Srikalahasti Temple, Hindu temple in Srikalahasti, India.
Srikalahasti is a large Hindu temple in the town of the same name in Andhra Pradesh state, India, dedicated to the god Shiva. The complex includes a tall tower at the entrance, several courtyards with carved pillars, and an inner sanctuary with a constantly burning oil lamp beside the main figure.
The central chamber originated during the Pallava dynasty in the 5th century, when the site already served as a pilgrimage destination. The outer structures and entrance tower were added later by rulers from the south between the 11th and 16th centuries.
The deity here appears as Vayu Linga and embodies wind power in Hindu cosmology of five basic elements. Worshippers perform special rituals to calm planetary influences, with the ceremony taking place behind a cloth that separates the priest and main figure from the rest of the hall.
The town of Srikalahasti sits about one hour north of Tirupati and can be reached by local bus or taxi. The site is best visited on weekdays in the morning or late afternoon when crowds are smaller and temperatures more comfortable.
A small flame in the inner room flickers constantly even though no outside wind enters, which worshippers interpret as a sign of divine presence. The site's name derives from three animals – spider, snake, and elephant – that according to tradition practiced devotion here.
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