A grand temple where even kings came to pray for good luck, the Sri Kalahasthi temple is iconic. On the banks of the river Swarnamukhi, this temple is also known as Daksana Kailasham or Daksana Kashi, after the famous abodes of Shiva, the presiding deity here. The temple enshrines a bayulinga, one of Shiva's Panchabhutalengas, and legend has it that Sri, a spider, Kalahasnake and Hasti an elephant were cursed by Brahma, Shiva and Pavati, but attained mooksh by worshipping Lord Shiva here, giving him the name Sri Kalahasthi Shara. The temple also has a statue of the hunter Thinan, who is sent to have offered his own Kanno or eyes to the Shivling, gaining renown as one of Shiva's greatest devotees Bhaktaka Napa. The original temple was constructed during the Palavad dynasty, and the temple that visitors see today was built in the 11th century during the reign of the Chola. The massive 100-pillared mantapam was constructed in the 16th century by Krishna Devaraya, and this was where the coronation of his successor Achute Raya took place. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, not just to visit the Holy Daiti, but for this Pooja or ritual. According to Hindu belief, the celestial serpent Rahu and Ketu, swallowed the sun and the moon to cause solar and lunar eclipses and bring ill luck upon many. But as both serpents are tamed and worshipped in this temple, it's believed to be immune to any ill effects. This is why the temple is famous for the Rahu Ketu Pooja being performed here every day. The ritual is believed to ward off evil effects caused by planetary movements, attracting hopeful devotees from near and far. Not just this, Sri Kalahasthi is also home to the famous Kalamkari art form, which also started out as temple art. It is in many ways symbolic of the tapestry of myth, legend, art and faith, that make this temple and its town so timeless.