What is Kalahasti?
Q: What is Kalahasti?
A: Kalahasti is a place in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, and it features an ancient temple of Shiva, one of the five such temples collectively known as Pancha Bootha Sthalams.
Q: What do people worship at this temple?
A: People worship Shiva in the form of a linga at this temple.
Q: Who are Kannappa and Vayudeva?
A: Kannappa was a saint who offered his eyes to the linga as a supreme sacrifice, which made Shiva so happy that he appeared in human form and restored Kannappa's eyesight. He is now worshipped as one of the 63 saiva saints in Tamil Nadu. Vayudeva is the god of wind, incarnated as Lord Shiva and worshipped as Kalahasteeswara at Sri Kalahasti Temple 36 km away from Kalhasti.
Q: What can be observed inside the inner sanctum?
A: Inside the inner sanctum there is a lamp that constantly flickers despite lack of air movement inside, and flames on several ghee lamps flicker as if blown by moving air.
Q: How does abhisheka (bathing) take place?
A: Abhisheka (bathing) takes place by pouring a mixture of water, milk, camphor, and panchamrita over the main linga which remains untouched by human hands even by priest. Sandal paste, flowers and sacred thread are then offered to utsava-murti instead.
Q: How old is Sri Kalahasti Temple?
A: Sri Kalahasti Temple was constructed in 12th century by Chola king Rajarajendra and was built in 1516 by King Krishnadeva Raya.
