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SRI
KALAHASTI - SRI KALAHASTEESWARA |
Sthalapuranam :
Legend says that Lord Shiva has blessed his three ardent devotees, Sri – the spider,
Kala – the serpent and Hasti – the elephant to attain divinity. Thus the name
"Sri-Kala-Hasti", of the place. These three creatures are thus seen
amalgamated in the linga now. The three creatures are said to be the rebirths of the
cursed Deva ganas. The spider was Oornabha, the son of Viswakarma (the architect of deva
ganas), who was cursed by Lord Brahma for trying to replicate his creation. Shiva himself
cursed the snake while the elephant was Pramadha cursed by Parvathi for intruding their
privacy. Other legend says that the Shiva lingam actually belonged to Vali, the Vanara
chief. Other legend associated is that of "Bhakta Kannappa".
It being renowned as "Dakshina
Kailasam" Lord Brahma is said to have performed his penance for Lord Shiva with
the aim of attaining the power of creation and succeeded here. Symbolic of this is the
temple of Brahma here apart from the only temple of his at Brahmakapalam in the North.
Opposite to this is the Brahmathirtha. This place is also referred to as
"Shivanandaika nilayam", "Akhandabilvakaananam", and the natural abode
for all the gods according to the epics.
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