Srikalahasti

Srikalahasti is a holy town and a municipality near Tirupati in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. It is one of the ancient temples included in the Saiva pilgrimages and is fairly close to the famous hill temple of Lord Venkateshwara at Tirupati, one of the richest and famous temple cities in the World.

It is one of the important ancient Shiva Kshetras (Shiva Temples) of Southern India. The Srikalahasti Temple occupies the area between the river bank and the foot of the hills and is popularly known as Dakshina Kailasam or Dakshina Kaashi. The three lofty Gopurams of the temple are remarkable for their architecture. This temple was originally built during Pallava period and current structures are built by Chola Tamil King Kulothunga Cholan I, II and III during 11th century. A huge hundred pillared mandapam was built by Krishnadevarayar during 16th century which is another important feature of this shrine.

Srikalahasti is one of the five Panchaboota Sthallas i.e. place representing one of the five elements of nature (Earth, Fire, Water, Wind and Sky). Kalahasti represents Vayu (Wind).

It is also the origin of the popular textile painting art called kalamkarik