Srikalahasteeswara temple, Andhra Pradesh

Srikalahasti is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalam and represents the Vayu Sthalam . This temple is located in Chittoor district in Andhra pradesh. SriKalahasthi temple is situated 36kms away from Tirupathi and it is the only shrine for the God of Vayu . This temple was constructed by the Chola King, Rajendra Chola . Vayu is incarnated as Lord Shiva and worshipped as Kalahasteeswara. Goddess Parvathi devi is worshiped here as Gnanaprasunambika.

 Lord Vayu performed penance for thousands of years to “Karpoora lingam” (Karpoora means camphor). Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva manifested before him and said, “O Vayu Deva! though you are dynamic in nature, you stayed here without movement and did penance for me. Iam pleased with your devotion. I shall grant you three boons”. Lord Vayu said, “Swami! I want to be present everywhere in this world. I want to be an integral part of every Jiva who is none other than the manifestation of Paramatma. I want to name this Karpoora Linga, which represents you, after me. Shiva said,” Your are qualified for these three boons. As per your wish, you will be spread throughout this world. Without you there will be no life. This linga of mine will forever be known all over through your name. Lord Shiva disappeared after granting these boons. Thereafter, this Karpoora Vayu Lingam is worshipped by all Lokas (worlds).