Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple, Sri Kalahasthi –
Religious Importance
The
temple is revered as one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalam where the presiding deity is worshipped as Vayu Linga (air). This temple is considered "Kashi
of the South". Saivite saints of the first century sang about this
temple. This is the only temple in India which remains open during Solar and
lunar eclipses, while, all other temples are closed. This temple is famous for
Rahu-Kethu pooja. It is believed that performing this pooja will ward the
people from astrological effects of Rahu and Kethu. As per Hindu legend, Kalahasteeswara
was worshipped at this place by Brahma during all four Yugas.
Arjuna,
the Pandava prince during Mahabharata is believed to have worshipped
the presiding deity. The legend of Kannappa
Nayanar, who was a hunter and turned into
an ardent devotee of Shiva accidentally, is associated with the temple. The
temple also finds mention in the works of Nakkeerar and the Nalvars, namely, Appar, Sundarar,
Sambandar and Manickavasagar in
the canonical works of Thirumurai. As the temple is revered in Thevaram, it is
classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 275 temples that find mention in the Saiva
canon.
This
temple is celebrated for worshipping Lord Shiva, for him being embodiment of
one of the five primary elements in the form of water, fire, earth, space and
air. Sri Kalahasti temple is famous for the element air and the other four
which are Chidambaram (Space), Kanchipuram (Earth), Tiruvanaikaval (Water) and
Tiruvannamalai (Fire). These five Lingas are praised by Muthuswami Dikshitar in
his celebrated Panchabhuta Krithis(songs).
This
temple is among some of the very famous and honoured religious places of the
South. Sri Kalahasti temple commands special respect particularly by the
devotees of Lord Shiva. The fervent Purana and the well-off architecture make
it a great experience for the devotees. Visiting this sacrosanct religious
place, besides giving a heavenly experience also liberates the devotees from
fault in their planetary orientations.
