A temple town that uses folklore, tradition and myth to evoke an image that leaves vivid marks in traveler’s minds.

Srikalahasti is a combination of three words sri for spider, kala for serpent and hasti for elephant, and this name in itself contains the tale of the salvation of each of these animals through their ardent faith to the Lord Shiva.

The Temple of Srikalahasti

Usually passed over or hurried past on the way to Tirupati for tourists, Srikalahasti is a predominantly pilgrim oriented center situated in Andhra Pradesh.  The ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathi which in layman’s terms means the temple celebrates Lord Shiva as the embodiment of the primary elements of Fire, Space, Water, Earth, Air, and Air being the element indicated here in this temple.   Amazingly this temple pre-dates the Christian era, with the construction and structure being built during the reign of the Chola Kings, and many improvements being updated within the temple over time by various other Chola kings and kings of the Vijayanagara.

A story of Srikalahasti's history found through its architecture

Srikalahasti has a very rich history which shines through in its vibrant shrines, and stunningly pristine nature.  It is a shining example of southern India’s best architecture both highly embellished and delicately intricate the Dravidian style shows itself off both flamboyantly and successfully in this environment.  One point that makes the temples and shrines here so amazing is the fact that because they are almost all on a high hill looking down it enables the onlooker an astounding view of the surrounding areas set out below.

Learn to paint Kalamkari Paintings during your tour to Srikalahasti

Srikalahasti is somewhat famous for its Kalamkari painters and their work.  There are many skilled painters to be found here and if you are that way inclined you might like to take some time out to learn about the style or how to do it.  Kalamkari is based in the medium of vegetable paints, most prominent in Kalamkari paintings are mythological scenes and stories. Kalamkari has rich colour combinations and fine textures that leave impressions on the onlooker that will last for years to come.

Srikalahasti Economy and tourism

The town depends upon tourism and agriculture to keep it going economically.  The main crops grown here include paddy, sugar cane and ground nuts which bring in revenue for the farmers.  Apart from the crops tourism is the major contributor to the economy here, pilgrims who stop at the Tirumala temple also visit the Kalahasti temple, it literally sees hundreds of feet walking its steps every day and is considered the second most famous temple in Andhra Pradesh.  The Kalamkari artists that reside here in the town also bring in a lot of money through the sales of their paintings.