Mukkanthisu, Sri Kalahastheeswara, is none other than Shiva, the taker of grief, the destroyer of worldly existence, and the benevolent Shankara who saves all living beings. Lord Parameshwara appears as a self-manifested Vayu Linga (air element) in the hallowed and holy territory of Srikalahasti, bestowing blessings upon his followers.

Here, Ardhanarishwara, the form of Lord Shiva, is worshipped. Lord Shiva gave half of his body to Goddess Parvati. In Srikalahasti, the holy couple Shiva and Parvati are revered in the form of Lingas. When the followers pray to Lord Shiva, he answers their prayers with blessings and becomes their heart’s greatest treasure. Let’s now investigate this temple’s mysteries and magnificence.

The Sri Ardhanarishwara Temple is located on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, next to the bypass bridge, about 5 kilometers from the well-known Sri Kalahasteeshwara Temple. Here, Shiva and Parvati, the first pair, manifested as Lingas and are revered as Ardhanarishwara. Because they bestow victory upon their followers, they are known by the name Vijayeswara. Here, the goddess Parvati, who grants good fortune, is referred to as Shubha Devi.

With the help of kind benefactors, the temple, which had collapsed into ruin, has been put under the protection of the Kalahasteeshwara Swamy Temple management.

Devotees frequently come at Srikalahasti fatigued and take a break near the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, which is about 5 kilometers away from the temple. Shiva and Parvati manifested as Ardhanarishwara, a single Linga, in this hallowed place where a great sage had formerly carried out penance. They gave the sage Virupaksha the authority to worship them. The heavenly pair has been worshipped here as Ardhanarishwara ever since.

Such a portrayal of Shiva and Parvati in the Linga form on a single stone is unique to Srikalahasti and cannot be seen anywhere else in the state. Lord Parameshwara is represented by the front portion of the Linga, which faces northeast. Goddess Parvati is also revered in this form, bestowing blessings upon her followers.

This temple is especially well-known for the occurrence where Shiva and Parvati’s glorious forms are touched by the sun’s beams. The image of Goddess Parvati is illuminated at daybreak, while Lord Shiva is bathed in light at sunset. This particular phenomena makes this temple exceptional.

The one who freed the silent souls, Lord Parameshwara, united with them to become Sri Kalahasteeshwara. Mute animals still revere Parameshwara in the current Kali Yuga era. This is demonstrated by the serpents’ adoration to Uma Maheshwara at the Ardhanarishwara Temple. This has been going on for a while; it is not a fresh occurrence. It is seen to be extremely lucky to witness this spectacle.

The priest of the temple claims that a golden-colored cobra makes an appearance there every night. The priest said that on full moon days, the cobra extends its hood and coils around the Shiva Linga. According to him, only the lucky are able to view this vision.

Apart from the Ardhanarishwara Swamy Temple, there’s another temple called Vishranthipuram around here. The shapes of Rahu and Ketu bestowing their blessings may be seen beneath this.