The Hindu : Srikalahasti ready for Maha Sivaratri

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 18, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Tirupati

Srikalahasti ready for Maha Sivaratri

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUPATI, FEB. 17. The richly decorated temple of Lord Sri Kalahastheeswara beckons devotees to the annual Brahmotsavams which start with the Maha Sivaratri festival on Wednesday.

The entire Srikalahasti town is dazzling with huge illuminated theme-based cut-outs, besides those of Lord Siva and the linga.

Srikalahasti, 40 km. from here, is sometimes equated with the holy city of Varanasi and revered as `Dakshina Kasi'.

Built and developed during the Chola and Pallava periods, the place derived its name from a spider (sri), snake (kala) and elephant (hasti), that had worshipped the Lord and attained salvation, thus standing as models for devotion.

The shrine is also important on the count the Lord here is worshipped as `Vayulinga', one among the five such sacred ones (Panchalingas) in the country.

Devotees from all over the State and even neighbouring Tamil Nadu throng the shrine for the 13-day annual festival, which is scheduled to start with Sivaratri on February 18.

The Devasthanam is keen on getting a diamond crown made at a cost of Rs.1 crore, to adorn the Goddess Gnana Prasunambika. Donations can be made in favour of Gnana Prasunamba Kalyana Abharanam Trust.

The temple management is making elaborate arrangements for the festival.

Cultural programmes are being conducted in the temple vicinity. Leading classical music and dance artistes have been invited to perform on the occasion.

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