksheerarama housing tall columnar

Shivalingams fall in to the scheme of all classifications. Kumararama at

Samalkota houses a tall Shivalingam too and so do Somarama and the Bhimeswara

temples at Bhimeswaram. Thus six temples fall into this classification with

unique features common to the Pancharama temples. Although sources refer to

Kotipalli as Kumararama, its legends related to the river Godavari outweigh

references to the Tarakasura vada myth.

It is believed that the Shivalingam that shattered into five pieces was a huge

one, and the biggest of the five pieces is a fifteen foot long column of white

marble which is worshipped as Amareswara at the Amaravati temple (this is very

similar to the ten feet high Shivalingam at the Draksharama temple).

While the Arupadai veedu shrines represent the Soorasamhaara mythology (Skanda)

in Tamilnadu, the pancharama shrines are linked with the Taaraka vada mythology

again related to Skanda.

Yet another legend has it that when Shiva destroyed the three Tripuras (Tripura

Samharam), all that was left was a Shivalingam, and that he divided it into

five pieces and placed them for worship at the Pancharama shrines.

It is also beleived that the Amaravati and the Draksharama shrines were

originally centers of Buddhist worship.

Yet another legend links the pancharama kshetras. The five Shivalingams

worshipped at these shrines are said to be a part of a single Shivalingam said

to have been created by Surya or the Sun God. This original Shivalingam is said

to have been held in worship by the seven rishis - Kasyapa, Atri, Gowtama,

Kousika, Bharadwaja, Vasishta and Jamadagni. These rishis are believed to be

present in the seven tributaries of Godavari, of which the Bharadwaja, Kousika

and Jamadagni Godavaris are not in existence anymore. It is believed that the

seven rishis brought water into the Godavari

river from their points of origin. It is also believed that the waters from the

seven tributaries constitute the water sources in the temple tank.

 

KALAHASTI

Introduction

KALAHASTI is a town in the Chittoor District of Andhra, and it is a Railway

Station on the Renigunta-Gudur section. It has a temple dedicated to Lord Siva,

and is famous throughout Andhra as a sacred place and a place of pilgrimage.

This religious centre, which is situated between two steep hills, called

Sripuram and Mummidicholapuram, is said to have formed part of Seshasaila or

Mount Meru, in the ancient days.

The temple and the town are situating in beautiful natural surroundings. The

river Suvarnamukhi flows on one side of the town, which on the other side is

bounded by bills. The temple is a huge and a beautiful one, with magnificent

Gopuras.

KALAHASTI

The Siva Linga of Kalahasti is one of the five supreme Lingas representing the

five great Elements. These are installed in five great Kshetras. These Kshetras

are dedicated to the five Elements, namely, Water, Fire, Air, Ether and Earth.

The Vayu Linga is said to be installed in this Kshetras. In proof of the above,

it can be seen that in the Garbhagriha of the temple there is a light which to

this day is flickering even though there is no loophole for the air to enter

the temple.

The Linga here is said to have been worshipped in the ancient days by a spider,

a snake and an elephant. The spider worshipped the Lord by spinning a web over

it, the snake by placing a gem over it, and the elephant by washing the Linga

with water. These three are said to have attained Moksha in the temple by their

devotion to the Lord. The marks of these three are still pointed out on the

central Linga which, together with the ancient Nandi in front, is white in

color, and hence held to be Swayambu or self - manifest.

 

KALAHASTI

The river Suvarnamukhi takes a northerly course at Kalahasti and the river

washes almost the west wall of the temple. The main entrance of the temple is

on the south, though tho God faces the west.

The Puranic version for associating Kalahasti with Mount Meru is, that, as a

result of an alteration between Adisesha, the serpent God, and Vayu, the God of

the Air, three ' blocks separated themselves from Mount Meru and fell at

different places. One of these is Kalahasti. The other is at Tiruchirapalli of

the south and the third is at Trincomalee in Ceylon. Since Kalahasti is thus a

chip, which fell off Mount Meru, it is said to form part of it, though

geographically Mount Meru and Kalahasti are very far off.

 

KALAHASTI

Kalahasti is surrounded by two sacred hills, and the one in the north has a

temple of Durgamba, and the other in the south has the shrine of Kannabeswara,

in memory of Sage Kannappa, who sacrificed one of his eyes as an offering to

the Lord, and who when in the act of offering the other eye also was prevented

by the Lord himself. The temple Of Kalahastiswara is situated to the west of

Kalahasti hill. The two entrance Gopurams of the shrine is very imposing. In

the second court of the temple is an underground cell, where Lord Ganapati,

called here as Patala Vinayaka, is worshipped. This shrine which is 30 feet

beneath the surface, is said to mark the level of the river that passes by. The

sculptures of Sage Kannappa, Sakti Vinayaka, as well as the bronze figures of

the Nayanars or Saivite saints in the temple are very ancient and beautiful.

 

KALAHASTI

To the South, on the slope of the Kannappa bill, is a small shrine dedicated to

Brahma in which the Linga figures with four faces in different directions.

Close by on the boulders are bas-relief sculptures of Saivite mythology. The

Manikanteswara shrine, which is also close by, is of very ancient origin with

an important inscription. The rock-cut "mantapa to the south-east of the temple

is called the Maniganniagattam, in memory of a woman having been blessed with

the holy Taraka Mantra by the Lord Siva himself. Whispering it into her right

car.

Even now the pious and devout bring persons on the point of death, and place

them upon their right side with the ear resting upon the ground here. At the

moment of death, the body turns round upon its left side, while the spirit

escapes out of the right ear of the body.

KALAHASTI

The beginnings of the temple are lost in immemorial times. We have reference to

Kalahasti in the Skanda Purana where Arjuna is said to have visited the place

during his Tirtbayatra, worshipped Kalahastiswara. Swami, and visited the great

sage Bharadwaja Maharshi on the top of the hill, which was called Kailasagiri,

from whom he heard theSthalamahatmyam of the place, and the sacredness of The

river Suvarnamukhi.

The historical reference to this temple occurs in the work of Nakkeerar, who is

a celebrated Tamil poet and who flourished in the Third Century BC during the

last Tamil Sangam period. He has sung about this place in exquisite poetry

calling it Southern Kailash. Four great Tamil Saivite saints, namely,

Sambandar, Appar, Manikkavasagar and Sundaramurti have visited Kalahasti during

their pilgrimage and have sung about the Lord here. The later day Tamil saints

namely, Pattinathar and Sri Ramalinga Swami of Vadalur have also visited this

place, and have sung about Lord Kalahastiswara.

 

KALAHASTI

Adi Sankara, the great religious reformer who re-established the Shanmatas in

this land, has specifically sung about Sri Kannappa Nayanars in his famous

mystic poem Sivananda Lahiri.

The Temple was built the temple at the foot of Kailasagiri. Kings and later by

Tondaman Chakravarti. The Chola kings renovated and built the main temple.

Kulottunga Chola, the great Chola king, superintended the Galigopuram. Which is

the main entrance facing south, in the Eleventh Century A.D. In the Twelfth

Century A.D., King Veeranarasimha Yadavaraya built the present outer Prakaras,

and the four Gopurams connecting the four entrances of the temple.

 

KALAHASTI

The river Suvarnamukhi is also a famous one in the Puranas. In the Puranas it is

stated that Agasthya Maharshi brought this sacred river. It is a perennial

river. It is also called Uttara Vahini, as it flows from south to north at this

spot, which is a rare phenomenon. It is stated that Lord Indra got rid of his

curse from Maharshi Gautama after taking his bath in this river. Nakkeerar, the

great Tamil poet of the Sangam Age, is also said to have rid himself of a fell

disease after taking his bath in this river.

The main Lingam in the shrine is untouched till today even by the priest.

Abhisheka is being performed with Panchakarpura, or camphor mixed with water,

milk and Panchamruta. The Linga is said to be Swayambu or selfmanifest and

hence has not been touched by human hand up to now. Even this Panchakarpura

Abhisheka to the main Linga is to be performed only by the priests belonging to

Bharadwaja Gotra of Apastambha Sutra and who have undergone the prescribed

Diksha initiation in the temple. Flowers, sandal paste and the sacred thread

are being offered only to the Utsava murthy but not to the main Linga.

The most important festival in this temple is that of ahasivarathri which lasts

for ten days in February and March. The fifth day of the festival corresponds

to Sivarathri proper, when the pilgrims bathe in the river and keep vigil all

throughout the night, fasting throughout day and Night. Another big festival is

on the third day in Sankranti "When the deity is taken in a procession round the

hills which is a circuit of nearly twenty miles. There are in all eighty-five

festivals in this temple in the year.

Kalahasti is thus an ancient place mentioned extensively in the Puranas. Its

historical background runs to ages and famous mystic poets have sung it. It is

only thirty miles by road from Tirupati and one can reach it easily by road

from Gudur on the Madras-Vijayawada line. The temple is a famous and sacred one

and attracts pilgrims and devotees by thousands even now.

 

KALAHASTI

Next, the Vijayanagar rulers developed the Mantapams inside the temple and, from

an inscription of Krishandevaraya, we find that be built in 1516 A.D. the

Hundred Pillared Mantapam and the Galigopuram, which are facing west t o east.

Sri Achutaraya, of the Vijayanagar dynasty, got his coronation performed in the

presence of Lord Kalahastiswara in 1529 A.D., before he finally celebrated it

for the third and last time at Vijayanagar, his capital City. Finally, the

Natukottai Chettiars of Devakottai who are famous for their charity gave the

final shape to the temple in 1912 at a cost of nearly nine lakes of rupees.

The main entrance of the temple begins from Bikshala Galigopuram. Close to this

and facing the east, is a temple dedicated to Kasi Viswanath Swami and

Annapurna. Passing this we enter the temple Prakara called Bala Gnana-nanda

Gopuram. Next to this is the temple of Patala Ganapati. There are two wells

called Surya Pushkarani and Chandra Pushkarani and adjacent to these

Pushkaranis is a Suryanarayana temple. Close to the western gate there is a

temple of Subrahmanyaswami and also of Sadyomukti Ganapati. The Krishandevaraya

Mantapa, the Jalakoti Mantapa, the Palagar Mantapa etc. are all situated closes

by. Adjacent to these on the southern side, there is a pathway which leads to

the Bharadwaja Ashram, Kannappa Hill and the Manikarnika temple.

KALAHASTI

The main gate of the temple proper faces south, and this is clear proof that the

temple is dedicated to Dakshinamurthy, who is a manifestation of Lord Siva.

Entering the temple, we then have the Vighneswara temple to our west. There are

also idols of Appar, Sundarar and Manikkavasagar who are famous Saivite Nayanars

saints. Next comes the sacred shrine of Sri Kalahastiswara and just before the

main entrance is the idol of Kannappa, the great devotee, who, removed his eyes

as an offering to the Lord. Many rare icons like Vallablia Ganapati, Mahalaxmi

Ganapati and Saha-sralingeswara Swami also exist in the temple.

 

 

 

 

KALAHASTI

The main gate of the temple proper faces south, and this is clear proof that the

temple is dedicated to Dakshinamurthy, who is a manifestation of Lord Siva.

Entering the temple, we then have the Vighneswara temple to our west. There are

also idols of Appar, Sundarar and Manikkavasagar who are famous Saivite Nayanars

saints.

Next comes the sacred shrine of Sri Kalahastiswara and just before the main

entrance is the idol of Kannappa, the great devotee, who, removed his eyes as

an offering to the Lord. Many rare icons like Vallablia Ganapati, Mahalaxmi

Ganapati and Saha-sralingeswara Swami also exist in the temple.

 

 

KALAHASTI

The main Lingam has a pedestal and is in the shape of the trunk of an elephant

with tusks on either side or a figure of the spider at the bottom. Looked at

from the top, it presents the appearance of a snake with five hoods. The name

of the spider is 'Sri', the serpent is called 'Kala' and the elephant is called

'Hasti'. Hence these three forms combined into one goes by the name,

Srikalahasti which is held to be one of the Panchabhutalingas of the South. As

stated above, the Pancha Bhutas is the Earth, the Water, the Fire, the Wind,

and the Ether. Corresponding to these there are five Lingas, which are

worshipped, in five famous Kshetras of which Kalahasti is one, representing the

element of Vayu. The Pancha Bhuta Kshetras are Kanchipuram representing Prithvi

or earth, the Jambukeswara representing Appu or water, Arunachala representing

Tejas or light, Sri

Kalahasti representing Vayu or air, and Chidambaram representing Akash or ether.

There is a light in the innermost Garbhagriha of the temple, which is always

flickering, as if it is being blown by wind, even though there are no holes or

windows anywhere there. This is said to represent the Vayu element from which

the temple is derived.

 

KALAHASTI

There are many legends about this temple, one of which states that the spider,

the serpent and the elephant, performed Puja to the main Linga in the Krita

Yuga. While the spider wove a net above the Lingam to protect it from the Sun

and rain, the elephant with its trunk used to get water from the river and

perform Abhishekam, while the serpent worshipped the Lord with his Phani.

The legend goes that the serpent was unaware of the worship of the spider and

elephant. One day during its Puja the serpent found some Bilva leaves and some

Abhisheka tirtharn near the Lord. It therefore thought that some one was

harming the Lord, and hence surrounded the Lord to observe the mischief maker.

Next day the elephant as usual came with water in his trunk to perform the

Puja.

 

KALAHASTI

Thinking that the elephant was spoiling- the sanctity of the Linga, the serpent

got into its trunk. The elephant unable to resist the pain dashed its trunk

against the Lingam, thereby crushing the serpent and the Spider, and itself

being unable to bear the pain it also died on the spot. Lord Siva gave Mukti to

all the above three, being satisfied with their devotion, and hence it is that

the Kshetra is called Sri Kalahasti. The Linga contains in it traces of these

three also.

 

 

 

 

 

 

KALAHASTI

There is another very interesting and devotional legend connected with

Kalahasti, namely the story of a great Saivite Bhakta called Kannappa. Kannappa

was a hunter who was called Tinnappa before he became a saint, and be lived in

the forest hunting animals. He was a great Bhakta of the Lord, and he used to

offer the flesh of the animals to the Lord first as sacrament after tasting if

they were good enough to be offered to the Lord. To test his sincerity and

devotion, the Lord one day made it appear as if water was dropping from the eye

of the Lingam. Tinnappa. Thought that some one had harmed the Lord, and

immediately without any hesitation removed one of his own eyes and offered it

to the Lord in place of the one from which water was flowing. The water from

the eye of the Lord stopped at once. After some time Tinnappa noticed that the

other eye of the Lord was also affected. He at once began to remove his

other eye also to offer it to the Lord as he did with his first.

KALAHASTI

Since on removal of both his eyes he would become blind, and would not be able

to locate the Lord's eye, he with his left foot marked the place of the Lord's

eye, so that by feeling the eye of the Lord with his leg he could locate the

exact spot where the Lord's eye was and replace it with his own eye. At that

time the Lord, pleased with the strength of his devotion, gave him Darsan and

restored his eyesight and also gave him the name "Kannappa," that is, one who

gave his eyes to the Lord. Pleased with his devotion the Lord also ordained

that be should be near the Lingam permanently. Therefore we find the idol of

Kannappa near the Lingam and Pujas are first offered to him and then only to

the Lord. On the top of the hill there is another temple of Kannappa Nayanar.

The Goddess here is called Gnana Prasannamba and is said to be the sister of

Lord Venkateswara. of Tirupati. She is called Gnana Prasannamba, because she

bestows Gnana. or the Supreme knowledge of reality, on those who worship her

with devotion. She was the first to inform Indra, king of Devatas, of the

nature of Parabrabma and hence she is so named. There is a small anecdote about

this in the Gnana Upanishad.

 

KALAHASTI

Kalahasti and the hill Kailasagiri are famous in the Puranas. According to the

Skanda, Saiva, and Linga Puranas, the idol of Sri Kalahastiswara is said to

have been brought by Brahma the Creator from Mount Kailash as a gift from Lord

Iswara. According to the instructions of the Lord, he kept the idol and

worshipped the same, so that he may by his worship recollect the process of

creation, which was forgotten by him. Hence it is that the hill is called

Kailasagiri.

In the Kalabasti Sthalapurana it is clearly stated as to which Rishis worshipped

which Lingam in each of the four yugas in order to attain salvation. The

Sthalapurana, states. That when Brahma the Creator began to perform penance in

the presence of this Linga, Lord Siva left Kailash and took his abode in this

idol. Goddess Parvati finding that she had been left along herself, also came

to this Linga and began her Pujas and penance. During this period Durga was her

attendant. After the completion of the penance of Brahma and Parvati, Lord Siva

gave Darsan to them. Durga, the attendant, was also granted a boon, and

according to her wish she was converted into a Goddess. Hence there is a bill

here called Durga hill. The Lord and the Goddess are taken out in procession on

two occasions---on the ninth day of Mahashivaratri festival and on

Makarasankranti day.

KALAHASTI

The following Tirthas within the Kailasagiri hills are famous and sacred. 1.

Harahar Tirtham, which is three miles from Kalahasti, 2. Kalinga Tirtham, which

is five miles from Kalahasti towards the east, 3. Sahasra Linga Tirtham which is

five miles southwest of Kalahasti, 4. Markandeya Tirtham, six and a half miles

from Sahasra Linga Tirtham, 5. Mayura Tirtharn, named after Mayura Maharshi, 6.

Bharadwaja Tirtham, which is three and a half miles from the main temple, 7.

Narada Tirtham in the entree of the town, 8. Saraswati Tirtham, which is said

to have the property of making the dumb people speak if they take the water of

this as Prasada for forty days, 9. Suka Tirtharn after Suka Maharshi, 10.

Brahma Tirtham, 11. Manikarnika Tirtharn and 12. Tatwa Prakasa Tirtham.

 

 

KALAHASTI

The river Suvarnamukhi is also a famous one in the Puranas. In the Puranas it is

stated that Agasthya Maharshi brought this sacred river. It is a perennial

river. It is also called Uttara Vahini, as it flows from south to north at this

spot, which is a rare phenomenon. It is stated that Lord Indra got rid of his

curse from Maharshi Gautama after taking his bath in this river. Nakkeerar, the

great Tamil poet of the Sangam Age, is also said to have rid himself of a fell

disease after taking his bath in this river.

The main Lingam in the shrine is untouched till today even by the priest.

Abhisheka is being performed with Panchakarpura, or camphor mixed with water,

milk and Panchamruta. The Linga is said to be Swayambu or selfmanifest and

hence has not been touched by human hand up to now. Even this Panchakarpura

Abhisheka to the main Linga is to be performed only by the priests belonging to

Bharadwaja Gotra of Apastambha Sutra and who have undergone the prescribed

Diksha initiation in the temple. Flowers, sandal paste and the sacred thread

are being offered only to the Utsava murthy but not to the main Linga.

KALAHASTI

The most important festival in this temple is that of Mahasivarathri which lasts

for ten days in February and March. The fifth day of the festival corresponds

to Sivarathri proper, when the pilgrims bathe in the river and keep vigil all

throughout the night, fasting throughout day and Night. Another big festival is

on the third day in Sankranti "When the deity is taken in a procession round the

hills which is a circuit of nearly twenty miles. There are in all eighty-five

festivals in this temple in the year.

Kalahasti is thus an ancient place mentioned extensively in the Puranas. Its

historical background runs to ages and famous mystic poets have sung it. It is

only thirty miles by road from Tirupati and one can reach it easily by road

from Gudur on the Madras-Vijayawada line. The temple is a famous and sacred one

and attracts pilgrims and devotees by thousands even now.

 

About 36 km from Tirupati is the great saivaita temple of Sri Kalahastisvara and

Gnana Prasannambika in Sri Kalahasti (Chitoor district). It too dates from

ancient times. In time it developed from a jungle shrine to its present

imposing size.

The main temple in the town is dedicated to Sri Kalahasthisvara and Gnana

Prasannambika. There is an other of Manikantesvara. There are also sculptures

on a hill named dakshina kailasa. This hill is curved in shape and at some

places in the Sri Kalahasthisvara temple forms its walls. A river, the

Svarnamukhi, flows by the temples.

The temple is rich in tradition and history. It has 200 inscriptions, ranging in

date from the fourth year of Rajaraja I Cholo, corresponding to 989 A.D., to the

reign of Sadasiva, of Vijayanagar, dated 1565 A.D. The traditions are embodied

in a fine Telugu poem by the famous poet, Dhurjati, named "Sri Kalahasthi

Satakam". One of them explains why the Lord has received the name of

Kalahasthisvara, or the Lord of the spider and the elephant. Another legend,

enshrined in Tamil hagiology, describes the association with the original

jungle temple of a wild hunter named Kannappa.

According to the first story, in the Kritayuga, the first story, the first of

the four aeons of Hindu cosmography, a spider, which was a devotee of Lord

Siva, came to live in this temple and began to adorn the sanctum with mansions

secreted out of itself. The Lord decided to test its devotion. The structures

of filament were one day destroyed by a fire form a lamp in the vicinity. The

spider, struck with grief, prayed to the Lord for protection and attacked the

lamp. The Lord intervened and gave it salvation.

In the Tretayuga, the succeeding aeon, a serpent from the nether world daily

used to offer worship to the Lord with gems. In the Dvaparayuga, the third

aeon, an elephant began worshiping the Lord. One day it removed the gems the

serpent had placed in front of the Linga and offered worship with flowers and

offered worship with flowers and Bilva leaves. When, the next day, the snake

saw these, it thought that somebody had desecrated the Linga. It removed them

and replaced the jewels. The succeeding day the elephant removed the jewels and

placed its own flowers and leaves. This went on for a number of days. At last,

both the snake and the elephant found its own offerings undisturbed, it

happily proceeded to replace them with fresh flowers and leaves. The snake,

which had hidden itself, at this, crawled into the elephant's trunk and bit

it. Maddened with pain, the elephant dashed itself against a rock. Both it and

the

snake were killed. But the Lord, out of His mercy, gave them liberation. It was

thus that He gave salvation to the spider, the snake and the elephant.

The story of Kannappa, the tribesman, who worshipped the Lord in his rough way

and earned salvation, is told by the great apostle and philosopher, Sri

sankara, in his Sanskrit poem, "Sivananda Lahari", and by sekkizhar, the Tamil

poet of the twelfth century, in his masterpiece, "Periya Puranam".

Thinna, a wild tribesman, was a devotee of Sri Kalahasthisvara. He used to offer

Him in worship raw meat after tasting it himself to make sure that it would be

acceptable. He would also bring water in his mouth and offer it. Another

devotee who regularly used to offer worship, one day, found the temple

desecrated, as he thought. He cleaned up the shrine and performed worship with

proper rituals. But Thinna returned, swept away the flowers and leaves with his

footwear and offered worship in his crude way. This went on for four days.

On the fifth night the Lord appeared to the other devotee in a dream and

directed him to hide himself behind the Linga the next day so that he could see

the love of a true devotee. He said that he esteemed the meat and the unclean

water Thinna offered Him more than any other kind of offering. What the devotee

saw the next day when Thinna arrived to offer worship was that, as the Lord had

resolved to test Thinna's devotions, blood began to flow from one of the

Linga's eyes. Thinna was overcome with grief. Try as he might, he could not

staunch the flow of blood. Thereupon, he removed an eye of his own with an

arrow and offered it to the Lord. The bleeding in the affected eye stopped, but

blood began to flow from the other eye. Thinna, in desperate grief, resolved to

take out his second eye too. In doing so, he placed his shod left foot on the

Linga's eye and began removing his own eye with an arrow. The Lord stopped him

and said that, since he had offered him his "kannus", or eyes, he would

hereafter be known as Kannappa and would ever stand by Him and be near and dear

to Him. This is why there is an image of Kannappa in the sanctum.

That the temple is of very ancient origin is clear from the fact the Nakkirar, a

Tamil poet of the Sangam age, has sung of it. Sri Sankara and three of the four

great Tamil Saivaite saints, called the Nayanmars, who lived in the seventh and

eighth centuries, worshipped at the temple. The fourth Nayanmar,

Manikkavachagar, sang of it.

Since the Prakaras of the temple follow the curves of the hill contiguous to it,

its plan is rather irregular. Like many a south Indian temple, it developed from

time to time. The Cholos and the Vijayanagar Rayas have made the largest

structural contributions. There is a pallava touch about the rock sculptures.

The huge gopura, on the eastern bank of the Svarnamukhi, which stands a few

metres from the entrance gopura, was built by Krishnadeva in 1516. It is of

seven tires. There is a smaller gopura at the entrance. In the first prakara

there are shrines of Kasi Visvesvara and of Devi. The entrance into the second

prakara is through a gopura built by Krishnadeva in 1516. It is of seven tiers.

There is a smaller gopura at the entrance. In the first prakara there are

shrines of Kasi Visvesvara and of Devi. The entrance into the second prakara is

through a gopura built not at the centre, but at the north-west corner, because

an arm of the hill juts into the eastern half. There are many shrines in this

prakara too. One of these is an underground one. There is a long mandapa named

after Krishnadeva. In the centre of the third enclosure there is a raised

platform, and on this stand the shrines of Sri Kalahasthisvara and Gnana

Prasannambika.

The manikantesvara is situated about 200m to the south-east of this fane. While

the sanctum is empty, there are images in the other shrines of the temple.

The bas reliefs on a hill nearby named Dakshina Kailasa seem to be of Pallava

date, of the seventh century.

Sri Kalahasti town has been famous for its manufactures of "kalamkari", or

temple clothes and hanging. They are made in the freehand style, without the

use of blocks. This craft, which was in danger of extinction, has been revived

now.

Eight km from Sri Kalahasti, in the village of Tondamanad, there are two Cholo

temples, the Adityesvara and Virirunda Perumal. The former is a sepulchral

temple, commemorating Aditya I, the Cholo king, who seems to have died there or

thereabouts.

In Gudimallam, a village in the same taluk, the Parasuramesvara temple is

notable for its Linga. The original structure of the temple is Pallava, and the

later additions are Cholo. The Linga seems to be of very ancient date.

 

The Saivaite temples of Srisailam, celebrated in devotion, tradition and history

from the second century A.D., stand on a plateau on the top of a hill named

Srisailam, Sriparvata or Srigiri, in the Nallamalai ranges in Kurnool district.

The Lord, Mallikarjuna, and His Consort, Bhramaramba, are held in great

veneration by countless devotees.

A distinctive feature of the temples is that they are located in a large prakara

enclosed by sculptured walls. In fact, the temple area looks like a fort, The

walls are 8.5 m high and, north to south 183 m long and, east to west 152 m

broad . They are made of huge blocks of stone revetted to each other. There are

sculptures in Profusion on the northern, eastern and southern walls, and fewer

ones on the western.

There are five regular rows of sculpture on the walls from above the base. The

first contains figures of the elephant in many postures. The next has reliefs

of the horse, the warrior, the hunter and the dancer. The next three are full

of superb sculpture representing Deities and scenes from Saivaite traditions.

Above these there are occasional reliefs of Deities, birds and animals. On the

copings of the walls are Lingas, nandis, the lion, the swan. "from a distance

these walls look like a well arranged picture gallery".

The earliest recorded reference to the Srisailam region occures in a Satavahana

inscription in an excavated shrine in Nashik, in Maharashtra. It belongs to the

second century A.D. In the fourth a queen of the Vakataka dynasty, which had

succeeded the Satavahanas in a part of the Deccan, was a great devotee of Lord

Mallikarjuna of Srisailam. Most of the dynasties that followed showered gifts

on the Srisailam temples. As late as the fourteenth century a Kakatiya king and

queen performed the spectacular ceremony in the Mallikarjuna temple of weighing

themselves against precious objects, which were distributed among the poor and

deserving. A king of Kondavidu, who followed the Kakatiyas, constructed steps

on the Srisailam hill and placed golden pinnacles on the Vimana of the

Mallikarjuna temple.

Krishnadeva made many valuable gifts to the temple and some of his officers

built additions to it. But perhaps the most striking incident in the history of

the temples is the visit of Shivaji in 1674. He was so deeply moved that he

attempted to take his life and was prevented with great difficulty. He is said

to have built one of the gopuras. He left behind a small contingent of Maratha

soldiers to defend the temples. When some Muslims attempted to attack them,

these resisted them to the last man. To this day descendants of these brave men

come to celebrate a festival in their honour.

The Lord and the hill figure prominently in the devotional literature of no less

than four languages, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada and Tamil. An incident here

concerning Arjuna, in the "Mahabharatha", is sculptured on the prakara walls.

All the shrines except one stand in a group within the prakara walls. The

exception, that of the Goddess, is located a little farther away. Four gopuras

pierce the walls in the four directions. Only the base of the western tower has

survived, the other parts have fallen down. All the three other gopuras are of

Vijayanagar times. The most striking is the northern, later named after

Shivaji. It contains some superb panel reliefs.

The structures within the compound were built from time to time and also

repaired as occasion offered. The main temple of Lord Mallikarjuna stands near

a mandapa named the Virasiromani. The mukhamandapa of the temple was built in

1405. The vimana, in a peculiar style, belongs to the tenth century. There are

innumerable shrines around this temple and also a few pillared verandahs. Some

of these contains fine sculptures.

The shrine of the Goddess stands at a distance from all these. It seems to have

been reconstructed in the sixteenth century. On the way there are many shrines.

One of these belongs to the eighth century. Access is by a flight of steps.

A part of the Srisailam pilgrimage is a visit to the Patalaganga in order to

bathe there. Many pilgrims carry the water uphill in order to bathe the icon of

Lord Mallikarjuna. The pathway is 4 km long and on either sides there are many

shrines. One of them is the temple of Umamehasvara, considered artistically the

finest in Srisailam. It is in the late Vijaynagar style and contains some

splendid sculpture. It should be dated to the six-teenth century on the basis

of the similarity of style with Venkataramana temple of Tadpatri.

Perhaps the oldest structure on Srisailam is the Vriddha Mallikarjuna, or the

Old Mallikarjuna temple. This is to be ascribed to the seventh century. It

stands near the Mallikarjuna temple.

 

PILGRIMAGE TOURS > TIRUTHANI – KALAHASTI- TIRUPATHI TOUR

TIRUTHANI

The famous shrine of lord subramania with his two wives is on a hill top is one

of the must visit shrines of lord muruga devotees.Sri Kalahasti

There’s nothing like a good story to add flavor to your tour. Close to Tirupati,

is the sacred shrine of Vayu the wind God at Kalahasti town. There’s a legend

that the Linga here was worshipped by a spider (Sri), a snake (Kala) and an

elephant (hastri). And that’s how Sri Kalahastri got its name.Thirumala -

Tirupati

Climb or drive high up to Tirumala, nestling among the seven hills in the

Eastern Ghats. Catch the exquisitely carved gold gopuram of the Lord

Venkateswara Temple, glinting in the sun. The Tirumala shrine is a masterpiece

of Dravidian architecture. This ancient temple has also found a mention in

various Sastras and Puranas. That’s not all. There are other famous shrines in

Tirupati town - Govindarajaswamy, Kodanda Ramaswamy, Tiruchanur (Goddess

Padmavathi), Kapila Theertham (Lord Shiva) and Srinivasa Mangapuam (Sri

Venkateswara).

 

Vayu Sthalam (Wind)

 

Sree Kalahasteeswara Temple at Sri Kalahasti near Tirupati

This ancient temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams (Celebrating Shiva as

main deity). Air is the main element here. It is located near the pilgrimage

town of Tirupati and is visited by thousands of pilgrims. This temple is also

associated with Rahu and Ketu, (of the nine grahams or celestial bodies in the

Indian astrological scheme).

This temple has been referred to in pre-Christian Tamil literature. The Tamil

Saivite saints have visited this temple and sung its fame. The adjoining hill

Dakshina Kailasam has many a fine Pallava carving. The Tamil Cholas and the

Vijayanagara Rulers have made several endowments to this temple. Adi Sankara is

said to have visited this temple and offered worship here. There are Chola

inscriptions in this temple which date back to the 10th century AD. The Telugu

poem 'Sri Kalahasti Satakam' explains the traditions associated with this

temple.Muthuswamy Deekshitar, one of the foremost composers in the Karnatic

Music Tradition has sung the glory of this temple in his kriti 'Sree

Kaalahasteesa'.

The vast Kalahastiswara temple is built adjoining a hill, and on the banks of

the river Swarnamukhi. At some points, the hill serves as the wall of the

temple. The temple prakarams follow the contour of the adjoining hill and hence

the temple plan is rather irregular. Sri Krishnadevaraya built a huge gopuram, a

few feet away from the entrance to the temple. The entrance to the temple is

crowned with a smaller tower. There is an underground Ganapati shrine in the

outer prakaram, while in the innermost prakaram are the shrines of Shiva and

Parvati.

The legend here is similar to that of the Jambukeswara temple at Tiruvanaikka.

Shiva is said to have given salvation to a spider, elephant and a serpent who

were ardent devotees of the Shiva Lingam located here. The spider is said to

have attained salvation in Kritayuga (the first of the four yugas in the Hindu

tradition), while the elephant and the snake were devotees in Treta Yugam, the

succeeding aeon. The elephant's devotional outpouring was a source of

disturbance to the serpent's display of devotion and vice versa, resulting in

animosity between the two, until Shiva's intervention gave both the devotees

their liberation. Kannappa, a tribal is said to have been a great devotee of

Kalahasteeswara. Legend has it that he offered his own eyes to the Shivalingam,

and for this reason earned the name Kannappa (his original name being Thinna),

and the distinction of having his statue adorn the sanctum.

Tirupati (30km) is the nearest airport and is perhaps the most convenient base

for visiting Kalahasti as it (Tirupati) is endowed with several modern lodging

facilities. A one day trip from Chennai is also possible, as Kalahasti is well

connected by road with Tirupati and with Chennai and is only a four to five

hour drive from Chennai. If well planned, Tirupati, Tirumala and Kalahasti can

be covered in a day's trip from Chennai by car.

Kalahasthiswara Temple

Shiva

 

Idols :

Kalahasthiswara,GnanaPrasannambika

Description :

The Saivaite temple of Sri Kalahasthisvara and Gnana Prasannambika in Kalahasti,

is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kalahasti, 38 kms to the South of Tirupati is

revered as one of the Pancha Bhutha Sthalas. Here the Linga is "Swayambhu" and

considered to be in the form of Vayu(wind). The remaining four Pancha Bhutha

Sthalas are Tiruvannamalai(fire), Tiruvannaikaval(water), Kanchipuram(Earth)

and Chidambaram(Sky). In this temple, the lamp inside the sanctum keeps

flickering inspite of lack of any air inside. It is also considered as a Nava

Graha Sthala dedicaed to Rahu and Kethu. This is the place where Rahu and Kethu

grahas were blessed by Lord Shiva. The other Nava Graha Sthalas dedicated to

Rahu and Kethu are Tirunageswaram and Kizhaperampallam respectively. The

Puranic version of the origin of the temple is that a spider(Sri), a

snake(kala) and an elephant(Hasti) worshipped the Lord here and attained mukti.

Hence the name of

the Lingam was called as Sri Kalahasthiswara. His consort is Gnana

Prasannambika. The deities of Balaganapathy, Annapoorni and Viswanatha are

enshrined here. Patalaganapathy is an underground cell. A river,the

Swarnamukhi, flows by the temples. Sri Kalahasti town has been famous for its

manufacturers of "Kalamkari",or temple clothes and hangings.

Architecture :

The temple is rich in tradition and history. It has 200 inscriptions, ranging in

date from the fourth year of Rajaraja Chola I. The prakaras of the temple follow

the curves of the hill contiguous to it, its plan is rather irregular. The

Cholas and the Vijayanagar Rayas have made the largest structural

contributions. The huge gopura, on the eastern bank of the Swarnamukhi, which

stands a few meters from the entrance gopura was built by Krishnadeva in 1516.

In the centre of the third enclosure there is a raised platform, and on this

stand stands the shrines of Sri Kalahastiswara and Gnana Prasannambika.

Festivals :

Maha Sivarathri, Navarathri Brahmotsavam

Legends & Myths :

Legend says that, a tribal hunter by name Thinna saw a priest doing Siva puja.

The hunter became so devoted that he started worshipping the Lord in his own

way by offering meat. One day when Thinna saw the eyes of the Lord bleeding, he

offered his own eyes. Lord Shiva blessed him by calling his devotee Kannappa.

The image of Kannappa is enshrined next to Sri Kalahastiswara, in the temple.

Sri Sankara and three of the four great Tamil Saivaite saints, called the

Nayanmars, who lived in the seventh and eighth centuries, has worshipped the

temple.

Location :

SriKalahasti,AndhraPradesh

Transportation :

Air: Tirupathi(30 km) Road: Well connected to all major towns Rail: Situated on

Gundur-Renigunta line of South Central Railway.

Near by Temples :

Venkateshwara temple (Tirumala),Govuindaraja temple(Tirupathi),Manikantesvara temple

 

KALAHASTI - VAYU LINGA

12th Mar 2002

This is the only pancabhUta kShEtra outside Tamilnadu. Situated in Andhra

Pradesh near Tirupati, Sree Kalahasti is one of the most sacred Saivite

shrines. Shiva was worshipped here by a spider (srI), a snake (kALa) and an

elephant (hastI) reminding us of Tiruvanaikkaval. The hunter Thinna's story is

famous. Thinna once saw a priest performing pUjA. From then on Thinna also used

to offer worship to a Sivalinga atop a hill with water which he brought in his

mouth and meat which he offered as naivEdyA to the Lord. One day he saw the

Lord's eyes bleeding. Thinna offered his own eyes to Siva. This was the Lord's

own lIlA in order to prove Thinna's great devotion to the world. Thenceforth,

Thinna was called Kannappa and he is celebrated by Sekkizhar as one of the 63

nAyanmArs. The hill on which Kannappa Nayanar performed pUjA to the Sivalinga

is revered as dakShiNa kailAsA.

Rahu and Ketu, the two nodes of the moon, worshipped Shiva here and hence this

kShEtra is a Navagraha sthala too.

The vAyu linga is housed in a vast temple that abounds in sculptural wealth

adjacent to the hill on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi.

The Cholas and the Vijayanagar kings built gopurams and other structures and

patronised this temple. In the inner sanctum, there is a lamp which keeps

flickering signifying the air element.

Muttuswami Dikshitar visited Sri Kalahasti during the time he lived at Manali

near Madras. shrI kALahastIsha is the kriti that represents vAyu. For this

kriti again, Dikshitar has utilised a rAga which does not offer much scope.

Nevertheless, the genius that he was, Dikshitar has coaxed the maximum melody

from husEni. In the Venkatamakhi nomenclature the rAga is known as hushAni. The

composer mentions the story of Kannappa Nayanar in the caraNa madhyamakAlA.

Dikshitar also wrote a separate piece on the Goddess in the rAga kalyANI,

jnAnaprasUnAmbikE.

Special References Relative to Air

The element here is vAyu or air. In the pallavi, the Lord is described as a

zephyr for those seeking refuge in him (shrtajanAvanasamIrAkAra). The

anupallavi further describes the Lord as the life breath of Indra, Brahma and

Vishnu (pAkArividhihariprANamayakOsha) and as radiating through the five

elements (anila AkAsha bhUmi salila agni prakAsha). The order in which

Muttuswamy Dikshitar places the elements here is interesting. The first is the

subject of the kriti (air) which he refers to with the word 'anila', followed

by the others in the cyclic order if vAyu is taken as the first element: AkAsha

(space), bhUmi (earth), salila (water), agni (fire). The Lord is described as

the slayer of Manmatha whose arrows are flowers (sUnasharasUdana). Later

Manmatha was resurrected and remains invisible to all but his wife. Like the

wind, he cannot be seen but can be experienced.

This kriti does not have many relevant phrases to the concerned element.

For a complete translation of the kriti, visit

http://www.sangeetham.com/kritis/shrI_kALahastIsha.htmFor an article on the

temple, visit http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s089.html

Spell of divinity

To capture the essence of eternity, kings of various dynasties patronised sacred

shrines as a mark of their unswerving faith, gratitude or as fulfilment of vows.

With a manifold sacred pilgrim spots Andhra Pradesh is a home for many

religions. Most famous among the Hindu pilgrimage spots is Tirumala-Tirupati in

Chittoor district. There are several picturesque sights around the

Tirumala-Tirupati hills. Situated around one km from the Tirumala temple is a

unique natural stone arch believed to be the source of Lord Venkateswara's

idol. the Akasa Ganga falls and Papa Vinasanam dam are serene and beautiful.

The Govindaraja temple, Shri Kapileswaraswami temple and a charming waterfall

are worth seeing in Tirupati. About 10 km away lies Tiruchanur, the next most

sacred spot that enshrines goddess Alemelu Manga, the divine consort of Lord

Venkateswara.

Sri Kalahasti Temple

Sri Kalahasti situated 36 km away is famed for its Vayudeva temple which is the

only shrine of the god of wind in India. Constructed in the 12th century by the

Chola king Rajarajendra, Vayu is incarnated as Lord Shiva and worshipped as Sri

Kalahasteeswara. The story goes that the linga here was invoked by a spider

(Sri), snake (Kala) and an elephant (Hasti). Hence the town was aptly referred

to as Sri Kalahasti.

Narayanavanam, distanced 36 km has a temple dedicated to Lord Kalyana

Venkateswaraswamy. It is believed that this was the venue of the sacred

marriage between Lord Venkateswara and goddess Padmavathi.

Nagalapuram has the Vedanarayanaswamy temple built by Krishnadevaraya and his

mother Nagamba. Every year in March this town stirs into festivity for the

Surya Puja when the rays of the sun fall on the deity's feet, navel and

forehead at different times of the day.

Yadagirigutta in Nalgonda district is the state's second most famous

Vaishnavaite shrine. Here three of the nine forms of Lord Narasimha (Vishnu)

are manifested as Ghandhabherunda, Yogananda and Jwala. A lamp marks the

latter's presence. The reigning deity Lakshminarayanaswamy is enshrined at a

height of 178 m on account of a rare structure of rock within the premises. The

majestic five storied gopuram and the Vaikunta Dwaram or 'Gateway to Heaven' are

impressive. A 10 day Vaishnavaite festival, the Kalyana mahotsavam is celebrated

with immense religious fervour.

Alampur is the gateway to Dravidian architecture. It is literally a confluence

of the three styles of Chalukya, Hoysala and eastern Ganga kings. Temple of

Navabrahma is similar to Orissa shrines. The ones at Papanatham are typically

Chalukyan. Constructed in brown stone and sandstone, the trellis work in the

two temples are impressive. Balabrameshwara is the presiding deity and the

goddess named Yogini or Jogulamba here is revered as one among the eighteen

shaktis found elsewhere in India.

Srisailam is the venue of yet another devout shrine. The Bharamaramba

Mallikarjunaswamy temple atop a 457 m high hill is the spot with one of the 12

Jyothirlingas. It is also the sacred site having another of the 18 shaktis.

Mahakali is manifested as Bharamba. Stone sculpture narrates episodes from the

Ramayana and Mahabharata. A fairly large crowd gathers here during

Mahasivaratri.

Ahobilam is the sole shrine in the country where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in all nine forms.

Pushpagiri in Cuddapah district is a remarkable temple complex built by a Chola

king to prevent evil omens affecting his kingdom. The famous Chennakesavaswamy

temple with its magnificent carvings is a famed pilgrim spot for both

Vaishnavaites and Saivaites.

Lepakshi in Anantapur district is known for its Veerabhadra temple built in

Vijayanagar style. Rich frescoes, a collection of intricately carved sculpture

and ornate pillars are a pride and glory of this 16th century edifice. The

hanging tower here is an architectural marvel. The imposing statue of Basavanna

or Nandi is a marvel chiselled out of a single rock and is said to be the

largest in India. Records have it that when Krishnadevaraya visited this

magnificent citadel, he was taken aback by the lavishness exhibited and smashed

the idol of the reigning deity Lord Veerabhadra. The gruesome incident gave the

town its name 'Leepa-Akshi' which meant blinded eyes.

The Godavari bank in Rajamundry has the Markandaya and Kotilingeswara temples

that are also devout spots.

Bhadrachalam in Khammam district near Warangal is well known for the Sri Seetha

Ramachandraswamy temple. Here all 48 aspects of Lord Vishnu are depicted.

The village of Kalesai is venerated as the 'Kashi of the south'. The

Mukteswaraswamy temple here has the rare distinction of having two lingams, one

for Lord Shiva and the other for Yama. Each of these are guarded by seven hooded

stone cobras.

Medak is a holy shrine for the Christian community. A beautiful cathedral with a

soaring facade 61 meters high has a capacity of 5000 people and is remarkable

for its craftsmanship.

Kolanupak is a centre of Jain faith Formerly a second capital town of the

Chalukyas of Kalyani, the 2000 year old Jain Mandir here is ranked as a

venerated spot for the community. The 1.5 meters tall image of Mahaveer is

carved in jade and the entire complex is embellished with exquisite idols of

Tirthankaras.

The Hazratbal mosque in Vijayawada has a sacred relic of the Prophet Mohammed

and is a famous shrine of the Muslims.

 

 

 

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Sri Padmavathi Temple at Tiruchanoor

Tiruchanoor Temple

Tirupati yatra is incomplete without a visit to this temple. Sri Padmavathi is

the divine consort of Lord Venkateswara. 'Kalyanotsavam' is performed here as

in Tirumala between 10.30 a.m. and 12 noon every day. Five members are allowed

(Rs. 500/-). Special darshan (Rs. 5/-) is advisable. Darshan starts from 6.30

a.m. on Weekdays and from 8.00 a.m. on Fridays. Tiruchanoor (also known as

Alarmelu Mangapuram) is 4 km from Tirupati. Buses ply throughout the day.

Sri Kalahasti

Sri Kalahasti - Temple View

This famous Saivite temple in Kalahasti, 38 km from Tirupati, is one of the

Panchabhoota Kshetras. Located on the banks of river Swarnamukhi, Sri Kalahasti

Temple is one of the most ancient temples in South India. Lord Siva is

worshipped here in the form of Vayu Linga (one of the elements air). The legend

says that Sri (spider), Kala (cobra) and Hasti (elephant) worshipped Lord Siva

here and attained Moksha. Hence this place is known as Srikalahasti. Kannappa

Nayanar (a tribal hunter) attained salvation in this place by offering his eyes

to this Lord.

Sri Kalahasti Temple is also famous for performing Sarpadosha (RahuKetu)

Nivaarana Pooja. The fee is Ps. 150/- inclusive of Pooja material. Many

pilgrims perform this pooja here.

Sri Gnana Prasoonambika is the consort of the Lord and abhishekams are also

performed for her as for Sri Kalahasteeswara.

Patala Ganapati is a small underground temple located in the same complex.

Pilgrims should make it a point to visit this interesting place. One has to bow

down carefully to worship this Ganapati 20 feet below on a very narrow

staircase.

Kannappa Temple is on a hillock adjacent to the temple from where we can view

the temple town of Sri Kalahasti.

Parvati Temple and Lord Subramanya Temple are the other temples to be visited in Sri Kalahasti.

 

Darshan Timings

6.00 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Entry

Rs. ss2/-

Special Entrance

Rs.10/-

Abhishekam Timings

7.30, 9.30, 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.

Fee for Abhishekam

Rs. 501/-

Fee for Rudrabhishekam

Rs. 250/-

Accommodation

Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple Devasthanam provides 60 suites

Tariff

 

Non-AC

Rs. 75/-, Rs. 100/-, Rs. 150/-

AC Suites

Rs. 150/-, Rs. 250/-

RTC buses ply throughout the day from Tirupati to Sri Kalahasti.

 

Lord Srikalahasteeswara

Sri Kalahasti, also known as Dakshina Kailasam is a very sacred place. Please

make it a point to visit Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple during your Tirupati yatra.

Courtesy:Papagari ChenchaiahJayarama Rao Street, Srikalahasti.

Dayasindhu The White Spot On The Lords Chin

Suprabhatam

Sri Ramanuja

The Greatness of Tirumala

Getting to Tirumala

Tirumala Guideline Map

Sevas & Rituals

Free Facilities

Important Festivals/Dates

Prasadams

Food & Shopping at Tirumala

Queues at Tirumala

Ekanta Seva

Schemes

Performing Marriages at Tirumala/Tirupati

Offering Hair

Other Temples and Holy Places of Tirumala and Tirupati

Darshan

Inside the Temple

Brahmotsavam

Accommodation in Tirupati

Accommodation in Tirumala

HOME

 

 

 

 

Kolanpuka

This temple is famous as the jain temple of Mahavira , 2000 years old, having

1.5 meters high image of Mahavira.Kolanupaka became the second capital of the

Kalyani Chalukyas in the 11th century. The memorial stones have been preserved

well for the last thousand years by the people. Besides the famous Jain temple,

you can also find here the Shri Veeranarayana temple and the Shri Someshwara

temple and the Kolanupaka site museum.

Bhadrachalam Temple

This pilgrim centre is known for the temple of Sita Ramachandra. The Godavari

river flows here quietly but gracefully. The uniqueness of the temple is that

the idol of Lord Rama has a bow in one hand along with Shanku and Chakra,

amalgamation of two avatars - Vishnu and Rama.

Timings: Open from 5:30 am till 12:00 in the noon and reopens at 4:00 in the

evening and again closed at 8:00 pm.

 

How To Reach:

By Air : 241 km from Vijayawada.

By Rail : 40 km from Ramchandra Road.

 

Dwaraka Tirumala Temple

The temple was constructed the Myalavaram Zamindars between the years 1877 and

1902.This pilgrimage centre is called Dwaraka Tirumala after the great saint,

"Dwaraka" who located the self manifested idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara.

Timings: Open from 5:30 am till 12:00 in the noon reopens at 4:00 pm and again

get closed at 8:00 pm.

 

Kanaka Durga

This is the temple of Sri Kanaka Durga situated on the indrakila hill which

attracts lots of visitors. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and

installed Sri Chakra. Goddess Durga killed the demon Durgam on the request of

the other Gods,. At that time she has been described as in the golden color. So

the Gods called her as Kanaka Durga. Chanting of mantras and devotional music

euphonies the air in the mornings creating a serene atmosphere.

Timings: From 5:30 in the morning till 12:00 in the noon and reopens in the

evening at 4:00 and get closed again at 8:00 pm.

 

 

Kalahasti

This famous temple in Kalahasti, kalahasteswara worshipped as a Vayu Lingam.

Enshrines the Vayu Lingam - representing the element wind - of the five

elements of Agni, Vaayu, Aakasam, Jalam and Prithvi. Shri Kalahasti Temple is

also famous for performing Sarpadosha (RahuKetu) Nivaarana Pooja.

 

How To Reach

By Air: 27 km from Tirupati.

By Road:27km from Tirupati.

 

SRIKALAHASTI

Location: 60-km From Tirupati, Chittoor DistrictPresiding Deity:

Srikalahasteeswara (Lord Shiva)Named After: Spider (Sri), The Serpent (Kala)

And The Elephant (Hasti).Famous As: Panchabhuta (Elements) Kshetram

Representing Vayu (Air).

A Sacred Shiva KshetraSrikalahasti is one of the most sacred 'Shiva Kshetras'.

It is in Srikalahasti Mandalam of Chittoor district, about 60-km from Tirupati

.. It is situated at the foot of the Kailasagiri hill abutting the river

Swarnamukhi, to the west of the Kannapa hill. The temple is one of the most

ancient and sacred places in South India and the lingam is known as

"Vayulingam", one of the five elements of Lord Shiva.The name Srikalahasti is a

compound of three words - 'Sri' meaning spider,

'Kala' meaning serpent and 'Hasti' meaning an elephant and all these are claimed

to have worshiped Lord Shiva in the ages past and attained 'Sadvomukti'

(salvation) with Shiva. The marks of all these three are found on the Lingam,

which is claimed to be 'Swayambhu' (self-installed) and for that reason,

particularly sacred. The Lingam along with the Nandi in its front is white in

colour.A Lovely Temple ArtThe temple is huge and a beautiful one, with

magnificent 'Gopuras'. The construction of the temple and its 'Prakarams' and

subsequent improvements were attended to by the Cholas, the Pallavas, the

Pandya Kings, and the local Yadavaraya Kings in the 13th century AD, and

developed finally by the great Vijayanagara kings.Krishnadevaraya of the

Vijayanagara Empire is credited with the construction of the huge Galigopuram

and the hundred-pillared Mandapam in AD 1516. The Nattukotai Chettiyars between

1900 and 1912 renovated the temple. The three lofty Gopurams

of the temple are remarkable for their architecture. A huge hundred-pillared

'Mandapam' is another important feature of this shrine. The entire temple is

carved out of the side of a single huge stone hill. When inside the temple take

note of the elaborately designed pillars and altars. The various stupas and

temple monuments that one comes across testify to the antiquity of the

place.Other Shrines Within The TempleThe main gate of the temple proper faces

south, and this is clear proof that the temple is dedicated to

'Dakshinamurthy', who is a manifestation of Lord Siva. Entering the temple, one

can see the Vighneswara temple situated towards the west. There are also idols

of 'Appar', 'Sundarar' and 'Manikkavasagar' who are famous 'Shaivite Nayanars'

saints.Next comes the sacred shrine of Sri Kalahasteswara and just before the

main entrance is the idol of 'Kannappa', a

great devotee, who removed his eyes as an offering to the Lord. Many rare icons

like 'Vallablia Ganapati', 'MahaLakshmi Ganapati' and 'Sahasralingeswara Swami'

also exist in the temple.The Main LingamThe main Lingam has a pedestal and is in

the shape of the trunk of an elephant with tusks on either side or a figure of

the spider at the bottom. Looked at from the top, it presents the appearance of

a snake with five hoods. The 'Pancha Bhuta Kshetras' are 'Kanchipuram'

representing 'Prithvi' or earth, the 'Jambukeswara' representing 'Appu' or

water, 'Arunachala' representing 'Tejas' or light, 'Chidambaram' representing

'Akash' or ether and Sri 'Kalahasti' representing 'Vayu' or air. This can be

seen by continuous flickering of two lamps hung on the right side of the

Lingam, without the influence of any wind.The main lingam is untouched by human

hands; even the temple priest does not touch the lingam when performing the

Puja. Abhisheka is done by pouring a

mixture of water, milk, camphor and 'panchamrita' (a mixture of fruits, jaggery

and ghee). Worship with flowers is done on the 'Utsava-Murti' (the idol taken

around the temple and the town during festivals), not the main

lingam.IMPORTANCE OF THE PLACESrikalahasti is a very sacred Kshetram where Lord

Shiva's consort Parvati did penance and gained with his blessings a body hundred

times better than her previous heavenly body and learned Panchakshari Mantra to

become Gnanaprasunamba. It is the place where Sri (Spider), Kala (Serphant) and

Elephant (Hasti) were granted boons by Lord Shiva to merge their names with Vayu

Linga and called the place as Srikalahasteeshwara.In this holy place 'Ganakala',

'Mayura', 'Chandra' and 'Devendra' washed off their sins after taking bath in

'Swarnamukhi' and offered prayers. 'Bhakta Markendeya' was taught by Lord Shiva

that a Guru could make esoteric teachings and therefore he is Brahma, Vishnu and

Maheshwara. 'Bhakta

Kannappa' was granted a boon by Lord Shiva in this Kshetra, and he occupies a

place close to the Lord.

TeerthasThe following Teerthas within the Kailasagiri hills are famous and

sacred.1. Harahar Teertham, which is three miles from Kalahasti.2. Kalinga

Teertham, which is five miles from Kalahasti towards the east3. Sahasra Linga

Teertham, which is five miles southwest of Kalahasti. 4. Markandeya Teertham,

six and a half miles from Sahasra Linga Teertham. 5. Mayura Teertham, named

after Mayura Maharshi. 6. Bharadwaja Teertham, which is three and a half miles

from the main temple. 7. Narada Teertham in the entree of the town.8. Saraswati

Teertham, which is said to have the property of making the dumb people speak if

they take the water of this as Prasada for forty days.9. Suka Teertham after

Suka Maharshi.

10. Brahma Teertham11. Manikarnika Teertharn12. Tatwa Prakasa

Teertham.FESTIVALMaha Shivaratri is the most important festival in this temple,

which lasts for ten days in February-March. The fifth day of the festival

corresponds to Shivaratri proper, when the pilgrims bathe in the river and

observe fast throughout the day and night and 'Jagarana' throughout the night.

Apart from the 'Rathotsavam', 'Teppotsavam' and 'Kalyana Mahotsavam', a number

of cultural programs are conducted including 'Giripradakshina'. Another big

festival is on the third day of 'Sankranti', when the deity is taken in a

procession round the hills, which is a circuit of nearly twenty miles. There

are in all eighty-five festivals celebrated in this temple within a year.HOW TO

GET THEREAir: Nearest airport is at Tirupati .Road:

Buses ply from nearby towns like Nayudupet, Nellore, Vijayawada, Chennai ,

Tirupati , Bangalore etc. It is recommended that pilgrims/tourists take a side

trip from Tirupati as there is good accommodation available in Tirupati and

regular buses/taxis are plying between the two places. The APSRTC has provided

number of buses from different routes to reach Kalahasti.Rail:

It is on Tirupati-Vijayawada broad gauge and all express trains stop here.WHERE

TO STAYThere are good halting facilities for the pilgrims, including the

choultries of Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanam and Srikalahasti Devasthanam. One

can also stay at hotels in Tirupati or at the budget hotels at Sri Kalahasti.

 

Kalahasteeswarar

Sree Kalahasteeswarar Temple

Sree Kalahasteeswarar Temple at Sri Kalahasti near Tirupati (Pancha Bhoota

Stalam, Paadal Petra Stalam)Deities: Shiva (Kalahasteeswara), Parvati (Gnana

Prasoonambika)Significance: This ancient temple dedicated to Shiva is one of

the Pancha Bhoota Stalams (temples celebrating Shiva as the embodiment of the

primary elements), air being the element in case here, the other five temples

being Tiruvannamalai (Fire), Chidambaram (Space),Tiruvanaikkaval (Water) and

Kanchipuram (Earth) respectively. It is located near the pilgrimage town of

Tirupati and is visited by thousands of pilgrims. This temple is also

associated with Rahu and Ketu, (of the nine grahams or celestial bodies in the

Indian astrological scheme). Antiquity: This temple has been referred to in

pre-Christian Tamil literature. The Tamil Saivite saints have visited this

temple and sung its fame. The adjoining hill

Dakshina Kailasam has many a fine Pallava carving. The Tamil Cholas and the

Vijayanagara Rulers have made several endowments to this temple. Adi Sankara is

said to have visited this temple and offered worship here. There are Chola

inscriptions in this temple which date back to the 10th century AD. The Telugu

poem 'Sri Kalahasti Satakam' explains the traditions associated with this

temple.Muthuswamy Deekshitar, one of the foremost composers in the Karnatic

Music Tradition has sung the glory of this temple in his kriti 'Sree

Kaalahasteesa'.Architecture: The vast Kalahastiswara temple is built adjoining

a hill, and on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. At some points, the hill

serves as the wall of the temple. The temple prakarams follow the contour of

the adjoining hill and hence the temple plan is rather irregular.

Krishnadevaraya built a huge gopuram, a few feet away from the entrance to the

temple. The entrance to the temple is crowned with a smaller tower. There is

an underground Ganapati shrine in the outer prakaram, while in the innermost

prakaram are the shrines of Shiva and Parvati.Legends associated with this

temple: The legend here is similar to that of the Jambukeswara temple at

Tiruvanaikka. Shiva is said to have given salvation to a spider, elephant and a

serpent who were ardent devotees of the Shiva Lingam located here. The spider is

said to have attained salvation in Kritayuga (the first of the four yugas in the

Hindu tradition), while the elephant and the snake were devotees in Treta Yugam,

the succeeding aeon. The elephant's devotional outpouring was a source of

disturbance to the serpent's display of devotion and vice versa, resulting in

animosity between the two, until Shiva's intervention gave both the devotees

their liberation. Kannappa Nayanaar, a tribal is said to have been a great

devotee of Kalahasteeswarar. Legend has it that he offered his own eyes to the

Shivalingam, and for this reason earned the name Kannappan

(his original name being Thinnan), and the distinction of having his statue

adorn the sanctum. Festivals: Maha Shivaratri which occurs in the Tamil month

of Maasi (Feb 15 through March 15) is one of the greatest festival seasons

here, and the celebrations are marked by processions of the deities. The fifth

day of the festival in the month of Maasi coincides with the Maha

Shivaratri.Access and Accomodation: Tirupati (30km) is the nearest airport and

is perhaps the most convenient base for visiting Kalahasti as it (Tirupati) is

endowed with several modern lodging facilities. A one day trip from Chennai is

also possible, as Kalahasti is well connected by road with Tirupati and with

Chennai and is only a four to five hour drive from Chennai. If well planned,

Tirupati, Tirumala and Kalahasti can be covered in a day's trip from Chennai by

car.

 

Tirumala - Tirupati

Hotel & Resorts

Chandragiri

Kailasanatha Kona

Horsley Hills

Sri Kalahasti

Festivals of Tirupati

Coming Attractions

Climb or drive high up to Tirumala, nestling among the seven hills in the

Eastern Ghats, Catch the exquisitely carved gold gopuram of the Lord

Venkateshwara Temple, glinting in the sun. The Tirumala shrine is a masterpiece

of Dravidian architecture. This ancient temple has also found a mention in

various Sastras and Puranas. That's not all. There are other famous shrines in

Tirupati town - Govindarajaswamy. Kodanda ramaswamy, Tiruchanur (Goddess

Padmavathi), Kapila Theertham (Lord Shiva) and Srinivasa Mangapuram (Sri

Venkateshwara).

Getting ThereAir: Connected to Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore.

Rail: Connected by rail with all the cities in India

Bus: Tirupati is linked by regular bus services with important places -

Hyderabad (572 kms), Chennai (130 kms), Bangalore (240 kms), Chittoor (61 kms),

and Vijayawada (380 kms).

Local TransportTemple buses, State buses, taxis, autorickshaws, cysclerickshaws are available.

Conducted Tours

For local Alaya Darshan, contact: Assistant Manager, A.P. Tourism. Ph: 25602

For temple visitors, TTD facilities are also available. For transportation and

accommodation, contact TTD offices in Hyderabad, pH: 3220852, 3224512 at

Tirupati, Ph: 27977, 25103, Fax 27166.

Accommodation

Star Hotels

Hotel Mayura, 209 T.P. Area, pH: 08574-25925, 25043. Fax: 25911.

Hotel Guestline Days, Karakambadi Road. pH: 28868, 28800, Fax: 27774.

Hotel Quality Inn Bliss, Renigunta Road. pH: 25747, 25002. Fax: 25568

Hotel Vishnu Priya, Opp. APSRTC Bus Station. pH: 25060, 25976.

Other Hotels

Hotel Amravathy, 142, T.P. Area. pH: 25017, 25517.

Hotel Sainath, Opp. S.V. Bus Station, pH: 25817, 25417.

Hotel Vikram, Opp. APSTRC Central Bus Station. pH: 25292, 25043.

Hill View Guest House, APTTDC, Opp. Ruia Hospital. pH: 22494.

There are a number of cottages, choultries, guest houses too.

Chandragiri

After temple bells and shrines, visit the Chandragiri Fort built on a huge rock

about 56 mts high. Discover the remains of palaces and temples. relive the

lives of the Vijayanagar royal families in the Raja and Rani Mahal! Coming up

shortly, is an exciting sound and light show which will add a perfect touch to

your evening!

Distance: 11 kms from Tirupati.

Getting ThereState buses, taxis.

Kailasanatha Kona

Don't miss the lovely Kailasanatha Kona natural waterfalls in the valley of

Nilgiri Hills near puttur. It is Believed that a bath at this mineral rich

waterfall, has curative effects.

Distance: 43 kms from Tirupati.

Getting ThereState buses.

Information Counters

Tourist Information Officer, regional Tourist Information Bureau, Near TTD, 3rd

Choultry. Tirupati - 517 501. Ph: 24306

Assistant Manager, APTTDC, Near TTD 3rd Choultry, Tirupati - 517501, pH: 25602.

Horsley Hills

Looking for a quite end to your holiday? Stop by at Horsley Hills, Located at an

altitude of 1265 mts. The delightfully cool hills are named after W.D. Horsley -

a one time collector of Cuddapah District, who chose this spot as his summer

residence. Groves of teak, red sanders, eucalyptus, gulmohar, and mango will

enchant you.

Distance: 114 kms from Tirupati.

Getting ThereAir: Accessible airports are Tirupati and Bangalore at a distance

of 160 kms and 165 kms respectively.

Rail: The nearest rail head to Horsley Hills is Madanapalle Road.

Accommodation

A.P. Tourism's Governor's Bungalow.

Forest Bungalow.

P.W.D Inspection Bungalow.

Chittoor cooperative Society Guest House.

Tourist Rest House. pH: 08571 - 69323.

Sri kalahasti

There's nothing like a good story to add flavor to your tour. Close to Tirupati,

is the sacred shrine of Vayu the wind God at Kalahasti town. There's a legend

that the Linga here was worshipped by a spider (sri), a snake (kala) and an

elephant (Hasti), and that's how Sri Kalahasti got its name.

Distance: 36 kms from Tirupati.

Getting ThereRegular state buses are available from Tirupati.

What to seePapavinasam waterfalls, Akasaganga waterfalls, Narayanavanam,

Perumallapalli, Nagalapuram, Talakona, Kamipakam.

 

 

Festivals at Tirumala - Tirupati

Brahmotsavams in September - October each year.

Rathotsavam

At Tirupati every October, a colorful cultural festival unfolds the rich art and

cuisine of the Rayalseema region.

New Attractions coming upWorld-class Zoo, S.V. Museum of temple Art, Day & Night

Crafts Bazaar at Kapila Theertam, Gudimallam, Kalyani Dam, Religious Theme Park,

Food Court, Recreation Lake and Aerial Tramway.

 

 

 

 

http://www.travelmasti.com/domestic/andhrapradesh/tirupati.htm

 

Tirupati

Tirumala-Tirupati, one of the richest temples in the country, is the most

venerated Vaishnavite shrine of Lord Venkateswara. It was patronised by the

Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas and the Vijayanagar kings. 130 kms from the

city of Madras (Chennai), this temple is located in the southern Chittoor

district of Andhra Pradesh. Tiru' in Tamil means `Sri'. Hence Tirupati

translates to Sripati or Sri Maha Vishnu.

According to the Puranas, the range of Tirumala hills represent the body of the

serpent Adisesha, on which Lord Vishnu, the protector of the world, rests. The

seven hills represent the seven heads of the serpent.

Perched on the 860 m high peak of the Tirumala hills, the temple is a Dravidian

masterpiece. The splendid Viman or 'Ananda Nilayam' rising protectively over

the sanctum is the most arresting feature in the temple complex. It is plated

with gold, as is the Dwajasthambam, or the temple flagpost. The innermost

enclosure of the three 'prakarams', opened once annually, enshrines the

two-metre high majestic black idol of Lord Venkateswara, bedecked with

priceless glittering jewels, most striking of which is the diamond crown said

to be the costliest in the world.

Some people believe that the idol of Sri Venkateswara has the attributes of

Vishnu and Shiva, the preserving and the destroying aspects of the Hindu

Trinity. This conception is a happy compromise appealing at once to the

Vaishnavites and Shaivites. The idol has four arms, two in the rear, one

carrying the Shankha or the conch, and the other the Chakra or the discus, and

two in the front, one in the Abhaya pose and the other resting on the hip. On

both the front arms, the Bhujanga Valaya, or the girdle of the serpent, an

emblem of Shiva can be seen. People from the Northern parts of India, worship

Lord Venkateswara, as Balaji. It is praised by poets as `Bhuloka Vaikuntha'.

The two very important customs followed in the temple are anointing the body of

the Lord with camphor (Karpoora), saffron and musk, and offering the tonsure of

hair as a sacrifice to the Lord.

The Varahaswami temple, situated near the Venkateswara temple, on the banks of

Swami Pushkarani tank, is said to be even more ancient. This shrine is

dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Varahaswami. It is said that the Adi

Sesha himself forms the seven hills on which the temple of the Lord is located.

Festivals

Brahmotsavam, the most important of the various festivals of the temple, is

conducted usually in Bhadrapada i.e., in September for about 9 days. On account

of Adika Masam, which comes in every third year, a second Brahmotsavam in the

month of Aswayuja (Puratasi) will be held under the name, "Navarathri

Brahmotsavam". These Brahmotsavams attract thousands of pilgrims from various

parts of the country.

Other Places of Interest

There are several picturesque sights around the Tirumala-Tirupati hills.

Situated around one km from the Tirumala temple is a unique natural stone arch

believed to be the source of Lord Venkateswara's idol.

Kalahasti Temple

Sri Kalahasti temple, situated 36 km away is famous for its Vayudeva temple,

which is the only shrine of the god of wind in India. Constructed in the 12th

century by the Chola king, Rajarajendra, Vayu is incarnated as Lord Shiva and

worshipped as Kalahasteeswara. The story goes that the linga here was invoked

by a spider (Sri), snake (Kala) and an elephant (Hasti). Hence the town was

aptly referred to as Sri Kalahasti. Besides Swamypushkarini, there are several

important water-falls in and around Tirumala, namely Akasaganga, Papavinasanam,

Pandava Theertham, Jabili Theertham, Chakra Theertham, Ramakrishna Theertham,

Kumaradhara Theertham and Tumburu Theertham, each excelling the other in the

riddance of the sins of those who bathe in them.

Narayanavanam

Located 36 km away is the temple dedicated to Lord Kalyana Venkateswaraswamy. It

is believed that this is the venue of the sacred marriage between Lord

Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavathi.

How to Get There

Direct bus services from major towns and cities in the south-Madras, Hyderabad

and Bangalore. Nearest railhead is Renigunda (!0 kms). Direct rail connections

to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Madras, Tiruchirapalli, Puri and Delhi. Air

connections to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Madras and Vijayawada.

Where to Stay

Bhimas Hotel (Tel. 20-766) and Bhimas Delux Hotel (Tel. 20-121) 42, G Car St.

Gopi Krishna Delux Hotel, opposite Railway Station.

http://www.meadev.nic.in/tourism/temples/tirupati.htm

 

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

S.No

Name

Place

1

Tourist Information Centre - Bangalore

Bangalore

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: C/o. ITDC Unit, Ashoka Travels & Tours Race Course Road, Bangalore-560

001. Ph: 080-2383361,2383362 Fax: 080-2383363

2

Tourist Information Centre - Chennai

Chennai

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: A.P. Tourist Information Counter Tamil Nadu Tourism Complex Near

Kalaivalar Arangam, Walajah Road Chennai-600 002. Ph: 044-5381213

3

Tourist Information Centre - Hyderabad

Hyderabad

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: Tourist Information Counter Railway Station, Secunderabad. Tourist

Information Counter Gagan Vihar, Ground Floor, Opp. Gandhi Bhavan, Nampally,

Hyderabad.

4

Tourist Information Centre - Mumbai

Mumbai

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: A.P.Tourist Information Counter General Assurance Building, D.N.Road,

Opp. Handloom House, Mumbai. Tel: 022-208 2846

5

Tourist Information Centre - Nagarjunasagar

Nagarjunasagar

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: Regional Tourist Information Centre 'Punnami', Hill Colony, Vijayapuri

North, Nagarjunasagar. Ph: +91 (8680)-277364/276540 Fax: +91 (8680)-276633

6

Tourist Information Centre - New Delhi

New Delhi

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: A.P. Tourist Information Counter 210, Kanishka Hotel Shopping Plaza 19,

Asoka Road, New Delhi-110 001011-3366328 Tourist Information Centre A.B.Bhavan,

1, Asoka Road New Delhi-110 001. Phone:011-23381293

7

Tourist Information Centre - Srisailam

Srisailam

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: Regional Tourist Information Centre Punnami Hotel, Srisailam Ph: +91-40-(8524)-288311

8

Tourist Information Centre - Tirupati

Tirupati

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: Regional Tourist information Bureau Near 3rd Choultry, Tirupati -

517501. Ph: +91 (8754) 243306

9

Tourist Information Centre - Vijayawada

Vijayawada

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: Tourist Information Counter Railway Station, Vijayawada. Tourist

Information Counter Transport Unit, APSRTC Bus Complex, Vijayawada. Ph: +91

(866) 2523966

10

Tourist Information Centre - Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: APTDC, Railway Station Visakhapatnam - 530 020. Ph: +91 (891) 2746446

Regional Tourist Information Bureau VUDA Complex, Sripuram, Visakahapatnam

Phone: +91 (891) 2754716

11

Tourist Information Centre - Warangal

Warangal

APTDC-Tourist Information Centers

Address: 1-1/1, First Floor, Talwar Hyundai Showroom, Chaitanyapuri, Opp. REC

Petrol Pump, Kazipet. Phone: +91 (8712) 2446606

Banks

Hospitals

Maps

Shopping

Tour & Travel Agents

Tourist Guides

 

 

http://64.164.14.92/apservlets/jsp/itravelinfo.jsp?sp=travelinfo.jsp&oid=9&disp=5&THEME=Maps

 

 

 

 

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