India Mint Stamp
Lokith Philately
Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Andhra Pradesh
Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Andhra Pradesh
Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers
Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers
Date of issue: 14.02.1980
Date of issue: 14.02.1980
Pin code: 517644
Pin code: 517644
Status: Active
Status: Active
PO Name: Srikalahasti
PO Name: Srikalahasti
Description: The Srikalahasti Temple is located on the banks of the Swarnamukhi, a tributary of the Pennar River, in the town of Srikalahasti in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh. According to the legend, it is the place where Kannappa offered both his eyes to cover the blood flowing from the linga before Lord Shiva stopped him and granted him salvation. The inner temple dates back to the 5th century AD, while the outer temple was built around the 11th century AD. The temple was renovated and the main structure was built by the Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I. The beautiful gopuram at the entrance on the south side was constructed by Kulottunga Chola I during the 11th century AD. Inscriptions of different Chola kings can be found in the temple. The 37-meter high main gopuram and the hundred-pillared hall with intricate carvings were built during the reign of Vijayanagara Krishnadevaraya in 1516 AD.
Description: The Srikalahasti Temple is located on the banks of the Swarnamukhi, a tributary of the Pennar River, in the town of Srikalahasti in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh. According to the legend, it is the place where Kannappa offered both his eyes to cover the blood flowing from the linga before Lord Shiva stopped him and granted him salvation. The inner temple dates back to the 5th century AD, while the outer temple was built around the 11th century AD. The temple was renovated and the main structure was built by the Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I. The beautiful gopuram at the entrance on the south side was constructed by Kulottunga Chola I during the 11th century AD. Inscriptions of different Chola kings can be found in the temple. The 37-meter high main gopuram and the hundred-pillared hall with intricate carvings were built during the reign of Vijayanagara Krishnadevaraya in 1516 AD.
The temple is also associated with Rahu and Ketu, the nine grahas or celestial bodies in the religious astrological scheme. Sri Kalahasti is named after the staunch devotees of Lord Shiva: the spider (Sri), the serpent (Kala), and the elephant (Hasti). Pleased with their unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva granted them a boon that their names would merge into the Vayu Linga and be called Sri Kalahastheeswara. Parvati attained Shiva-inana and came to be known as Gnana Prasunamba or Gnana. Ghanakala, cursed with the curse of becoming a ghost, prayed at Srikalahasti for 15 years and after chanting the Bhairava mantra many times, Lord Shiva restored her to her original form. Mayur, Chandra, and Devendra were also relieved of their curses after bathing in the Swarmukhi River and praying at Srikalahasti. Maha Shivaratri is an important festival when millions of people pray to seek the Lord's blessings to attain salvation. Lord Shiva appeared at Sri Kalahasti to Bhakta Markandeya and preached that only a Guru can impart esoteric teachings and hence they are Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara. The main gopuram built by King Krishnadevaraya collapsed in 2010. Then the ASI was reconstructed in its original form at the same place in 2017.
The temple is also associated with Rahu and Ketu, the nine grahas or celestial bodies in the religious astrological scheme. Sri Kalahasti is named after the staunch devotees of Lord Shiva: the spider (Sri), the serpent (Kala), and the elephant (Hasti). Pleased with their unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva granted them a boon that their names would merge into the Vayu Linga and be called Sri Kalahastheeswara. Parvati attained Shiva-inana and came to be known as Gnana Prasunamba or Gnana. Ghanakala, cursed with the curse of becoming a ghost, prayed at Srikalahasti for 15 years and after chanting the Bhairava mantra many times, Lord Shiva restored her to her original form. Mayur, Chandra, and Devendra were also relieved of their curses after bathing in the Swarmukhi River and praying at Srikalahasti. Maha Shivaratri is an important festival when millions of people pray to seek the Lord's blessings to attain salvation. Lord Shiva appeared at Sri Kalahasti to Bhakta Markandeya and preached that only a Guru can impart esoteric teachings and hence they are Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara. The main gopuram built by King Krishnadevaraya collapsed in 2010. Then the ASI was reconstructed in its original form at the same place in 2017.