Sri Kalahasti Temple - The Temple dedicated to
Rahu/ Ketu Parihara (Remedy)- The abode of Lord Shiva.
Temple Remedies for Planetary Afflictions ( Graha
Dosha)
No planet as per
the Vedic Astrology could be considered
as benefic or malefic since planets are assigned certain values and duties and
in the performance of their will as per the dictum of the almighty or of the
universal force, they behave differently which is considered as good or bad as
per the perception of the individual. When we undergo challenging periods we
consider it as malefic period though we are working out our karma and getting
matured and revealed . Revelation could easily come through experiences rather
than Jnana ( Enlightenment) for the ordinary soul.
The so called
malefic planets Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are instrumental in helping the
soul evolve and get revealed. In common parlance it could be considered as
tough times and we resort to remedies or offsetting karmas that could mitigate
the perceived sufferings. Indian Vedic
astrology prescribes ,many remedies of which worship in the famous temples
which are the store house of great energy is one among them. Specific temples
are dedicated for specific planets , the
scientific reasons of which are incomprehensible for an ordinary mind as these
prescriptions are made by enlightened great souls . Srikalahasti or Kalahasti
as it is wrongly called, is one of such
important temples dedicated to the
shadowy planets of Rahu and Ketu of Indian Vedic Astrology.
Kalahasti- The abode of Lord Shiva:-
Sri Kalahasti
being worshiped by thousands of people is located near Tirupati, the pilgrimage
town. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and associated with Rahu and Ketu.
This ancient temple falls under the
category of Pancha Bhoota Stalams. It refers to temples celebrating Lord Shiva
as incarnation of the primary elements namely Earth, water, fire, air and
space. Sri Kalahasthi temple represents the element air.
The temple is
considered the Kailash of South. Lord shiva is worshiped as Sri
Kalahastheeswarar. The main linga, worshipped as Sri Kalahastheeswarar remains
untouched even by the priests. The abisheka is done only to utsava murthi ( The idol taken for procession) and
not to the main linga.
The History (Stala Varalaru)
The temple is
named after the devotees of Lord Shiva. They were Spider, Sri, Serpent – Kala,
and Elephant – Hasti. Pleased with their devotion to him, Lord Shiva gave them
a boon to merge their names with Vayulinga and called as Sri Kalahasti.
All these three,
Spider, Elephant and Serpent used to worship the Linga without knowing to each
other. Elephant used to clean the Linga by carrying water in the trunk and pray
with flowers and Vilva leaves. Spider, in order to protect the Linga from dusts
and dry leaves, built a nest by weaving its web. Serpent, placed it gem on the
Linga to worship and adorn the lord. Without knowing about each other prayers,
they fought and died. Lord Shiva offered moksha to them for their devotion.
Dosha nivarana Centre( The remedial centre)
For many Devas,
this temple acted as dosha nivarana centre to get rid of curses and to attain
mukthi. Lord Shiva cursed Lord Parvathi and as a result she assumed human form.
She prayed the lord with utmost devotion and dedication to get rid of the
curse. Pleased by her prayers, Lord Shiva regained by divine body. Devendra,
Chandra (moon) and Mayura also relieved from their curses when they had bath in
the holy river Swarnamukhi and prayers to Lord Shiva at Sri Kalahasti.
History of the temple
Among an
assortment of temples depict Lord Shiva this is the one of the highly
impressive temples in India. It was sculpted by Vishwakarma Brahmin Sthapathis.
They should be adorned for their tremendous and brilliant architectural
cognizance.
The initial
structure of the temple was built during Pallava dynasty. Later, VIjayanagara
Kings and Chola kings also extended great support in developing the temple.
Similar to other ancient temples, Sri Kalahasti is also one of the ancient
temples lasts for centuries. Chola Kings renovated and restructured the temple
in tenth century. The beauty and fascinating fact of the temple is, the entire
temple is carved out of a huge stone hill.
Krishnadevaraya,
the king of Vijayanagara has constructed the main gopuram with 120 feet height
and 100 pillars mandapams in the year 1512. Later after four decades, one
million dollars has been spent in the year 1912, which is what we see now.
How to reach
Nearest airport
Tirupati located at a distance of 30kms from Kalahasti. It is the most
convenient place to visit and worship the temple. Kalahasti is also well
connected by roadways and railways with Tirupati. Chennai is the closer place
from where you can reach the temple in about four hours of drive.
Remedial Temple for the Nodes( Rahu and Ketu) and
related Evils – This temple is renowned for remedies
of Rahu and ketu main periods and sub periods besides ending of these main
periods and malefic combinations by the nodes l. Delay and disturnbances in
marital life, Issue related problems in
the horoscope, are all pacified at this great temple. Specific Rahu kala Pooja is
performed on all days and they are considered as highly effective.
One is advised
to visit this temple during the operation of the main or sub periods of Rahu
and ketu besides people having malefic influence of these planets on houses of
marriage. Issues, education, longevity and health.
Sarpa dosha
Nivarana pooja.
Sarpa dosha
refers to doshas created by Serpents. Rahu is the planet with human head and
serpent body and Ketu is just opposite to Rahu with serpent head and body of
human. They are either serpents or similar to other planet gods. These are the
only planets that have varying degrees of unpleasant effects on all people.
However, they also provide few benefits.
sarpa nivarana pooja is provided in three
variations with three different varying degrees of treatment to devotees on the
basis of cost of pooja. Rs.250/-, Rs.600/- and Rs.1000/- are the rates charged.
No advance booking for pooja is encouraged and the devotees are allowed to book
for the pooja by making their physical presence in the temple.
