Power of Mantra’s

Every mantra has some powers to achieve or guide something. Routine saying of mantras will help to control our mind and memory. Sometimes the good and bad thought will bring us happiness or sadness in our life, so daily saying mantra’s will tune our thoughts (Yadbavam Thadbavathi).

The Dhanvantri Mantra will reduce BP, Hypertension and other sufferrings etc.
Om Namo Bhagavate 
Vasudevaaya Dhanvantaraye 
Amrita-kalasha Hastaaya
Sarva-amaya Vinashaaya 
Trailokya Naathaya 
Maha-vishnave Namaha.

Agnihotra

Agnihotra is a healing fire from the ancient science of Ayurveda. It is a process of purifying the atmosphere through a specially prepared fire performed at sunrise and sunset daily. Anyone in any walk of life can do Agnihotra and heal the atmosphere in his/her own home. Thousands of people all over the world have experienced that Agnihotra reduces stress, leads to greater clarity of thought, improves overall health, gives one increased energy, and makes the mind more full of love. It is a great aid to drug and alcohol deaddiction. Agnihotra also nourishes plant life and neutralizes harmful radiation and pathogenic bacteria. It harmonizes the functioning of Prana (life energy) and can be used to purify water resources.

Science behind the tools or ingredients used for performing Agnihotra

Copper Pot:
The pot prescribed for Agnihotra is made of pure copper metal in a semi-pyramid shape. Copper is acknowledged for its oligodynamic (i.e. antibacterial) action. Metal copper plays an important role in the process of Agnihotra because Agnihotra has close connection with fire, heat, electromagnetic forces and cosmic energy feilds.
The shape of Agnihotra pot matches the pyramid. The word pyramid means 'fire in the middle'. The ancient word for pyramid in Egyptian was 'KHUTI' or 'KHUFU' which means 'glorious light'. The pyramid shaped copper pot receives, generates and decentralizes special healing and purifying energy in the ecosphere. Its effectiveness reaches peak levels at sunrise and sunset, with which the process of Agnihotra coincides.

Cow dung cakes:
Cow dung contains plenty of Menthol, Ammonia, Phenol, Indol, Formalin and specially its bacteriophage eradicate the pathogens and are a recognised disinfectant.

Cow Ghee:
Oblations of cow's ghee offered to the yagnya fire purifies the atmosphere, spreads a pleasant fragrance in it. The evil effects of all the chemically poisonous gases that are floating in the atmosphere due to severe pollution are nullified when yagnya is performed with offerings of Indian cow's pure ghee. Gases produced by the burning of cow’s pure ghee acts in balancing the cycle of nature.
Cow's Ghee is Life,' so says the Ancient Vedas. Ancient healers (medical practitioners) having known its wonderful healing properties have given it a place of honour by describing it as the Medicines Medicine. Cow's ghee is the most unique matter, the nector available to man on the plant earth.
When cow's ghee is mixed with rice grains and uttering the mantras Agnihotra oblations are offered to the fire 4 types of gases that are produced with the burning of the oblations have been recognized so far.
They are: Ethylene Oxide, Propylene Oxide, Formaldehyde and Butapropiolactone.
After the oblations are offered to the fire, cow's ghee produces acetylene, the energy of excessive heat, which sucks in the polluted air and purifies it. The gases that are produced from the burning of the cow's ghee possess the wonderful capacity of removing mental tensions and curing many diseases.

Unbroken Raw Rice:
Rice has a balancing yin and yang effect. Many ethereal oils are released during the process of combustion and chemical reactions are set off.

Agnihotra Mantras:

These Mantras are in Sanskrit are ordained by the Vedas. All the alphabets of the Sanskrit language are endowed with special vibrational powers.

Meaning of the Mantras:
Sunrise Mantra:
Unto the sun I am offering this offering. This is not mine, this is Thine.

Sunset Mantra:
Unto the fire I am offering all. This offering is not mine it is Thine.

The vibratory sound waves are powerful beyond imagination. Their immediate effect on the atmosphere and all life, even plant is extremely gratifying and nutritious.

Sunrise and Sunset are termed as circadian rhythms, they are  the smallest rhythmic cycles of nature.

Agnihotra is ordained to be performed exactly on these vitally important transitional moments. During these moments important changes occur in the atmosphere of earth which cause vital impact on life and the environment. Agnihotra time is referred to as 'Transitional moment' ie. Sandhya in Sanskrit.. It is neither day nor night, neither light nor darkness. Vedas describe this particular period as the 'Passage to Liberation' ( Tirtha ). The science of Yoga and Nadi system attach importance to this transitional moment. 

A man follows a particular pattern of breathing from the right or left nostril during the period from sunrise to sunset and beginning with sunset to sunrise. During this period 'Ida' and 'Pingala', these Nadis remain active in succession. Exactly at the time of sunrise and sunset they too are in the process of transition during which short time the 'Sushumna' nadi is active. The mind and body are in balance  during this time band. 

Performance of Agnihotra synchronizing with this time strengthens the beneficial effects on the mind and the body.

Steps to perform:
Check the local sunrise sunset timings from the annual timetable provided  for performing Agnihotra. Adjust your watch correctly as per the standard time.
Arrange a few pieces of dry cow dung cakes in the Agnihotra pot about 5-10 minutes before the actual sunrise time.

• First, take a small piece of cow dung cake and place it at the bottom of the pot.
• Start arranging the other pieces of cow dung cakes around it neatly. 
• Use a candle or Diya to light the fire. 
• Take two pinchfuls of clean, unbroken rice grains (raw) on the palm of your left hand or in a small dish. Smear these rice grains with a few drops of cow’s pure ghee. Divide the ghee smeared rice grains in two parts.

Keep an eye on your watch and sooner its needle touches the exact sunrise time, start uttering first mantra 'Sooryaya Svaha'. While you start saying 'Svaha' offer one part of the rice grains to the fire. Continue and complete the mantra's first line 'Sooryaya Idam Na Mama'. Start uttering the other line of the mantra, 'Prajapataye Svaha' while offering the other part of the rice grains to the fire after saying and go on to complete the mantra, 'Prajapataye Idam Na Mama'. Concentrate on the fire till the offerings are fully burnt. The morning Agnihotra concludes here.

Working of Agnihotra:

The sun brings or takes the energy, which makes all conditions conducive to an anti-pollutionary change. It calms the world. The pyramid is the generator, the fire, the turbine. 

Just at morning Agnihotra all the electricities, energies, ethers are attracted to the pyramid in its shape. At sunset these energies are thrust out in same shape.

This flood of energies at sunrise creates strong purifying effects on all levels wherever it touches the Earth.

Agnihotra amplifies these purifying effects in the following way:
This flood of subtle energies carries music with it.

The morning Agnihotra Mantra is the quintessential sound of that flood. If you then prepare the fire in the prescribed copper pyramid, utter these mantras and offer the rice mixed with ghee to the fire, then a channel is being created through all the atmosphere and PRANA – life energy, is purified.

When Agnihotra fire is burnt there is not just energy from the fire. The rhythms and Mantras generate subtle energies which are thrust into the atmosphere by fire. Also consider the quality of materials burnt wherein lies the full effect of this healing HOMA.
Much healing energy emanates from the Agnihotra pyramid.
An aura energy field is created around plants during Agnihotra. Thus plants become stronger and disease resistant.
When the flame dies the energy is locked in the resultant ash. This ash is used for preparing various folk medicines. Therefore, by regular performance of morning and evening Agnihotra, you create a positive energy pattern on all levels.

Homa and its benefits

Mannarashala - Shree Nagaraja Temple

Mannarshala Shree Nagaraja Temple is a very ancient pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods. this temple is located about three kilo-meters to the south east of the bus stand at Harippad in Alleppey district(Kerala). This is the holy location sanctified by the residence of the great Brahmin appointed by Parashurama for the pooja in Mannarshala Temple.

As you enter the temple, we see rows of stone images of serpents on either side to lead the devotees to the presence of their supreme god. We are led into the temple courtyard and at that time a gentle breeze blows and the birds sing pleasantly to provide us a divine experience.  As you walk along the sandy courtyard under the shade of ancient trees entangled by many kinds of creepers and thick growth of cane where the serpents in large numbers enjoy to sit without disturbance, the devotees in a dream of unspeakable beauty, in a state of ecstasy,  would already have achieved half of their objective in coming there. The great jungle is never a source of fear; it certainly increases our devotion.

First the Sarpayakshi, and next to that the  Nagaraja stand facing east, creating a halo for the main deities, drawing power every movement from the continuous offering  of worship and ready to bless us with smiling faces. In-front of the shrine of Sarpayakshi, we can see an Ilanji tree surrounded by Serpent images. This very ancient tree is full of holes for serpents to lie down undisturbed.

The quiet shrines of Nagachamundi and Nagayakshi are to the south-west of the temple. Sarpayakshi and Nagayakshi are the beloved consorts of Nagaraja. Nagachamundi is his sister. Ngaraja is Ananta (Vishnu) and Sarparja is Vasuki (Shiva).

Offerings:

For wealth and prosperity	A pot filled with gold or a gold pot filled with other things.
For education, prosperity and fame	Silk, grains, divine ornaments.
For recovering health	Salt.
For protection from poison	Turmeric
For curing diseases	Pepper, mustard, green peas etc.
For protection from damage	Serpent cave made of gold etc., images of serpents eggs, tree etc.
For long life	Melted butter (ghee)
For getting whatever one wants	Milk, ripe kadali fruit, nilavara-payasam.
For having a child	A big vessel (uruli) made of brass, bronze etc. for performing Nurum Palum.

Abhishekam with coconut water, milk and rose water.

Alankaram with sandal wood garlands, arecanut flower bunches.

Nivedyam with ghee, appam, payasam, balls of molasses, kadali fruit etc.

Sarpabali with Nurum Palum made out of turmeric powder and rice powder.

Valiamma:

The resplendent brightness of Valiamma who has turned into a symbol of Naga deities through fasting and other austerities has not dimmed in the least by now as a result of the performance of rituals and poojas. Pilgrims cannot leave this place without seeing that fascinating divine glow with their own eyes and feeling contented. The sight of faith full devotees, who came here to seek the blessings of Nagaraja, waiting for long to see the flicker of the eyes of the great mother, so serene and compassionate and filled with blessings, continues even today.

Temple Worship:

Those who suffer from incurable diseases, those possessed by fear as a result of the anger  of Serpents and thereby find life unendurable - all of them come here to stay and pray and go back with their wishes fulfilled.

Hora Time Table

We can refer the hora table for our daily activities to achieve more success in life.

Soma Hora: it is soft and gentle. Hence it is good for gardening, food related activities, sea related work and silver related work.

Mangal Hora: It is sharp and aggressive. Hence it is good for sports and competitive  activities, electrical and mechanical engineering work , fire related work, pursuing litigation and construction work.

Bhudha Hora: It is quick and stable. Hence it is good for education, learning new skills, changing place, finalizing a written agreement and travel related activities.

Guru Hora: It is favorable and fruitful. Hence it is good for travelling and transportation, money exchange, starting house construction and entering into the house and spiritual activities.

Shukra Hora: It is beneficial and uniting. Hence it is good for love, romance, marriage, music and dance activities.

Shani Hora: It is sluggish, inactive and delaying. Hence it is good for oil, lead, glass and iron related activities, laying foundation, opening the fixed deposit account and agriculture work.

Ravi Hora: It is energetic and powerful. Hence it is good for political work, court-related dealings, meeting politicians and government officials, submitting tender, handing over or taking responsibility and joining government job.

Chidambaram Temple

Chidambaram is a municipal town and one of the taluk headquarters in Cuddalore district. It is situated in the Kollidam River valley about 11 km from the coast, 20 kms from the towns Kollidam and Sirkazhi, 60 kms from Karaikal and 240 kms from Chennai. It is a famous pilgrimage site for Saivites as well as Vaishnavites, where one of the holiest and most ancient temples of Hinduism is located.

To the followers of Shaivism or the shaivaite, the very word koil refers to Chidambaram. In the same way, to the followers of Vaishnavism it refers to Srirangam or Thiruvarangam.

Thilai Kali Amman Temple:

once upon a time, a debate took place between Shiva and Shakti and both danced. In this dance, when Shiva danced by lifting one leg, Shakti could not lift her legs because of modesty. Hence Shakti had to submit to Shiva. Shiva at once, declared that Shakti should not reside within the boundaries of Thillai and made her reside outside. The Devi Shrine located in Thillai is the Thillai Kali temple in the north. This temple is known as Thillai Amman Koil.
In this place people will get blessing of victory. For this we have to first visit Thilai Kali Amman temple and then Nataraja temple. People normally give long 2.5m saari to the Kali amma and do kukumarchana. Also we can do abhisheka of mustard oil. Also already done mustard oil abhishekam is available that we can use daily to remove the negative energy from our body.

Nataraja Shiva:

The form of Shiva as Nataraja also known as Natesha or Nrityeshvara is worshipped in many parts of India. This form of Shiva is venerated by the devotees, religious philosophic thinkers, writers, poets, artists, painters, and experts of Indian art history. The image of Nataraja is the favourite theme for any artist even today in stone, metal, wood, painting and paper. In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu Nataraja is venerated and worshipped in each and every temple . He is portrayed high on the front portion of the main temple (prasada), placed on the south. The metal images of the Nataraja installed in sub-shrines inside the temple thus also face the south. The great temple of Chidambaram also faces the south. 

The Nataraja as a concept and worship goes back to pre-Gupta times (4th century CE) in India. This form of Shiva is very popular. The name Nataraja, shows that Shiva, the master of dance, ie., raja (master) nata (nrittya or dance). In the ancient society, this kind of form was not worshipped and adorned in the worldwide. The dance of Nataraja is a universal dance which trembles the whole cosmos on one side and makes it stable again on the other. It combines the rhythm of life, shelter and abhaya on one hand and destruction of all the evils on the other. In this form Shiva Nataraja all his auspicious (saumya) and inauspicious (ugra or ashiva). It stands as a never surpassed model of eternity.

Lord Shiva is the creator, sustainer, dispellor of ignorance, grantor of solace and destroyer of the five essential acts called panchakriyas. The lord creates and destroys. Destruction is being recognized as not only the end but also the beginning (antam adi ie., anta is adi) and Shiva’s dance is the cosmic dance. His dance destroys all samasta samhara tandava. His is the dance of knowledge and above all his is the dance of bliss the paramanda tandava.

The upper sphere, the space above the linga in the sanctum should be worshipped as a aakasha, the supreme and tranquil space where the blissful dance takes place.

The Tandava dance of Shiva (the Lord of Chandi) give you pleasure which caused the hood of Shesha (the king of snakes) to bend down owing to the vortex created by the earth revolving in accordance with the movements of the feet of Shiva who is skilled in practicing the Chari step (in dancing) whose dance put to flight the elephants of the cardinal points because of the revolutions of his rod like arms, and whose dance suddenly caused commotion in parts of the universe (and) which (was accompanied by the) deep sound of the damaru gives you pleasure. The Shiva Tandava stotram also expresses the deep sounds of the damaru of Shiva with exact the same onomatopoeic tune as that the inscription refers.

Sri Kalahasti Temple

Sri Kalahasti the Abode of Lord Shiva, per excellence stand on the eastern bank of River Swarnamukhi. This Holy Kshetram is severally known as Dakshina Kailasam, Sivanandaika nilayam, Vignana ksthram satyavratha, bhaskara Kshethram and Sadyomukthi kara ksthethran and Akhanda Bilvakaranyam alone. Here Lord Shiva is Swayambhu and is embodiment of Vayu (air), one of the Five primordial Forces. He exists in four yugas: Kruthayuga, Threthayuga, Dwaparayuga, and Kaliyuga in different manifestations with gold, silver, cupric and white hues. He is benevolent to all in this Universe.

In this holly place Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Vayu and other celestials, Sages Vashista, Agastya, Bharadwaj and others worshipped lord Shiva. An insect Spider, Elephant, Serpent, Kannapp, Nathkeera, two dames of Madhurai were attained salvation because of their more Devotion only. Lords so Gracious us, to him all in his Creation are all equal and eligible for salvation irrespective of their Birth, be the devotee is an insect or a learned.

This holy place is distinctive by its special features. The Lofty Lingam of un-comparable manifestation, worshipped by Vishnu and others; a River with origin from a holy Hill and which flows in northern direction, on whose banks are adorned with Shiva and Vishnu Kshethrams during its course till it reaches the sea and has Gairikadhi elements which is special feature of such holy places; and Holy hill In such a place Lord Almighty exists in totality and such place is known as Bhaskara Ksthethram. Shri Kalahasti is one of them.

Location: Shri Kalahasti is situated in Chittoor Dirstict of Andhra Pradesh. It is easily reachable by road and railway. This is 40 km. from the Holy Thitupati. The railway station is at a distance of 3 km on the Renigunta - Gudur track. This Holy place is easy to reach from any place in India by Rail, Road and Air.

History: Through the Holy town exists from time immemorial, the early historic reference is in Tamil literature of 1st and 2nd century. The Tamil literature eulogize this Holy place as Southern Kailas. Later the Great Shiva Saints Appar. Gnana Sambandar, Sundarar along with equally pious Manikya Vachagar visited and sung about place and Lord Supreme. In the third century the poet-laureate Madurai Pandya Kingdom has sung 100 poems ‘’Kailai Padhi Katthil Padhi’’ which says Srikalahasti and Kailas are one and the same. Adishankaracharya who visited, sung that the place is a seat of devotion par excellence. He worshipped the Shri Chakra and the Crystal lingam. The Temple has architecture of Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara is of high order. Sri Krishna Devaraya has built Big Gali Gopuram and 100 pillar hall for Festival and discourses in 1516 A.D.

Temple Rituals - Festivals: The Temple daily rituals are performed per Agama and Veda Vidhanamu, four times in a day. Abishekams were performed, 3 times in the morning and fourth is done during evening in pradosha time for Lord Shiva and Mother Goddess Gnanambika. The Abhishekam was performed by local pujaris who are the descendants Sage Bharadwaja and belong to Bharadwaja Gothra and who were initiated in this Temple at Gnanambika Sannidhi. The Bramhostavam Festival is performed during the month Maghamas(Feb) for ten days. In the month of Aswiyuja 9 day festival is performed for Devi Gnanamba. In this Holy place Giri Pradakshanam is done one after Sankranthi and other on the 9th day during Bramhotsavam.

Dhakshina Kailasam and Dhakshina Kashi: The Creator Brahma brought Holy peak ‘’Shivanandaika’’ from Kailasam and placed here and he worshipped Lord Shiva and hence this Hill is known as Dakshina Kailasam. River Swarnamukhi flows on west of Temple, in north direction. The bathing ghat in front of Thirumanjana Gopuram is known as Manikarnika Gattam. At this Ghat Lord gives Tharaka Manthra Upadesam and so this place is also known as Southkashi.

The Temple Construction: The Temple complex has unique feature in its Construction unlike other temples. The Pathala Vinayaka, Goddess Gnanambika, Lord Srikalahasteeswara, Dakshinamurthy face different directions.

Hence in this place the devotees are graced with four fold Purusharthas: Dharma-Artha-Kama-Mokshas. The first Dharma is a boon from north Facing Pathala Vinayaka. The second Artha which is nothing but Athma Gnana is bestowed upon by Uma Swarupini Gnanamba facing east for devotees. The third Kama (deires) is given by the south facing Dhakshinamurthy to all who enter the Mahadwara. Finally the Lord Kalahasteesear facing west offers Moksha to devotees. This aspect is implied by west facing Lord where the Sun sets, indicating that everyone has set - time to reach the Lotus Feet of God.

This indicates one and all should be earnest in their attempts for salvation and in this Holy place it is very easy to attain salvation as told in Sthalapurana. Thus the Temple Symbolic representation of covered Four Purusharthas of Us.

Sthala Mahathvam: The Lord Sri Kalahasteeswara is Swayambu (self – manifested) and He is known after his devotees who were blessed with salvation – Sri the Spider, Kala the Serpent and Hasti, the Elephant.

Even the town is also known after them as ‘’SRIKALAHASTI’’. Mahakavi Dhurjati said that the Kalahasti is abode of Amruthamaya (Nector) Lingam.

Salvation of The Spider: In Kritha Yuga a Spider with its immense devotion worshipped the Lord by weaving Temple with the glue - thread from its body. Lord Shiva desired to test Spider Devotion. He burnt the web- temple with Lamp. On seeing this calamity the Spider was perturbed and with wild anger it ran to swallow the fire. Looking at this act of Spider, the Compassionate Lord Shiva gave Sayujya Mukthi (Merging with Lord) to spider at its request. Thus a Spider even though an insect had Salvation because of its mere Devotion.

The Serpent – Elephant – Their Worship: In Threthayuga a Serpent from Pathala worshipped the Lord Shiva with precious Stones daily. At the end of Threthayuga and in the beginning of Dwaparayuga Elephant took bath in river Swarnamukhi and he brought water from river Swarnamukhi in its trunk for Abhishekam. He gathered flowers and bilva leafs. He removed all the stones offered by the Serpent. He performed abhishekam to Lord and did puja with flowers and Bilva leaves. On the next day the Snake who observed that all the offerings are removed and thrown away. The Snake was much aggrieved. He removed the flowers and bilva leaves. Once again performed Puja with precious stones brought by him.

For some time they both performed puja in their own way after removing others puja materials. Time elapsed. The Serpent, on seeing the removal of puja done by him grew wild. He decided to find who is responsible for such an act. He did himself behind nearby bush with anguish. As usual Elephant arrived and started puja and thrown all stones. Watching the Elephant’s performance, the Serpent grew wild and entered the trunk of the Elephant. This sudden attack caused breathlessness for Elephant.

Unable to bear the agony, the prayerful mammal touched the Lord as his last ritual. He then violently dashed against nearby hillside. This resulted in death them. Both the Serpent and Elephant were bestowed with salvation and merged with Lord.

The benevolent Lord adorned with the symbols of three namely serpentine a top, two tusks in middle, resemblance of Spider at bottom of his Lingam. Then onwards He is known as Sri Kalahasteeshwara with the name of these great devotees all over the world.

Sri Gnanaprasannambika Devi: Lord Parameshwara initiated Goddes Parvathi with Sacred Panchakshari (five letter) mantra and asked her to perform japa with Concentration. But she failed to do so. He grew wild and cursed her to born as woman on the Earth. Goddess repented for her! Apse and prayed Lord to relieve her form.

His course. Then Lord in her human birth she should perform penance and worship Shiva Linga near Kailasa Mountain. With the help of sage Naradha, She came to Dakshina Kailasa here. She performed penance and worshipped Lord. Pleased with her penance and worship, once again Shiva initiated her with Panchakshari. On attaing Panchakshari japasiddhi and she was acepted as His Consort. Since then she is Gnanaprasannambika. She bestows the Supreme Knowledge upon her devotees.

Vayulingam: The creation has five primordial elements the Prithvi (Earth), Ap (Water), Agni (Fire), Vayu(Air) and Akasha (Sky). Lord Parameswara is omnipresent and omniscient. His Omnipresence is seen in all these five primordial elements. At Kanchi he is Prithvi Swarupa. A place nearby Thruchirapalle, Thiruvanakkoil, he is Jala Swarupa. At Thiruvannamlai he is Agni Swarupa. In Srikalahasti he is Vayu Swarupa. His akasha nature is seen at Chidambaram. At Srikalahasti during kruthayuga the Lord’s Vayu Swarupa was observed by mere Touch by great Yougis. Similarly Lord Swarna (Gold) Linga, Rajatha (Silver) Linga, Swetha Sila (White stone) Linga rupa in threthayuga. Dwapara and Kali Yugas, though he is Swethasilamurthy now his Vayu-tathvam is still seen by two Flickering lamps in the Sanctum sanctorum.

Pagodas: This Holy Temple has four pagodas in each Direction. A tall pagodas of 120 feet high is built by King Krishnadevaraya in 1516 AD. Through this pagodas, the deity procession enters city. On return, the procession go through another pagodas which is built by a Devadasi ‘’Bicchalu’’. She was staunch devotee of Jangamashiva. It is called Bhitchala Gopuram. The pagodas is built in the times of Yadava Narasimharaya.

The Balagnanamba Gopuram is the Entrance (Eastern gate) to the Temple. The north Gopuram is called Shivayya Gopuram. The western Gopuram is called Thirumanjanam Gopuram. From this Gopuram step leads to river Swarnamukhi. At the bottom of steps Surya Pushkarani and Chandra Pushkararani are there. For Abhishekam and cooking of Prasadams, water from Surya pushkarni is used. From southerm Gopuram one can go to Kannappa Hill and Bramha Temple.

River Swarnamukthi: Sage Agasthya during his journey to South came here. For performing his daily rituals and penance he did not have water. Hence did penance and prayed Brahma. Brahma blessed him with Akasha Ganga at his request. As per the wish of Sage Agasthya, Ganga Devi stared its course from Agasthya hills through Srikalahasti as Swarnamukhi before reaching the sea. On the both sides of the river many Holy Theertham are there.

Kannappa: Arjuna desired salvation as boon from Lord Shiva. In kaliyuga he was born as Thinna. Potthipinadu is part of Andhra. There is small village Udumuru inhibitated by boyas. The couple Nathanatha his wife Thandhe gave birth a male child by the Grace of Lord Shiva. They named their son as Thinna. The boy grew as a highly skilled Archer. During his hunt, he was tired and slept. Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and advised him to worship Shivalinga on the back of River Mogileru. Thinna woke up and saw a bore. He started chasing it brought him to place where Shivalinga exists. On seeing Shivalingam, Thinna prayed Lord to come to his place. All his efforts were in vain, so Thinna decided to stay there and started his worship. Everyday Thinna went to forest to hunt. He bake the bore meat to a delicious the meat. He kept the cooked meat in a leaf. He brought Bilva patra. Flowers on his head. His bow and arrows are on his shoulders. For bathing Lord, he brought water in his mouth. He offered the tasted food to the Lord. Thinna was very happy as the Lord relished his offerings. During that time Shivagochara, learned priest was also performing puja to the Lord. The priest was upset when he saw the puja done by Thinna. Then the priest questioned the Lord who was the noodle who did such un-holistic offerings. He threatened lord that he would end his life, if he did not reveal who did so. Lord Shiva told that a Chenchu Devotee was offering the puja.

The Lord asked the priest to hide himself nearby, to know how great devote was the Chenchu!

As usual Thinna offered meat to Lord Shiva. But Shiva did not accepted the dish Thinna was highly perturbed. Then he started asking Shiva the reasons for his silence. At last he observed that water is losing from one eye. Looking at Lord’s eye. Thinna felt that the Lord had eye kisease. He warned his loincloth in his mouth and pressed on the eye. But it was not helpful, then he brought several hearbals and treatedthe eye. Alss all his treatments failed. Blood started coming from the eye. Then thinna felt that he should replace Lord’s eye with his eye. When he did so. Lord’s eye was cured Thinna felt very happy. A minute later, the second eye started bleeding. To heal the second eye Thinna thought similar treatment would heal. He placed his leg on the Lord’s eye to locate it after removing his another eye. He tried to remove his another eye also. Pleased with this devotion. Lord with his beloved consort Parvathi Devi, appeared before Thinna and stopped him from removing another eye. Lord blessed both Thinna and Shivagochara with sayujya mukthi.

Since then the Chenchu Thinna was known as Kannappa an apt name to such Great devotee who offered his own eyes. He is symbol of dedication and innocent devotion. There after Kannappa is an ideal to devotees all over the world. Everyone who visits Srikalahasti goes a top the Kannappa hill and pay there their respects to him let us also pay our tributes to such Emancipated Soul.

Lord Dakshinamurthy: The temple is unique with its South entrance. As one enters, he sees Lord Dakshinamurthy. The darshan as Dakshinmurthy recalls the revelation of Shivathatva as narrated in Chadogya Upanishedh’s discourse between Sage Naradha and Santhakumara. Further Sage Vashista who was wailing upon the death of his hundred sons because of Vishwamitra’s Curse, Lord Kalahasteeshwara as Dakshinamurthy enlightened Vashishta with Supreme knowledge. Thus the place is Gnanakshetra for devotees. Such Darshan is not to be seen any other place.

Abode to Devotees: Brahma, Vishnu, Indra and other celestials, Saga Baradwaja, Vasishta, Agastya and others, Jahathguru Shankaracharya, Shivanayanars, poets Dhurjati, Nathkeera, Yadhava King, Dancing Ladies from Madurai and the great devotee Kannappa worshipped Lord Sri kalahasteeswara and were blessed. Many others were there who were unknown to us.

Theerthas: There was 36 theerthams in this Kshethram as per the Sthalapuranam narrated by Sage Vedavyasa. The sahasra Linga, Harahara, Bharadwaja, Markandeya, Mukha, Surya and Chandra theerthams are the important ones. Bathing in these theerthams are sacred and relieves one from sins. It is well known that staying here is desirable who seek moksha.

Sahasra Linga Kona: This is picturesque picnic with waterfalls. As per purana here Lord appeared in Yakshaswarupa to Indra and others. Goddes Gnanambika (Uma Devi) bestowed Indra and others upon the naturally Supreme Lord Shiva. Many others was also similarly benefited here.

Saraswati Theertham: The well inside the temple is known as Saraswathi Theertham. The water in this well cures Stammering and makes one eloquent.

Bharadwaja Theertham: Sage Bharadwaja who lived here at the end of Dwapara Yuga, had established his Ashramam and installed Shiva Temple in this valley and built the Theertham for his daily rituals and penance. It’s picturesque and serene place was abode for devotees for their penance. Arjuna of Mahabharatha, stayed with Bharadwaja Maharshi and leant Archary other martial arts. Later this Bharadwaja ashramam is known a seat of learning in India. This Theertham was a place of penance for many a devotees too. This place is also known as ‘’Lobhavi’’ locally.

Pariwara Deities: Ardha Nareeswara Linga was installed by Sage Bhrughu. Agasthya’s Neelakanteswara Linga. Manikanteswara Linga, Vyas’s Linga, Markandeya Linga, Mruthyunjaya Linga are few eminent Lingas in this Temple. During famine A Sahasra Ghata (Thousand pots) Abhishekam is performed to the Mruthyunjaya Linga for rainfall. Kalabhairava is the Kshetrapalaka. There are Lingas installed by Yama, Chitraguptha and Dharmaraja too in this Temple. Surya Shani, Veeraragha, Venkateshwara and Varadharaja are other important pariwara dieties. Inside Temple one can see a lofty Kannappa Vigraham along with Spatika Linga and Panchaloha Vigrahams of 63 Nayanars.

Mantapam: The temple has many artistic and sculptured Mantapam, Pillars and other worth seeing places to mention a few the Nageshwara, Hundred pillared Mantapam and 16 Pillared Mantapam. In this 16 pillared Mantapam Sri Achyutha Devaraya brother of Srikrishnadevaraya head his coronation in the year 1529 AD. In this Temple one can also see many old paintings on the roofs which are still afresh.

Nataraja Open Air Theatre and Bramha Gudi: This place is near the South Gopuram. This Mantapam which has many sculptures depicting the Shivaleelas. Further there are worth seeing Temple of Panchamukheshwara. The Durga Temple where nine day festival during October is on the north, A Subramanya Gudi is on the small Hill. Here Sage Naradha was taught the Shivathathva by Lord Subramanya. This Hill is known as Vidyakshethra. A grand festival is performed to Lord Subramanya in the month of Ashada.

Temple Administration: The Temple is under control of H.R. & C.E. A Deputy Commissioner is the administrative officer. The Temple also has on advisory Dharmakarthala Mandali (Governing Body). The Temple has Trinetra Guest house - A VIP. Guest house. Balagangamba Choultry, Sankaramuni Complex. Shivasadana, Bharadwaja Sadana to accommodate pilgrims.

The Temple Revenue – Pilgrim Facilities: Annual income of this Temple is around 20 Crores. Its expenditure is 8 Crores. The Temple conducts many renovations of its sub shrines, adopted shrines. It has Nithyannadana Scheme to cater Pilgrims who visit this Shrine.

Other daily Sevas:

1) Kalyanotsavam: The payment is Rs 600. This performed daily after 2nd Abhishekam at 10am.

2) Oonjal Seva: On every full-moon day (Pournami) this Seva is performed. The devotee who wish to participate in this Seva is requested to contribute Rs.5000.

3) Nandhi Seva: This Seva is performed on the Day chosen by the Devotee. He has to pay Rs.7500. On that Day Sri Swami and Amma Varlu are taken by procession on Silver Nandhi and Simham through the town.

Rahu Ketu Pooja or Kala sarpa dosha nivarana pooja: Srikalahasteeswara temple is reputed as the Rahu-Ketu Kshetra, if the people who have Rahu Kethu Doshas or Kalasrpa doshas the unmarried and No children and those who are facing various problems for a long period perform the most effective “Rahu – Kethu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Puja”. In this temple all the Doshas get removed and desired results occur. Thousands of Devotees from the country and abroad perform this Puja and fulfill their vows again after receiving good results.

Rahu – Khetu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Puja can be performed daily between 6:30 am and 9:00 pm on payment of Rs. 500, Special Puja Rs. 750. Inside the temple Rs. 1500 and Special Rs. 2500 (The Devasthanam will arranged all puja materials except flowers and bilvas). Please carry flowers and bilvas while doing poojas.