Srikalahasti Temple is one of the most sacred and powerful Mahashivaratri destinations in India. Every year, lakhs of devotees gather here to witness the divine energy of Lord Shiva in the form of the Vayu Lingam, making Mahashivaratri celebrations at Srikalahasti truly unique and spiritually transformative.

1. Srikalahasti is the Vayu Lingam – Pancha Bhoota Sthalam

Srikalahasti is famous because it houses the Vayu Lingam, representing the air (Vayu) element among the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams of Lord Shiva.

Unlike other Shiva lingams, the Vayu Lingam symbolizes invisible divine energy, which is believed to be most powerful on Mahashivaratri night. Devotees strongly believe that worshipping the Vayu Lingam on this auspicious night removes negative karma and grants spiritual liberation.

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2. Mahashivaratri Night Activates the Divine Energy of Vayu Lingam

Mahashivaratri is the night when cosmic energies are at their peak. At Srikalahasti, it is believed that the Vayu Lingam becomes extremely powerful during this night, as air energy flows intensely within the sanctum.

Devotees often experience a strong spiritual vibration during the midnight Nishita Kaal Puja. This is why staying awake and performing all-night darshan (Jagran) at Srikalahasti is considered highly auspicious.

3. All-Night Darshan & Special Abhishekams

Srikalahasti Temple is famous for offering continuous darshan throughout Mahashivaratri night, unlike regular days.

Key rituals include:

• Mahanyasa Purvaka Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam
• Nishita Kaal Abhishekam (midnight worship)
• Continuous chanting of Om Namah Shivaya
• Special alankaram of Lord Kalahasteeswara

These rare rituals are performed only once a year, making Mahashivaratri at Srikalahasti very special.

4. World-Famous Rahu–Ketu Pooja on Mahashivaratri

Srikalahasti is globally renowned for Rahu–Ketu Dosha Nivaran Pooja, and performing this pooja on Mahashivaratri is believed to give 100-fold benefits.

Astrologers consider Mahashivaratri as the most powerful day to remove:

• Kala Sarpa Dosha
• Rahu–Ketu Dosha
• Ancestral karmic obstacles

Thousands of devotees perform Rahu–Ketu pooja on Mahashivaratri at Srikalahasti for peace, prosperity, and relief from long-standing problems.

5. Legendary Devotion of Kannappa Nayanar

Srikalahasti is associated with Kannappa Nayanar, one of the greatest devotees of Lord Shiva. His unconditional devotion, where he offered his own eyes to the Lord, symbolizes true surrender.

Mahashivaratri is the perfect day to remember Kannappa’s sacrifice, and devotees believe that worship at his sacred land brings immense blessings from Lord Shiva.

6. 13-Day Brahmotsavams During Mahashivaratri

Another reason Srikalahasti is famous is the grand Brahmotsavams, which coincide with Mahashivaratri.

Highlights include:

• Daily temple processions
• Decorated chariots (Vahanams)
• Cultural and Vedic programs
• Massive devotee participation

The entire town of Srikalahasti transforms into a divine spiritual center during this period.

7. Considered Dakshina Kailasam (Southern Kailash)

Srikalahasti is popularly known as Dakshina Kailasam, meaning the Southern abode of Lord Shiva.

Devotees believe that visiting Srikalahasti on Mahashivaratri is equivalent to visiting Mount Kailash itself. This belief makes the temple one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations on this night.

8. Belief of Moksha & Liberation on Mahashivaratri

It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva at Srikalahasti on Mahashivaratri:

• Cleanses past sins
• Removes negative energies
• Brings mental peace
• Helps in attaining moksha (liberation)

The Vayu Lingam, representing breath and life force, strengthens this belief, making Srikalahasti spiritually superior on Mahashivaratri.