Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam | 19th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam) |
Region | Thondai Naadu |
Thondai Naadu | 19th Shiva Sthalam |
Pathigam | Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar)
and Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) |
HISTORY:
There
were once three staunch devotees of Lord Shiva – a spider (Sri), a serpent
(Kala) and an elephant (Hasti). It is believed that the elephant used to clean
the deity Lord Shiva by watering the idol with river-water carried in its trunk
and placing “Vilva” leaves on the lingam. Similarly, the spider praised Lord
Shiva by weaving its web to provide shelter to the lingam and the snake praised
the lord by placing its precious gem on the lingam to adorn the lord. Impressed
by their unflinching devotion, Lord Shiva granted them a boon that their names
would be merged with the name of the lingam itself and it will henceforth be
called as Srikalahastheeswarar and the place is known as “Srikalahasthi”
This
temple was originally constructed by Pallava kings in 5th Century CE. It
is believed that it was reconstructed in 12th Century by Chola and
Vijayanagara Kings. Unlike many other Shiva temples in India this temple has a
large number of impressive structures. This temple was carved out of a huge
stone hill on the banks of river Ponmukali. There is a 100-pillar hall
(mandapam) that is believed to have been constructed by the Vijayanagara King,
Krishnadevaraya in the year 1516. This hill is also called as “Kailash Hill”.
Kannappa Nayanar:
This
temple is that of Kannappa Nayanar (one of the 63 Nayanmars). It is believed
that there was a hunter called Thinnanar who used to worship Lord Shiva by
bringing water in his mouth from a nearby river and pouring it on the lingam as
a form of abhishekam. He would also make offerings of fresh flowers and cooked
meat. The priest at this temple felt that the offerings made by the hunter were
inappropriate. He complained to Lord Shiva asking the lord to put an end to
this. However, this continued for a few more days and on one specific day, Lord
Shiva instructed the priest to bear witness to the proceedings. Obeying the
lord’s instructions, the priest hid himself to see what was going on.
As
usual, Thinnanar came to offer water from his mouth, adorn the lingam with
fresh flowers and to make offerings of cooked meat. In order to show the world
the true depth of Thinnanar’s devotion the lord decided to play a prank.
Suddenly one of the eyes of the lingam started bleeding. Thinnanar immediately
tried to stop the bleeding by applying some medicinal plants but his efforts
were not fruitful. Unable to think of anything else, he immediately took out
one of his arrows and proceeded to pluck out his eye. He then tried to stop the
lingam’s bleeding by placing his eye at that spot.
Although
the bleeding at that spot stopped, Thinnanar noticed that the lingam had
started bleeding from the other eye. Without any hesitation, he decided to
pluck out his other eye and place it on the lingam. However, Thinnanar realised
that if he plucked out his other eye also, he would become blind and would not
be able to determine the location of the lingam’s bleeding eye. He decided to
place his foot on the lingam’s bleeding eye before proceeding to pluck out his other
eye.
Moved
by Thinnanar’s unflinching devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him and granted
him the boon of salvation. He also said that from now on Thinnanar would become
known to the world as Kannappa Nayanar (“Kan” meaning eye) and would find his place
among one of the 63 Nayanmars.
Lingam in this temple:
The
lingam in this temple is always adorned with a gold-plated cover. This
gold-plated cover signifies the 27 constellations (nakshatrams).
Sometimes when the aarthi is shown, this cover is temporarily removed.
During such occasion, one can see the reliefs of a spider, an elephant and a
five-headed snake at the base of the lingam. A relief depicting the eye that
Kannappa Nayanar placed on the lingam can also be seen.
Separate temple for Kannappar:
A
separate temple for Kannappar is also there on the top of a nearby hill.
Vibhuti (sacred ash) is not offered in this temple, but symbolizing the
Abhishek Theertham of Kannappar, only Theertham (water mixed with camphor) is offered
to the devotees.
Tharaka Mantra:
“Tharaka
Mantra” (commonly known as “Karna Manthra”) is a shlokam that is uttered in the
ears of a departing soul. It is believed that like Lord Viswanatha (in Kasi)
uttered this mantra in the ears of a dying devotee, the lord of this temple did
the same at Srikalahasti.
People who worshipped here:
Lords
Mahavishnu, Lakshmi, Brahma, Saraswathi, Indiran, Ram, Adisheshan, Sages
Agasthiar, Vashistar, Nakkeerar, Emperor Musukunda Chakravarthi, and many
others have worshiped Lord Shiva here.
Two temples:
There
are two temples at this place – a small temple at the top of hill and a much
larger one at the foothill. It is believed that the lingam of Lord Kudumithevar
that was worshipped by Kannappa Nayanar is the one that is at the top of the
hill. It is also said that all the three Saints (the “Moovars”) claimed atop
the hill and rendered their respective Pathigams. Instead of physically
travelling to Mount Kailash, it is believed that Saint Thirugnanasambanthar,
Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar (Sundarar) and Saint Nakkeerar rendered their
pathigams about Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash from here itself.
SALIENT
FEATURE:
·
Srikalahasthi is
one of the “Pancha Pootha Sthalams” and Lord Shiva here is considered to be
Vayu Lingam (Air).
·
It is believed
that Rahu and Kethu worshiped Lord Shiva in this temple and were absolved from
their sins.
·
Lord Shiva
graces this temple as a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested), and is said to be
white in colour. This lingam is not touched by human hands, not even by the
priests, as it is “Theendathirumeni”.
·
This is also the
Gnana Shakti Pedam - one of the 51 Shakti Pedams in India.
·
This temple is
considered as “Dakshin Kailash” - Mount Kailash of South India.
·
There is a small
underground shrine for “Pathala Ganapathy”, which is about 35 feet below the
ground level and has 20 steps.
·
This is a very
big temple and is situated between two steep hills, Sripuram and
Mummudi-cholapuram.
·
This temple is
also popular as a Rahu-Kedu Parikara Sthalam.
·
There are two
flag posts (Kodimaram) here - one is covered by metal and the other one is 60
feet tall and is made of a single stone.
·
This lingam is
considered to be the “Vayu lingam”, inside the inner sanctum of this temple,
you can observe the lamp constantly oscillating / flickering despite the lack
of air movement.
·
It is estimated
that lakhs of Shiva devotees visit this temple every year to seek the blessings
of the Lord and to attain Moksha.
·
This temple is
considered as “Dakshin Kailash” - the Mount Kailash of South India. Similar to
river Ganga in Kasi, at Srikalahasthi the river “Ponmugali” flows in the north
direction. This adds to the belief of this temple being the Dakshin Kailash.
·
Both Kasi
(Banaras) and Srikalahasthi are considered to be Mukthi Sthalam (where one can
seek to attain salvation).
TEMPLE INFORMATION:
|
Moolavar |
Sri Kalahastheeswarar / Sri Kudumithevar / |
|
Ambal |
Sri Gnanappungothai / Sri Vandarkuzhalal / |
|
Theertham |
River Ponmukali / Brahma Theertham |
|
Sthala
Vriksham |
Vilvam |
BELIEF:
Abhishekam
is performed on the Avudaiyar (base) only and not on the Lingam.
It
is a common belief among devotees that simply by visiting this temple and
worshipping the lord here one can attain salvation.
Rahu
– Kethu and Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Pooja is conducted daily which attracts a
large number of devotees.
Giri
Valam (circumambulation of the hill) on Shivrathri days are the other important
festivals celebrated here.
Oonjal
Urchavam (swing/cradle festival) is celebrated here on all Fridays During this
occasion; Goddess Gnanappungothai is decorated with golden saree.
TEMPLE
FESTIVAL:
|
Tamil Month |
English Month |
Festival Name |
|
Maasi |
Feb-Mar |
Maha Shivrathri |
|
Karthikai |
Nov-Dec |
Thirukarthikai |
|
Thai |
Jan-Feb |
Makara
Sankranthi |
|
Markazhi |
Dec-Jan |
Thiruvadhirai |
HOW
TO REACH:
Srikalahasthi
is 45 kms from Tirupathi, 100 kms from Chittoor and 120 kms from Chennai. It is
well connected by road from all places in Andhra Pradesh. There is a Railway
Station in Srikalahasthi. The nearest airport is Tirupathi, which is 20 kms
away.
TEMPLE
ADDRESS:
Sri Kalahastheeswara
Swamy Temple,
Srikalahasthi,
Srikalahasthi
Devasthanam,
Chittoor,
Andhra Pradesh-517 644.
LOCATION:
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