Sri Kalahasteeswarar Temple represents Vayu, one of the five elements representing the five elements. Here, Shiva is incarnated in the form of a linga. According to legend, a spider made a web over the linga, a black snake placed a gem on it, worshiped and an elephant bathed the linga with water in its trunk. All three were strong worshipers of Shiva and attained salvation, hence the place is called Srikalahasti.

This place is also mentioned in Skanda Purana and Shiva Purana where Goddess Parvati attained Brahmagyan knowledge and became known as Goddess Gyanprasunamba (Mother Parvati). It is also considered as Navagraha Sthal dedicated to Rahu and Ketu.

The Cholas renovated the temple in the 11th century. During the 16th century, Sri Krishna Devaraya built a hundred pillared temple and a grand tower over the main gate. In 2010, Raja Gopuram collapsed but was rebuilt by the Andhra Pradesh government. The temple faces west and is built along a hillock on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, a tributary of the Pennar River.
The sanctum sanctorum consists of a shield with a serpent, beneath which is the Swayambhu Vayu Lingam. In the absence of an air source in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, the flow of air through a continuous flame is evident.

Service and worship

Four times a day the deity is consecrated, mantras are worshipped. The deity is not touched by any human hand. Sri Kalahastishwar Swamy Temple is also known as Rahu, Ketu, Kubera. Unmarried people, childless couples, and those who have Rahu, Ketu, and Kaalsarp doshas perform the most effective puja here.
 

Utsavs: Maha Shivratri is the grandest festival; Navratri and Vinayaka Chaturthi are other important festivals.

Best time to visit: All year round

Interesting Facts: Srikalahasti is famous for Kalamkari, painted with natural colors from bamboo pens on cotton or silk fabrics with wooden pens.

Nearby Places:

• Tirupati
• Kannappa Temple
• Sri Chaturmukh Brahma Lingeshwara Temple, 
• Veni Madhava Temple, 
• Subrahmanya Swamy Temple