Srikalahasti Temple
శ్రీకాళహస్తీశ్వర ఆలయం
The 'Wind' temple among the five elemental Shiva temples of southern India, famous for its Rahu-Ketu ritual to ward off misfortune and for its imposing gateway towers.
The temple stands on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River and enshrines a Shiva lingam that represents the element of wind. In the windless inner chamber, the flame of an oil lamp flickers continuously. This is considered a miracle of the wind. The surviving structures were built mainly during the 11th-century Chola period and the 16th-century Vijayanagara period. Tall gateway towers stand by the river. The Rahu-Ketu puja, performed to ward off the malefic effects of the planetary nodes, is very popular here. It comes in several price tiers, and traditional dress is required. Entry to the temple is free, but rituals cost extra. It is about 36 km from Tirupati, and there are buses and trains.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
- Kapila Theertham
- ISKCON Tirupati (Sri Sri Radha Govinda Mandir)
- Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple
- Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple
- Alipiri Footpath (Alipiri Mettu)
- Papavinasam Theertham
- Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park