History of the place

A spider built a temple for Lord Shiva, with its threadlike material from its stomach. The Lord to test its devotion kindled up the lamp and burnt the temple. When the spider decied to end its life, the Lord gave darshan and blessed it to be at His feet as a flame. In Thredha yuga, a snake named Kalan worshipped the Lord with precious stones on His head. A elephant named Athi also worshipped the Lord performing abishekam with Ponmuhali river water, and vilwa leaves which happened in Dwapara yuga. The both worshipped undoing the worship of the other. The snake hid itself in the flowers offered by the elephant and entered through the tusk and screw its head. Unable to bear this, elephant decided to kill itself and the snake dashing forcibly against the rocks and both died. Lord Seekalathiappar gave darshan to them with Mother and granted Sarupa Mukthi. The letter See in Tamil represents Silandhi (the spider), Kalam the snake and the elephant (Hasthi in 'Sanskrit) and became Seekalathi.

Saints who worshiped

Thirunavukkarasar, Thirugnanasambandar and Sundarar. This is the 252nd of the 274 devara sthalams.

Temple History, Speciality, Miracle and Greatness

Sri Kalathinathar is Swayambumurthi. When the golden shied is removed during Aarthi, one can see the figures of spider, the tusks of an elephant at the base and five headed snake at the top. Also at the right the mark of Kannappar's eye. The sanctum sanctorum is in the shape of an Agazhi (a deep and broad water defence arrangement around the palaces of kings to prevent entry of enemies). This sthala is highly related to Kannappar (a great devotee) who used to bring water from river Swarnamukhi in his mouth. As the Kavacha (protective shied) of the Lord has symbols of the planets, hence no separate shrine for Navagrahas except for Saturn. The Oddiyanam (hip belt) of Mother has symbol of planet Ketu. Lord Kalathiappar is facing west to bless the Rishis. As the place belongs to Vayu (wind), the lamp would be always be oscillating in the air at the Lord's shirne.

Pariharam

One of the Panch booth sthalam related to Vayu (wind). Parihara sthalam for Rahu and Ketu doshas, sarpha (snakes) doshas. This is one of the 51 Sakthi Peetams known as Gnana Sakthi Peetam (wisdom)

Pariharam Procedure

Devotees perform abhishekam to the Lord, offer Vastras (clothes) and donate for temple maintenance. Thumba flower garland is offered to the Lord. It is firmly believed that a dip and consuming the water of Saraswathi Theertham here brings relief to kids who are unable to speak fluently.

Festival Period

Masi day 1, 10 days festival during Mahashivratri, Thirukarthigai Deepam, Oonjal festival on all Frdays, Makara Sankranthi (Pongal) and Girivalam on Maha Shivarathi.

Dharshan Timings

IST 05:00 AM to 12:00 Noon , 5:00 PM to 09:00 PM. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the temple is open from 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM

How to reach

Kalahasthi is situated 130 kms from Chennai and 40 kms from Thirupathi. Bus facilities are available from Thirupathi, Renigunta, Kanchipuram and Thiruthani.

Nearest Location

Railway Station: Kalahasthi. Airport : Chennai.