Uthamapalayam Kalahastheeshwara Swamy Shiva Temple

This temple deeply associated with Rahu and Kethu, in reference to the 9 heavenly bodies in the solar system. The river Suvarnamukhi undertakes the north bound course of flow at the Sri Kalahasthi, nearly eroding the western wall of the renowned temple. Within this gigantic temple, located between the steep hills of Sripuram and Mummidi-cholapuram, lies the iconic Sivalinga that represents the element of wind, referred to as Vayu. This temple is often called as the Kailash of the South or Dakshin Kailash. The Saivaite sadhus of the first century AD were known to have sung about this temple

The temple is undoubtedly one of the most astounding Shiva temples in the country. This temple consists of a titanic, aged gopuram over the main gate. A Gopuram is the term used to define the entrance tower. The gopuram is a staggering 36.5 m (120 ft) high. The structure of the entire temple has been sculpted on the side of a gigantic stone hill.The skeletal structure of the temple was erected by the people of the Pallava dynasty during the 5th century. The Chola and the Vijayanagara kings have contributed immensely in the development of the temple to its current form. There are several stories that are linked with the mighty bhakt Kannappa. He was considered to be one of the most dedicated devotees of Lord Shiva. So much so, Kannappa, out of devotion, took out an eye of his and placed it on the Shiva Linga, and it was Lord Shiva himself who granted him 'Mukti' before he initiated his moves to take out his second eye using an arrow. An older story goes that says that Lord Shiva initiated a tremor and caused the roof tops of the temple to cave in. Every sage in the temple premises ran helter-skelter save Kannappa, who protected the Linga by covering it with his body.

One of the most important festivals celebrated in this temple is Mahasivaratri, where devotees flock in thousands to attain Mukti. The temple is renowned as the Rahu Kethu Kshetra, for the thousands of devotees that lie in troubled waters and have come to seek the blessings of the lord. Finally, the practice of Annadanam (Donation of food) has been followed by the temple since Vedic times.