History:

, is one of the most important and sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Srikalahasti, about 36 km from the city of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is renowned for its architecture and sculptures. The main deity is the form of Lord Shiva, known as Vayu Linga or Kalahasti. The temple dates back to the 7th-century CE and is associated with the legends of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is one of the 4 major shrines of Lord Shiva in South India and is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, the sacred temples mentioned in the Tevaram hymns by the three famous Nayanars- Appar, Sundarar and Tirugnana Sambandar. The main attractions of the temple are the morning and evening aarti, the Maha Shivaratri celebration, the Anantha Vratha ritual and the Deepa Aradana ritual in the month of Margashirsha. It is one of the best temple in Andhra-Pradesh which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Srikalahasti Temple, also known as Raja Rajeswari Temple, is a unique temple in the state of Andhra Pradesh. 2. The temple is dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. 3. It is considered to be one of the most sacred temples in India and is referred to as the Kashi of the South. 4. The temple is believed to be more than 1200 year old and was built by the Chola dynasty. 5. The temple is considered as an important pilgrimage center and attracts visitors from all over India. 6. The sacred temple complex is surrounded by the Chitravati and Swarnamukhi rivers and is said to have been built in the 9th Century. 7. The main shrine of the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it houses one of the largest lingams in India, which is about 6 feet tall. 8. The temple also houses shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Venkateshwara, Lord Subrahmanya and Lord Murugan. 9. The temple hosts some of the major festivals like Maha Shivratri and also the Pournami Festivals. 10. The temple complex also includes a temple tank and a number of other smaller shrines. Here are some facts about the Andhra-Pradesh temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Andhra-Pradesh

Worship Method:

The Srikalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is considered to be one of the most important temples in South India and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The temple is dedicated to the Swayambhu Lingam of Lord Shiva and the process of worshiping here involves offering prayers, rituals, chanting mantras and performing aarti. • Praying: Devotees start the worship by offering prayers to Shiva and Parvati. Prayers are recited from ancient texts like the Shiva Purana. • Chanting mantras: After prayer, various mantras are chanted like Shivoham and Lingashtakam. • Aarti: Aarti is the ritual of offering light or offering lighted wicks. • Abhishekam: Abhishekam is the ritual of pouring liquid (usually water, milk, or scented oils) over the Shiva Lingam whilst chanting mantras. • Prasadam: Prasadam is the offering of food to the deity. • Procession: In the evening, a procession is held around the temple complex, carrying a silver replica of the lingam. • Homa: Homa is an offering made of offerings like ghee, sandalwood paste and camphor to create fire into a sacred fire. • Mangalarati: Mangalarati is the ritual of offering flowers to the deity. • Darshan: After offering prayers and rituals, devotees can have a darshan or glimpse of the Shiva Lingam. This most visited temple in Andhra-Pradesh

Opening Timing:

The temple is open from 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM. top temples in Andhra-Pradesh

How to reach:

Srikalahasti Temple is located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is located at a distance of about 35 km from Tirupati and is well connected by road from other major cities of Andhra Pradesh. By Air– The nearest airport to reach Srikalahasti Temple is Tirupati Airport. The airport is located at a distance of about 36 km from Srikalahasti. From the airport, visitors can easily take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple. By Train– The closest railway station to reach Srikalahasti Temple is the Srikalahasti Railway Station. It is located at a distance of about 5 km from the temple. By Road– Srikalahasti Temple is well connected by road from other major cities of Andhra Pradesh. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the temple from anywhere in Andhra Pradesh. famous temples in Andhra-Pradesh