Day 238 of Indian places giving smiles – the unique Shiva temple of Sri Kalahastishwara
The first time I had ever heard of the Sri Kalahastishwara temple was from a priest who was looking at the horoscope of my son, who was still recovering from a major bike accident. The priest told me that there was this health problem in my son’s life because of the planet Rahu and I have to appease the Lord Rahu by performing a pooja at Sri Kalahasti temple.
This was a stage in life where I had completely surrendered to the will of a higher power and would do whatever it took to get my son physically healed again.
After my son recovered, in fulfillment of the promise, our family made a visit to this temple. As I entered its grand gates and saw the richly decorated pillars and temple walls, I wondered why I had never heard of this beautiful place before. We were made to sit in a separate group next to the outer pillars and waited for our turn to enter the dimly lit inner enclosure.
Our special pooja was done inside and I tried to make out the shape of the Ishwars linga at this place. It seemed to also include partial figure of three of his staunch disciples – the spider Sri-the serpent Kala – the elephant Hasti- and hence the name Sri Kalahastishwar temple!
This Shiva temple is said to represent one of the five elements of nature -The Wind. The lamp inside the main enclosure seemed to be flickering, even though there were no open windows around.
At the end of the visit, I somehow got the feeling that I came here more out of a sense of duty than a sense of devotion. I felt that mentally I did not give myself completely to this place.
Maybe that is why, five years later I visited this temple again with my brother.This time I was able to surrender myself to the Lord and soak in the unique beauty of this Sri Kalahastishwara temple!
So which Indian city gave you smiles?
Please share your experience of an Indian city that gave you smiles
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