Sri Kalahasti

SriKalahasti temple is located 36 km away from Tirupathi in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradhesh, India. The inner temple is constructed around 5th century and the outer temple was constructed in the 12th Century. 

Srikalahasti Temple is situated in Chittoor district of the state of Andhra Pradesh. In South India, it occupies a place of eminence among the holy Siva kshetras. The temple is called as Dakshina Kailasam located on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. The architecture of Srikalahasti Temple-Chitoor is extraordinary, it has three massive Gopurams which are breathtaking. Another striking feature of the temple is its huge Mantapam with hundred pillars.
                    

A small town in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Kalahasti is amongst the most sacred pilgrim centres. Its temple enshrines a Vayu-Linga, one of Shiva's Pancha-Bhoota Lingas, the others being manifest at Arunachala (Agni-linga), Kanchi (Prithvi-linga), Chidambaram (Akasa-linga) and Thiruvanaikaval (Jala-linga). The Shivalinga at Sri Kalahastiis marked by symbols of three creatures — that of a spider at the bottom, a five-hooded snake on top and elephant-tusks on either side. Legend informs us that Sri (spider), Kala (snake) and Hasti (elephant) were cursed by Brahma, Shiva and Parvati but attained moksha by worshipping Lord Shiva here. Hence Shiva came to be called Sri Kalahasteeswara. The temple also has a statue of the hunter Thinnan who offered his own kannu (eyes) to this Shivalinga and gained renown as Bhakta Kannappa.

Story of Sri Kalahasti:1

As per many Hindu scriptures the temple is associated with the story of the three ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. The name Sri kalahasti itself is derived from the name of all three devotees; Sri has been taken from spider, kala from serpent and Hasti from Elephant. It is believed that all the three were ardent worshippers of Lord Shiva and they offered pooja to Lord Shiva in their own way. While the elephant offered Abhishek to Lord Linga with water which he used to bring from the nearby river, the spider used to wrap around the linga, the strong thread so as to protect it from getting deteriorated. The Serpent on the other hand used to decorate the lingam by placing Naga Manikyam, his dear stone near the lingam. Once, while each of the three were trying to do the pooja in their own way, they crossed each other’s path and the elephant considered the method of worshipping of the spider is disrespectful and so, he splashed the thread the spider had weaved with his trunk full of water. At the act of elephant, the serpent and spider got angry and to take revenge the serpent entered the trunk of the elephant and spread its venom. The rage continued and the elephant smashed its trunk against the lingam and killed the serpent and in between the fight the spider also dies. Lastly the elephant dies because of the effect of the poison on its whole body. Looking at the sacrifice of his devotees, Lord Shiva was very much pleased and he gave salvation to elephant and the serpent while the spider got rebirth as King to serve the divine task.

Story of Sri Kalahasti: 2

The other story associated with the temple is that of Sri kannappa Swamy who was an enthusiastic devotee of Lord Shiva. It is believed that once, he saw blood coming out of the eyes of the Lord Shiva and so in reaction to that and to stop the flow of blood, he took out his one eye and placed it onto that of the lingam. Then, he was stopped by Lord Shiva, when he was about to tear down his other eye. Lord Shiva then gave him Divya Darshan as he had already passed the divine test of the almighty.

Sarvadoshas Pooja/ Sarpdosha/ Grahadoshas/ Rahu-Ketu

A person who has fault in the planetary positions of Rahu-Ketu has often a life full of worries and stress and he/she goes through many ups and downs in financial, personal and official issues. And the person may be laden with many problems and not able to figure out the cause for the same. The issue can only be found out by a professional astrologer and the person is surely found to be gripped with Kaal Sarp Yoga. The best treatment for the problem is the Sarpdosh Puja performed at the Sri Kalahasti temple where the puja can be performed in the presence of Lord Shiva. In the presence of Lord Shiva, the problem gets obliterate because of his divine power and enlightens every aspect of the person’s presence.
In Sri Kalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja will be performed during Rahu Kalam Timngs, Devotee should plan accordingly so that he will available during Rahu Kalam Time at the Temple.

Sri Kalahasti Temple is always crowded with Rahu Ketu Pooja, with Devotees coming from different parts of the Country.

Sri Kalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja is performed at different places within temple premises, Pooja Location depends on cost of the ticket. Sri Kalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja, will be done outside main temple and  inside Temple. Whatever it might be, Rahu Ketu Pooja benefit remains the same.

For Rahu Ketu Pooja at Sri Kalahasti Temple, Pilgrim is not required to carry any Pooja material, it will be provided at the ticket counter after purchasing Ticket.Rahu Ketu Pooja Ticket, includes Pooja material (Pooja Samagri) so additional pooja materials are not required.

Sri Kalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja will be performed in batches at Mandapam and in Halls, for which Entry and Exit Doors will be different as Devotee after completing Pooja should leave for Lord Shiva Darshan inside Temple.

For Rs.300 ticket, Everyone is allowed to take seat in a hall, it will be over crowded still you will space to perform Pooja. Temple priest will guide you through out the Pooja, He will speak  in a mike so that it is audible to everyone. He will  be briefing each step in Telugu, Tamil and English so that devotees can follow him easily.

If you have missed any steps, then you can seek help from Temple Staff who will be standing near to you. Rest of pooja process remains simple and it takes about 20-25 minutes for Pooja completion.

After finishing with Rahu Ketu Pooja at Mandapam, you need to carry the Silver Idols along with you and place them in The Hundi, which is Inside The Temple.  


For Better Pooja prospects, Rahu Ketu Pooja to be performed during Rahu Kalam Timings
1 Sunday 4:30 p.m To 6 pm
2 Monday 7:30 a.m To 9 a.m
3 Tuesday 3 p.m To 4:30 p.m
4 Wednesday 12:00 p.m To 1:30 p.m
5 Thursday 1:30 p.m To 3 p.m
6 Friday 10:30 a.m To 12 p.m
7 Saturday 9:00 a.m To 10:30 a.m


Sri Kalahasti Rahu Ketu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Puja can be performed daily between 6:00 am – 6:00 pm. While you can perform pooja any time, performing pooja during Rahu Kalam is considered to be auspicious. Sunday and Tuesday are the best days to perform pooja as Sunday and Tuesday are the day considered to be for Rahu and Ketu .

Sri Kalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja Ticket Cost and Mandapam Details
S.No Sri Kalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja Ticket Cost per person Sri Kalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja Mandapam Persons Allowed along with devotee
1 Rs.300 Hall outside Temple, within Temple Premises One person is allowed along with you, but He/She Should be in Standing mode right form beginning of the Pooja
2 Rs.750 A/c Hall which has Siva Sannidhi Inside, within Temple Premises One Person is allowed along with you and He/She can be seated along with you
3 Rs. 1500 Mandapam Outsidee Temple Premises (Near Dwajasthambham) 2 Adults and 2 Kids are allowed along with you for the Pooja
4 Rs. 2500 Mandapam Inside Temple 2 Adults and 2 Kids are allowed along with you for the Pooja

How to Reach Sri Kalahasti

    Through Airways: The nearest airport is in Tirupati Airport, which is just 25 kms. There are daily flights from Hyderabad, Delhi, Bangalore,Chennai.

    Through Railways: Through railways there is a railway station at Sri Kalahasthi.All express trains have stop at Srikalahasti. It is well connected to all major cities in South India directly. There are trains from Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Kolkata .The closest railway junction is Renigunta , Renigunta is just 25 kms from Sri Kalahasthi.

    Through Roadways: It takes about 5 hours by road to get to Tirupati from Bangalore. Both KSRTC and APSRTC operate buses during the day and night. It is about 3 hours by road from Chennai. Frequent buses are available from CMBT Chennai. APSRTC has buses plying very frequently (every ½ hour) from Tirupati. 

Vijayawada Kanakadurga

Vijayawada is famous for temple of  Kanaka Durga the Goddess of power, riches ,Vijayawada Kanaka Durma Maa is worshiped by lakhs of pilgrims .During the “Navarathri” festival which is celebrated with Religious fervor, pomp and festivity. The ancient temple of Kanaka Durga , a top the Indrakeeladri hill on the banks of the Sacred river Krishna in Vijayawada.
       

Indrakeeladri is unique in that it has been the chosen abode of Kanaka Durga and Malleswara Swamy as Swayambhu (the self-existent one). Here Durga is on the right side of Malleswara Swamy as against the tradition of Goddesses taking their position on the left of their consorts. This shows that Shakthi is predominant on the Indrakeeladri.

In good olden days a Yaksha named ‘KEELA’ had been performing severe penance upon goddess Durga. Goddess Durga was pleased by his penance and appeared before him. She asked him to beg a boon. Keela was so happy by the words of Goddess Durga and begged like this, “O holy Mother! you should always be in my heart. This is the one and only my desire”. Listened goddess Durga and gave the boon with showering the lunar lights of smile and said, “My Son! You remain here at this holiest planes of river Krishna in the form of mountain. In Krithayuga, after the assassination of demons, I will remain in your heart”. 

As such, by the order of goddess Durga, Keela had been waiting in the form of mountain for goddess Durga. After that, in the Krithayuga goddess Durga killed Mahishasura who was a disaster for World. Then goddess Durga shined on the Keela mountain with eight arms in the form of MAHISHASURA MARDINI as she had given boon to keela. On this mountain, goddess Durga had been glowing with the lighting of crores of suns, with golden colour. Since that, Indra and all the deities praised her chanting “KANAKA DURGA” and they had been worshipping her daily. This mountain has attained the name “INDRAKEELADRI” from those times, since all the deities are visiting this mountain. Likewise, since goddess Durga shined on this mountain with golden colour glowing, the name ‘KANAKACHALA’ also attained by this mountain. Holy Indrakeeladri mountain became holiest after prevailing goddess Durga on this. Then Brahma Deva had a sacred intution that Lord Siva also should prevail on this mountain. For this holy purpose, he had performed ‘Sata Aswamedha Yaga’. By this, lord Maheswara pleased with his devotion and rested in the form of ‘Jyothirlinga’ on this mountain. By the first time, Brama Deva worshipped lord Siva with Jasmine flowers (Mallika) with great devotion. Since Lord Siva was worshipped with Jasmine flowers by Brahma Deva, he has attained the name. ‘MALLIKESHA’. 

After this, in Dwaparayuga Arjuna, middle one of the Pandavas, awfully penanced about Parameswara, seeking ‘Pasupatastra’. Parameswara wanted to test Arjuna and faught with him. Finally Lord Siva got pleased with the devotion and dauntlessness of Arjuna and offered him Pasupatastra. From that day ‘MALLIKESA’had attained the name ‘MALLIKESWARA’ since he faught with Arjuna with greatest bravery. Days were passing on and on. In Kaliyuga, Jagadguru Sri Adi Sankaracharya observed that the Malleswara Jyothirlinga was in bad invisible condition and he reinstalled Malleswara Swamy at the Northern Part to the temple of Goddess Durga. From that day onwards, Malleswara Swamy also has been worshiping by all the devotees. Since goddess Durga has been prevailing at the Southern direction to Lord Malleswara, this Indrakeeladri renowned in the World as power prominent centre the “KANAKA DURGA KSHETRA” 

When Indrakeeladri came in the way of the River Krishna the Gods requested the hill to allow the river to pass through it to join the sea. Keeludu obliged and gave a small passage for the river. But the ferocious Krishna made the passage larger than permitted and carried a part of the hill four miles downstream to Yanamalakuduru, where there is now a hillrock called “Thelukonda” or floating hillrock. According to another legend, Kanaka Durga borrowed the nose-stud of the Krishna and to avoid returning it jumped up the hill. Krishna vowed to take back her ornament by raising her level to the hill top by the end of kaliyuga.Adi-Sankaracharya visited the temple and installed the Srichakra and initiated workship of Kanaka Durga in vedic ways, and avoided animal sacrifice.

Different Darshans availabe at Kanaka Durga temple with Timings are listed below:

Anthralayam Darshan (Rs.300)  :05:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Mukamandapam Darshanam (Rs.100)  :05:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Different Sevas available at Kanaka Durga Temple With Timings Listed Below :

1. Sri Ammavari Vastram Seva (Rs.25000)
2. Gomatha Pooja (Rs.21)
3. Sri Ammavari Kadgamalarchana (Rs.5116)
4. Noothana Dastram (Rs.150)
5. Annapraasana (Rs.150) 
6. Aksharaabhyaasam  (Rs.150)
7. Trikaalarchana  (Rs.1500)
8. Navagraha Shanthi Homam  (Rs.540)
9. Swarna Pushpaarchana  (Rs.650)
10. Ammavari Sahasranamarchana  (Rs.100)
11. Rudra Homam  (Rs.1000)
12. Shivaarchana  (Rs.650)
13. Subramayaswami Kalayanam  (Rs.1000)
14. Saswatha Sarpadoshanivarana  (Rs.5000)
15. Saswatha Srichakra Navavaranarchana  (Rs.10000)
16. Saswatha Lakshakumkumarchana  (Rs.10000)
17. Saswatha Santhi Kalyanam  (Rs.5000)
18. Sarpadoshanivarana  (Rs.250)
19. Srichakra Navavaranarchana  (Rs.1000)
20. Santhi Kalyanam  (Rs.500)
21. Lakshakunkumarchana  (Rs.1000)
22. Chandihomam  (Rs.1000) 
23. Trikaalaarchana (Rs.1500)
24. Sowbhagya Pradhayini  (Rs.1116)
25. Sri Malleswara Swamy vari abhisekham (Saswatham)  (Rs.500)
26.  Swarnapushparchana (Antharaalayam)  (Rs.2500)
27. Trikala Archana  (Rs.1500)
28. Pancha Harathulu  (Rs.500)
29. Shashwatha Pallaki Seva  (Rs.6000)
30. Pallaki Seva  (Rs.516)
31. Astotharam (Malleswara Swamy vari )  (Rs.10)
32. Saharsanamarchana (Malleswara Swamy vari )  (Rs.20)
33. Astotranamarchana to Kanakadurga Ammavaru(52 Fridays)  (Rs.2600)
34. Sahasranamarchana(52 Fridays)  (Rs.5200)
35. Vedha Asirvachanam  (Rs.500)
36. Saswatha Astotranamarchana to Kanakadurga Ammavaru  (Rs.500)
37. Saswatha Sahasranamarchana to Kanakadurga Ammavaru  (Rs.1000)
38. Ammavari Astotranamarchana  (Rs.50)

Kanipakam

 Kanipaka Vinayaka Temple or Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is a Hindu temple of Ganesha. It is located in Kanipakam in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India.It is about 11 km from Chittoor town.Kanipakam is a small village on the bank of Bahuda River.

This Kanipakam Vinayaka temple was constructed in the early 11th century by the Chola king Kulothunga Chola I and was expanded further in 1336 by the Emperors of Vijayanagara dynasty.

                                

 Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple Sthala Puranam (History of Kanipakam Temple)

"Kani" means wetland and "Pakam" means flow of water into wetland. According to the legend of the temple there were three brothers and each one had a handicap. Viz., Dumb, Deaf and Blind. They were earning out their livelihood by cultivating a small piece of land. 

In olden days water was drawn from the well by way of 'Piccota System'. As one of them used to irrigate the field through the channels, the other two used to play on the Piccota. On one such operation they found that the water in the well got dried up and they could no longer continue their job. One of them got into the well and started digging it up. He was taken aback to see the iron implement hitting a stone like formation.

Later, he was shocked to see blood oozing out from it. Within in a few seconds the entire water in the well, turned blood red in colour. Thus, startled by this divine sight, all the three became normal getting rid of their deformities. As soon as the villagers came to know about this miracle, they thronged to the well and tried to deepen the well further. But their attempt proved futile because the 'swayambhu' idol (the self-manifested) of Lord Vinayaka emerged from the swirling waters. 

Ultimately they offered many number of coconuts with all prayers- modesty kneeling before the new idol afford “MAGALHARATHI” etc. They declared the ideal of “SWAYAMBHU” and tendered number of coconuts. The coconuts water flowed into the channel to a distance of more than one and a quarter acres. The indication of this led to the modification in the usage of the Tamil word “KANIPARAKAM” and later pronounced as KANIPAKAM. Even today the idol is in the original well and the springs of the well are perennial and the eternal. During the rainy season, the holy water from the well overflows even today. 

Another striking and strange feature of the idol is that it is still growing in size. At present, we can see the knees and the abdomen of the idol. Smt. Lakshmamma, an ardent devotee had offered a 'Kavacham' (Armour) to the Lord, fifty years ago but today it is out of size and doesn't fit the idol. The holy water from the well is offered to the devotees as theertham.

Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple Opening Timings: 4:00 am – 9:30 pm

APSRTC Runs number of buses from Chittor and Tirupathi ,Trains also available from many major cities to Kanipakam (chittor).

Alampur Jogulamba Temple(5th Shakthi Pitha)

                      Alampur is a temple-town situated in Mahbubnagar district,in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located at about 90 km from Mahabubnagar, 27 km From Kurnool and 200 km from Hyderabad. Alampur is the meeting point of the sacred rivers Tungabhadra and Krishna and is referred to as Dakshina Kashi(also known as Navabrahmeshwara Theertha) and the Western Gateway of Srisailam, the famous Shaivite (Shaivism) pilgrim centre. The principal deities at Alampur are Brahmeshwara and Jogulamba. It is surrounded by the Nallamala hills. Alampur is situated on the left bank of the Tungabhadra river
                       Alampur was under the rule of Shatavahana Ishvakus of Nagarjunakonda, Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagara Empire and Qutb Shahis of Golconda. Alampur was previously Known as Halampuram, Hamalapuram And Alampuram. Name of this place as Hatampura, mentioned in the inscription dated AD 1101 belongs to Western Chalukya Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya VI. The Alampur Navabhrama Temples are historically important and reflect remarkable architectural skills.

Jogulamba temple:

                      The principal deities are Jogulamba and Balabrahmeshwara. Goddess Jogulamba is the 5th Shakti Peeta among 18 shakta peetas in India where Sati Devi's upper teeth fell.

                      Old temple of Jogulamba was destroyed by Bahamani sultans in the 14th century. The idols of Jogulamba and her two shaktis Chandi, Mundi were protected from them and placed in Bala brahmeswara swamy temple untill 2005. Now, a new temple was constructed in the same place and the godess was shifted in to it.

                       Idol of Jogulamba is typical. She is in sitting position. She has huge amount of hair with lizard, scorpion, owl and a human scull in it. Idols of Saptamatrikas, Vighneswara and Veenapani veerabhadra are also present in the temple. Original Chandi Mundi idols were left in Bala brahmeswara swamy temple and new idols are made and placed in Jogulamba temple.

Meaning of Jogulamba rupam

                     All of us know that the idol of Jogulamba has lizard, scorpion, bat, and skull in her hair. I head a meaning for this rupam from an Upasaka.

                      Jogulamba can be understood as Gruha Chandi. Those symbols show the signs of decay of a house. If a house starts to loose it's Jeeva kala (life), the number of lizards in that house will start increasing. The next step is high occurrence of scorpion appearance. If bats enter a house it's the third step which finally will lead to skulls in the house (Deaths in that house). If we worship Jogulamba she will cancel the results caused by these signs. She is also worshiped to relieve Vastu doshas.

                       

Navabrahma Temples

                       Alampur Navabrahma Temples are located at Alampur in Andhra Pradesh. There are a total of nine temples in Alampur. All of them are dedicated to Shiva. These temples date back to the 7th century A.D and were built by the Badami Chalukyas rulers who were great patrons of art and architecture. Even after a time span of several hundred years, these grand temples still stand firm reflecting the rich architectural heritage of the country.

1. Taraka Brahma
2. Swarga Brahma
3. Padma Brahma
4. Bala Brahma
5. Vishwa Brahma
6. Garuda Brahma
7. Kumara Brahma
8. Arka Brahma
9. Vira Brahma

Story Of  Renuka Yellamma:

                         Once upon a time Alampur was the ashram of Maharshi Jamadagni and his wife Renuka. They were spending their lives by worshiping Balabrahmeswara and Jogulamba. Renuka was great at Pathi bhakti and Daiva bhakti (devotion on Husband and God). Daily she used to bring water from Tungabhadra with a new pot freshly made up of sand. This was possible because of her devotion. One day she saw a king of Gandharvas taking bath in the river with his wives. She thought that they were living happily by the grace of God. She forget that the real happiness comes from the worship and not the materialistic wealth. Because of that sin she couldn't make the pot and went home with-out water. Jamadagni asked the reason. She told the truth. He became angry and ordered his first son to kíll Renuka. But, the son refused to kíll his mother. Jamadagni asked his second and third sons. They too refused. But, the fourth son Parasu Rama kílled his mother by cutting her head with his axe. Jamadagni was pleased and told that Parasu Rama can ask a boon. Parasu Rama requested to give life to his mother. Jamadagni rejuvinated her.

                          The head of Renuka which is Maya rupa (Materialist thoughts) became Ekaveera (one of the 18 Shakti peethas) and the body of her which is Matru rupa (Mother of Parasu Rama) became Bhudevi. Bhudevi is present in a small temple in the campus of Bala brahmeswara swamy. She gives children to the wanted.

                          Alampur is called as "City of Temples". All of them are very old and famous for their sculpture. A museum is also present in the premises of the temple which is maintained by Archaeological Department. There is a Mahishasura Mardini Idol in this museum which is worth seeing. The exquisite sculpture, the gait and marvelous art is simply superb which stands as the testimony to the Chalukya Art and Culture.