Srikalahasti
This article is about Srikalahasti Tirupati. For the temple, see Kalahasti temple.
| Srikalahasti శ్రీకాళహస్తి Kalahasti | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
Srikalahasti aerial view
| |
 
Srikalahasti
| |
| Coordinates: 13.76°N 79.70°ECoordinates: 13.76°N 79.70°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District | Chittoor |
| Mandal | Srikalahasti |
| Area[1] | |
| • Total | 24.50 km2 (9.46 sq mi) |
| Population (2011)[2] | |
| • Total | 80,056 |
| • Density | 3,300/km2 (8,500/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Telugu |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Website | oursrikalahasti |
Srikalahasti is a holy town in Chittoor district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a municipality and the mandal headquarters of Srikalahasti mandal in Tirupati revenue division.[3][4] The town is a part of Tirupati Urban Development Authority, which is located on the banks of the River Swarnamukhi.[5] The Srikalahasti Temple is one of the important ancient Shiva Temples of Southern India.
History[edit]
The Srikalahasti temple was originally built during Pallava period and current structures are built by Chola king Kulothunga Cholan I, II and III during the 11th century.
It is one of the ancient temples included in the Saiva pilgrimages and is fairly close to the famous hill temple of Lord Venkateshwara at Tirupati. A huge hundred pillared mantapamwas built by Sri Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara dynasty during the 16th century, an important feature of this shrine. The historical reference to this temple occur in the works of Nakkeerar, a Tamil poet during the Tamil Sangam Dynasty. He called it as Southern Kailash. Nakkeera composed hundreds of Tamil stanzas to praise Srikalahasteeswara. Dhoorjati a Telugu poet native of this place and one among the ashtadiggajas of Sri Krishnadevaraya’s court composed hundred stanzas on Sri Kalahasteeswara.
Geography[edit]
Srikalahasti is located at 13°45′N 79°42′E on the bank of river Swarnamukhi. It is located 38 km north of Tirupati central.
Demographics[edit]
As of 2011 Census of India, the town had a population of 80,056. The total population constitute, 38,995 males and 41,061 females—a sex ratio of 1053 females per 1000 males, higher than the national average of 940 per 1000.[2][6] 8,224 children are in the age group of 0–6 years, of which 4,227 are boys and 3,997 are girls—a ratio of 946 per 1000. The average literacy rate stands at 78.66% (male 85.15%; female 72.57%) with 56,501 literates, significantly higher than the national average of 73.00%.[2][7]
Education[edit]
Srikalahasthi has educational institutions ranging from Elementary schools to Engineering & Degree Colleges. Srikalahasteeswara Institute of Technology is an engineeried by Srikalahasteeswara Trust board. It is affiliated to J.N.T.U, Anantapur.
Economy[edit]
The town depends mainly on agriculture and tourism. The main crops are paddy, sugar cane and ground nuts. Hundreds of Kalamkariartists also bring some revenue. Pilgrims visiting the Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala also visit the Srikalahasti temple.
Transport[edit]
Srikalahasti railway station is on the Renigunta-Gudur section of Guntakal (GTL) Division of the South Central Railway (SCR). Andhra Pradesh State owned Bus services APSRTC operates buses from Tirupati, Chittoor and Nellore.
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