Srikalahasti Temple Story Legends

Srikalahasti Temple is a famous Lord Shiva Temple situated near Tirupati, in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Srikalahasti Temple is named after the three ardent devotees of Lord Shiva – they were the Spider (Sri), the Serpent (Kala) and the Elephant (Hasti). Hindu God Shiva, who was very much pleased with their enduring devotion, gave them a boon that their names would be joined with the Vayu Linga and called as Sri Kalahasteeswara.

Legend and Story of Srikalahasti Temple 

Legend goes that the elephant or Hasti used to clean the image of Lord Shiva by pouring water to the idol. It carried the river water in the trunks and worshipped by offering Vilva leaves. The spider or (Sri) protected the idol by creating the web, thus providing shelter for the Shiva lingam. The snake or Kala used to keep its valuable gem on the Linga to decorate the lord. Thus, these creatures worshipped the Vayu linga individually.

One day, there arose a fight between the snake and the elephant. The elephant which brought the flowers to decorate the idol, removed the precious stones brought by the snake. The spider got caught in the middle of the fight and finally the three died.

Due to their staunch devotion, the Lord merged the three souls in Him and thus the name Sri Kalahasti (Sri Kala Hasti).

Legend of Kannappar Nayannar & Srikalahasti Temple

According to another legend, there was a hunter named Kannappa Nayanaar, a true devotee of Mahadeva. His real name was Thinnan and is said to have offered his own eyes to Lord Siva. Thus the hunter was named as Kannappan. A statue of this hunter is seen in the temple sanctum.

Read more about Srikalahasti Shiva Temple here