Srikalahasti Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

Srikalahasti Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located in the holy town of Srikalahasti near Tirupati. This beautiful temple is visited by devotees from far and wide, and is an important pilgrimage of South India. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is popularly known as Dakshina Kailasam. The Srikalahasti Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is one of the greatest impressions left behind by King Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagar dynasty. The temple is famous for its Vayu Linga, representing wind. Lord Shiva in his aspect as Vayu is worshiped as Kalahasteeswara.

Temple Architecture
The architectural brilliance of the temple is the combination of Chola, Pallava, Pandya and Krishnadevaraya styles of architecture. The Srikalahasti Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple has mesmerizing gopurams. Another fascinating feature of the temple is its grand hundred pillared mandapam. Also, the exquisite carvings on the walls of the temple are notable.

History
The initial structure of the temple was constructed by the Pallava Dynasty in the 5th century. The construction period of the Srikalahasti Temple lasted centuries. It was around the 10th century that the Chola Kings renovated the temple and constructed the main structure. The temple received contributions from various ruling dynasties.

Temple Rituals and Festivals
The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Kalasanthi at 6:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 11:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m., and Sayarakshai between 7:45 - 8:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alankaramu (decoration), neivedhyamu (food offering) and deepa aradhana (waving of lamps) for both Srikalahasteeswara and Gnanaparasunambikai.

The Srikalahasti Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple celebrates the following festivals with sheer fervor and delight -

• Kalyanamohasthavams Magh sudda Sapthami to Magha Bhhula Payamis
• Sri Swamy Vari Kalyanam (Magha Sudda Dasami)
• Rathayatra Magha Sudha Ekadasi
• Sri Venkateswara Swamy kalyanam, Jasta Sudha Ekadasi.
• Sri Narasimha Jayanthi (Vysakha Sudha Chaturdasi)