We got an SETC Ultra Deluxe that started to Tirupati at 7. After buying the tickets which costed around Rs 100 per person, we settled down for a nap. The bus travels on NH45 till Tada in Andhra Pradesh crossing Redhills and Gummudipoondi on the way. NH45 is a part of the Golden Quadrilateral which connects Chennai to Kolkata. The highway, as expected, provided for a smooth ride.
From Tada, the bus takes a left, riding on the Sri Kalahasti Road. Sri Kalahasti is located 46kms away from Tada. The road was pretty good, however with quite a few speed breakers.
Many Tamil Saivite saints like Sambandar, Appar, Manikkavasagar, Sundaramurti have also visited this place. The temple is situated on the banks of Swarnamukhi river and picturesque surrounding of hillocks. The temple is maintained by the Andhra Pradesh government.
The temple can be entered through one of the three gopurams. We moved into the premises through the Bala Gnanambika gopuram. Before going in, we had to deposit our mobile phones and camera at the counter outside the temple.
On the path, we saw various types of Siva Lingams, statues of saints and other Gods & Goddesses. The temple had sculptures filling the panels on columns. Some sculptures were typical of Chola architecture.
Lord Kalahasteeswara was in the form of a lingam and represented Vayu. After offering our prayers to Lord Siva, we followed the queue to reach the Thayar sannadhi. Thayar was called Gnana Prasunambika Devi and the room that housed her, also had a cradle with Lord Siva and Thayar together on it. We offered our prayers here as well and moved to collect prasadam.
We learnt that the outer walls and the gopurams were constructed in the period of Sri Veera Narasimharayar in 12th century. The sculptures all around the temple were really admirable. The temple is also reputed as a Rahu Kethu Kshetra. We spent some time reading information about the temple displayed on boards around the temple.
After exiting the temple, we looked at exhibits in the shops nearby without the slightest intention of purchasing them. We then had lunch at a roadside mess and proceeded towards the bus stand.
We took the Chennai bound bus starting from Sri Kalahasti and reached CMBT by 4 30 in the evening. At around 6, we reached home, distributed the prasadam to all and described our spiritual experience.
Good post. Thanks for sharing. Considered to be the Kailash of South; this temple is associated with Rahu and Kethu, two of the nine celestial bodies in the Indian astrology. Hence, the temple is famous for conducting Rahu-Kethu Sarpa Dosha Nirvana Pujas. With this puja, devotees expect their wishes to be fulfilled and their problems taken away. Although the puja can be done any time, it is recommended that it is done either on a Sunday or a Tuesday. The Devastanam arranges for all the material used in the puja. Explore more about kalahasti temple.
ReplyDeleteKalahasti Is one of the most wonderful temple and one has to must visit this temple. Excellent architecture, lot of Shiva lingas, Spacious. One can attain peace. Mind blowing architecture is attractive. History behind this temple is excellent and lord Shiva blesses every individual. Don't miss to visit kalahasti. Om nama shivaya.
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