The history of the Srikalahastisvara temple can be traced back at least to the 7th century A.D. as evidenced by the Tamil sacred literature Devaram and Tiruvacakam. The Naraymars sung its glory to their heart’s content. As the region in which the temple of Srikalahastisvara formed part of the Chola empire its epigraphical history starts with the appearance of their inscriptions from 1000-01 A. D. Since then not only the Cholas but also their successors belonging to different dynasties made significant contribution to the architectural and economic growth of the temple. Because of its location between the banks of the river Suvarnamukhi on one side and a hill on the other its architecture presents different and noteworthy features. The architectural growth of the temple can be followed and studied with interesting results. The staunch Vaishnavite emperors of the Vijayanagara dynasty, namely Krishna-devaraya and Achyutaraya made munifieient endowments to this Saiva temple. The keen interest taken by these rulers in the structural growth of the temple is evidenced by the addition of gopuras and mandapas which transformed it into a large complex. The above noted aspects and the unique-ness of the temple have been discussed at length in this work. it is hoped that this will create more interest among the scholars for further study on this great temple, which houses the god known as Sikalahastisvara, distinguished as Vayu-linga, one of the manifestations of the Five Elements of nature (Panchabhutas).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR D. Kiran Kranth Choudary
Dr. D. Kiran Kranth Choudary (b. 1954) is professor of Ancient Indian History Culture & Archaeology, and also the Vice-Principal, S.V.U. College of International Studies, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. His field of specialization is Art and Architecture in which he contributed innovative articles. He has completed three Research Projects sponsored by the University Grants Commission. He has organized the IV Annual Conference, South Indian Numismatic Society and the 26th Annual Conference, A.P. History Congress. He was the co-ordinator of the Association of Indian Universities, 78th Annual Meet of the All India Vice-Chancellors. He also conducted three seminars on different themes. He chaired many sessions in various conferences and seminars. As a resource person he delivered lectures in different universities. Dr. Choudary haspublished Five Prominent Temples of Bhubaneswar (1982), Ragadhuli (1984), Ramayana in Indian Art and Epigraphy (2006) and also edited Sankaram: Recent Researches on Indian Culture (2000), Prasadam, Recent Researches on Archaeology, Art, Architecture and Culture (2004), World Civilizations (2006), Studies in Indian Culture and Archaeology (2007). He has sixty research papers to his credit published in reputed Research Journals. He received training in Remote Sensing for Archaeology at NRSA, Hyderabad. He served as Dean (E) and Special Officer (Evaluation) for the university and also former Head and Chairman, Board of Studies, Dept of A.I.H.C. & Archaeology. He is associated with many academic bodies in various capacities. As poet and creative writer he is associated with many literary and cultural organizations.
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