Around us, Coral Merchant Street bustles with life, but here at the Kaalahastheeswarar Temple, a sense of peace washes over you. This Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a small but popular temple in the George Town area of Chennai.
The Kaalahastheeswarar Temple is more than just a place of worship. It is a Chennai equivalent of the famous Kalahasteeswarar Temple in Andhra Pradesh. Many believe that if you cannot make the journey to Kalahasti, prayers here are equally potent.
Inside the temple, the presiding deity, Kalatheeswarar, resides as a Shiva Linga. Beside him stands Gnanambikai, the goddess. Although the icons are tiny, the goddess’s image is stunningly beautiful.
Look around and you will also find shrines for Ayyappa. Manjanamata and Chandikeshwara are also here. Shivalinga, Subramanya with Valli-Devasena and Ganesha are present. The Navagraha shrine completes the divine ensemble. Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are found as niche images.
Legend says this temple is one of Chennai’s Pancha Bootha Sthalams. This represents the Air element. The other elements are represented by other temples in the city. Fire is at Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple. Water is at Sri Gangadareswarar Temple. Sky is at Sri Chidambaranatha Temple. Earth is at Sri Ekambareswarar Temple.
Notice the Dwajasthambam and Nandhi. They face the sanctum. Stucco Dwarapalakas guard the entrance.
Consider the story of the temple’s name. Sri means spider. Kala means serpent or snake. Hasti means elephant. The legend tells of a spider who weaved a shade for Lord Shiva. A snake offered gems. An elephant used its trunk to bring water for worship. Lord Shiva granted mukti to all three for their devotion.
Take note of the inscription dated January 21, 1926. It details a donation by Naga Siva Chidambaram Chettiyar. He gave a house and go-down. The income was for temple functions after deducting taxes.
Feel the spiritual energy of the Kaalahastheeswarar Temple. It is a reminder of faith. It also highlights the legends that echo through the ages in Chennai.