Where Hindu Art & Religion Meet: Srikalahastheeshwara Temple

THE HINDU
By Aruna Chandaraju

Imporessive sprawl: The many pillared hall Photo: Ravinder Redd

INDIA---“Look at the deepam closely,” whispered the priest pointing to the large brass lamp beside the Vayu Linga in the sanctum sanctorum of the Srikalahastheeshwara Temple. “See how it flickers, as if there’s a breeze, even though it is completely still inside and there are no windows.” Indeed, intriguingly, the flame was flickering constantly as if fanned by a gentle breeze. “The Shiva here is the Vayu Linga or Wind God’s representation,” explained the priest. There are five centres in south India, the Panchabhoota Linga Kshetras, one each for the five elements, and this temple represents air. Located in the southern Andhra Pradesh town of Srikalahasthi on the Swarnamukhi river, the famous temple is named after Shiva’s three devotees — sri (spider), kaala (snake) and hasthi (elephant) — who are carved on a pillar in the main shrine. [link]