Kalahasti

                                                Tirupathi to Sri Kalahasti

Tirupathi and Srikalahasti are two popular tourist destinations located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. While Tirupathi is known for the famous Venkateswara Temple and attracts millions of devotees every year, Srikalahasti is known for the Srikalahasteeswara Temple, a renowned Shiva temple known for its unique architecture and spiritual significance.

The distance between Tirupathi and Srikalahasti is approximately 36 kilometers by road, and there are several options available for travel between these two places.

One of the most popular and convenient ways to travel between Tirupathi and Srikalahasti is by bus. APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) operates several local buses that run between these two places, making it an affordable and convenient option for tourists and devotees. The journey takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Alternatively, you can also hire a taxi or a private car to travel between Tirupathi and Srikalahasti. This would be a more expensive option but provides you with more flexibility and convenience. The travel time may vary depending on the mode of transportation and the traffic conditions at the time of travel.

As you travel from Tirupathi to Srikalahasti, you will witness the natural beauty of the region, with lush green forests, hills, and fields stretching as far as the eye can see. The journey is quite scenic, and you can also stop at various points along the way to take pictures or enjoy the local food and culture.

Once you reach Srikalahasti, you will be greeted by the majestic Srikalahasteeswara Temple, which is one of the most revered Shiva temples in India. The temple is known for its unique architecture, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning the walls and pillars. It is also believed to be one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, representing the element of air. Devotees come from all over the world to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and experience the spiritual energy of the temple.

There are few small temples around main temple, I have confused which was main temple at first but then with guidance of few people around reached main entrance. The people at small shops before main entrance will suggest you to buy lamps and flowers to do rahu and kethu pooja but those are not allowed inside the main temple because flowers and lamps will be provided by temple itself for special poojas. So we need to lit the lamp and use them in other small temples.

The temple's history dates back to the fifth century, during the Pallava dynasty. The temple was built by the Chola kings, who expanded and renovated it during their rule. The temple's architecture is a perfect blend of the Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles, with a unique gopuram or tower at the entrance, which stands at a height of 120 feet.

The Sri Kalahasti Temple is famous for its unique features that distinguish it from other Shiva temples in India. The temple is known for its Vayu Linga, which is one of the Panchabhoota Lingas, representing the element of air. The temple is also known as Dakshina Kailasam, which means Kailash of the South. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself resides in this temple and blesses the devotees who visit it.

The Sri Kalahasti Temple has a significant spiritual and mythological significance. According to the legend, the temple is built on the spot where Lord Shiva appeared before three devotees and blessed them. The three devotees were a spider, an elephant, and a snake, who were all ardent followers of Lord Shiva. The spider is believed to have weaved a web around Lord Shiva to protect him from the scorching sun, the elephant is believed to have washed the Lord's feet, and the snake is believed to have placed a gem on his forehead. These three incidents are said to have happened in the same spot, which is where the temple is now located.

The temple's rituals and customs are unique and have been followed for centuries. The temple is famous for its Rahu-Ketu Pooja, which is performed to ward off the ill effects of the planets Rahu and Ketu. The temple is also known for its Abhishekam, which is performed to the Vayu Linga with various materials like milk, honey, and ghee, to appease Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.

The Sri Kalahasti Temple is a must-visit destination for all spiritual seekers and devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple's ambiance, architecture, and rituals create an aura of spirituality that cannot be described in words. The temple also has a serene and peaceful atmosphere that calms the mind and soothes the soul.

In conclusion, the journey from Tirupathi to Srikalahasti is a memorable experience that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and cultural richness. Whether you are a devotee or a tourist, this journey is worth taking, and it will leave you with a sense of awe and wonder that will last a lifetime.

Note: These details are as per my experience in march, 2023. So if there are any changes at the time you read this article or if you have any other suggestions to add then please comment below because it will help other tourists.