Srikalahasti Temple

Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple is one of the most important Shiva temples in South India, located in the town of Srikalahasti in Andhra Pradesh, about 36 km from Tirupati. The temple is situated on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River and is believed to have origins dating back over 1000 years, with major expansions carried out during the Chola and Vijayanagara periods. The towering gopuram and large temple complex reflect classic Dravidian temple architecture.

The temple is especially famous for the Vayu Lingam, representing the element of air among the Pancha Bhoota (five elemental) Shiva temples of India. It is also widely known for Rahu-Ketu puja, a ritual many devotees perform to reduce astrological doshas. Unlike many temples, the main lingam here is said to be self-manifested (Swayambhu), and priests perform rituals without touching it directly.