SRIKALAHASTISWARA TEMPLE

Constructed by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings, Srikalahasti Temple is definitely one of the most significant Shiva Temples in the south India. As one of the five Panchabhoota Sthalam, the temple is famous for its Vayu linga, which represents wind. The other four are: Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram (sky), Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleshwara Temple in Thiruvannamalai (fire), Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara Temple in Trichy (water) and Ekambareswara Temple in Kanchipuram (earth).

Vayu (wind) is an incarnation of Lord Shiva (Kalahastiswara) that is specifically worshiped in this temple. It is the site where one of the 63 Saivite Nayanars, Kannappa, was ready to offer both his eyes to cover the blood flowing from the Shiva Linga. But before he could do this, Lord Siva stopped him and granted him salvation. Kalahasti Temple is known for its architecture and has three massive and breathtaking Gopurams (gateways). Apart from this, the most striking feature of the temple is its huge Mantapam with hundred pillars.

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.

VEYILINGALA KONA WATERFALLS

The name of the waterfalls is acquired from Telugu and its meaning is ‘The Valley of Thousand Lingas’. Linga forms of rocks are abundant around the waterfalls. Located 8 km from Srikalahasti, the waterfalls is said to have medicinal properties to address various skin diseases. Along with the legends associated with the waterfalls, the spectacular landscape of the place attracts visitors from various parts of the world.

BHARADWAJA TIRTHAM

A gurgling stream of water that lies just three and a half kilometers from the main temple, Bharadwaja Theertham is well known for its atmosphere and look quite impressive. This tank houses a beautiful statue of Vinayaka, which makes the environment much more pristine. Thapo Vinayaka idol in the center of the tank is just wonderful and gives a great impression. TOUGH tank and its surroundings are a busy location, is witnessing huge crowds on the day Mahasivaratri.

TALAKONA WATERFALLS

The 270 feet tall, Talakona Waterfalls is the highest waterfalls in the whole of Andhra Pradesh. The waterfall is situated in Sri Venkateswara National Park in Chittoor. Nature lovers will be fascinated by the stunning landscape. Dense forests with a wide range of plants and animals make the place irresistible. Some of the wild species that are found in the forest area include panther, sambar, Indian giant squirrel and porcupine. Some of the rarest kinds of medicinal plants are found here while sandalwood trees are found in great numbers in the dense forest. You are not short of adventure here with canopy ropewalk at an height of about 40 feet stretching for 240 meter length. Boat rides are available as well.

SHASHARA LINGA TEMPLE

In ordinary parlance, the word Sahasra stands for thousand and the temple makes the term more meaningful with the same number of Shivalingas. This temple holds much mythological relevance and the popular belief is that a darshan here would absolve one from all the boons.

The Shivalinga in the temple houses 1000 other lingas on it and it is joyful sight to have glimpse of this on a single shrine. All the lingas are carved out of the same idol. Sahasra linga temple is located in the midst of a forest and its pretty position on the backdrop of a hill makes more serene. A visit to this shrine would be a worthy affair.

PRASANNA VARADARAJA SWAMY TEMPLE

Prasanna Varadaraja Swamy temple is one of the prominent temples located near the Srikalahasti Temple.

Timing: 6 am - 9 pm

DURGAMBIKA TEMPLE

The temple is a shrine dedicated to the lovely Durgambika Durgambika goddess. Its location on a hill that makes a pretty fascinating. High demand in areas near this ancient temple, at a height of 800 meters located north of Temple Kalahastishwara. General Steps in the hill climb to the chapel make the fairly easy.

PARASURAMESWARA TEMPLE GUDIMALLAM

Though a small village, historically it is very important, because it has a beautiful Siva Temple which is popularly known as "the Parasurameswara Temple."

The main importance of the temple lies in the Linga which is housed in the Garbhagriha of the temple and considered unique for its naturalistic depection.[2] This is supposed to be the earliest Linga discovered so far and it has been assigned to the 3rd century BCE. [2] The name of the temple is mentioned as Parasurameswara Temple in the inscriptions. These inscriptions do not refer to the original builders of the temple. But they register the gifts made to the temple like land, money and cows for the conduct of daily worship in the temple. The Black and Redware sherds of the 2nd or 3rd century AD have been brought to light during the course of excavations conducted in 1973. Potsherds of the Andhra Satavahana period (Circa 1st century AD to 2nd century AD) and large sized bricks measuring 42+21+6 cms. of the same period have also been found. Hence some historians assign the temple to the Satavahana period.

SRI SUBRAMANYA SWAMY TEMPLE

A holy shrine in the lap of a picturesque background, Subramanya Swami Temple unfolds the charm and prettiness of the town before the beholder. From here one can catch the glittering glimpse of the entire surroundings.

The best thing one can do in this panoramic environ is to take dawdling walk through its wide courtyard. It is not only relaxing but refills you with much energy and vigor. Indeed it would be an enjoyable experience since one needs a relaxation of this sort after ascending 150 steps. Darshan Timings are scheduled between 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm.

BHAKTA KANNAPA TEMPLE

Bhakta Kannappa temple is one of the distinctive temples situated east of Srikalahasti temple. It has an idol of the tribal youth Bhakta Kannappa, who offered his eyes to the bleeding Lord Shiva idol in the temple. His love and devotion for the God helped him gain unparalleled position of being worshipped alongside the Lord Shiva. The offerings in the temple are first made to Bhakta Kannappa and then to the Shiva Linga.