Srikalahasteeswara Temple

Srikalahasti Temple is located in the town of Srikalahasti, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the most famous Shiva temples in South India, and is said to be the site where Kannappa was ready to offer both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Siva linga before the Lord Siva stopped him and granted him mukti.Srikalahasti temple, situated 36 km away from Tirupati is famous for its Vayu linga, one of the Panchabhoota Sthalams, representing wind. The temple is also regarded as Rahu-Ketu kshetra and Dakshina Kasi. The inner temple was constructed around 5th century and the outer temple was constructed in the 12th century by the Chola kings and the Vijayanagara kings. Lord Shiva in his aspect as Vayu is worshiped as Kalahasteeswara.LegendOrigin of Vayu LingamDuring early days of creation of world, Lord Vayu performed penance for thousands of years to "Karpoora lingam" . Due to his penance, Parameswara manifested before him and said, " O Vayu Deva! Though you are dynamic in nature, you stayed here without movement and did penance for me. I'm pleased with your penance. Ask boons you wish". Lord Vayu asked, "Swami! I want to be present everywhere in this world. I want to be an integral part of every Jiva who is none other than manifestation of Paramatma. I want to name this Karpoora Linga, which represents you, after me.