| The
Siva Linga of Kalahasti is one of the five supreme Lingas representing the five great
Elements. These are installed in five great Kshetras. These Kshetras are dedicated to the
five Elements, namely, Water, Fire, Air, Ether and Earth. The Vayu Linga is said to be
installed in this Kshetras. In proof of the above, it can be seen that in the Garbhagriha
of the temple there is a light which to this day is flickering even though there is no
loophole for the air to enter the temple. The Linga
here is said to have been worshipped in the ancient days by a spider, a snake and an
elephant. The spider worshipped the Lord by spinning a web over it, the snake by placing a
gem over it, and the elephant by washing the Linga with water. These three are said to
have attained Moksha in the temple by their devotion to the Lord. The marks of these three
are still pointed out on the central Linga which, together with the ancient Nandi in
front, is white in color, and hence held to be Swayambu or self - manifest. |
