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In
the next life, he was born as a spider and lived among the branches of a banyan
tree nearby the temple in this kshetra. He was endowed with bhakti instincts,
due to the gifting of cloth to that Saivate devotee in his past life, and he
knew it in full. So, to expiating the sins of past life, he began worshipping
the Sivalinga by adorning it with beautiful web made of the threads coming from
its stomach. Besides regular mental devotion, this weaving of excellent web
around Siva linga making it resemble the abode of Lord Maheswar in Kailas went
on for long. The Lord was much pleased with its tenacity and decided to put it
to test. He caused the beautiful web burnt away one day. Unable to extinguish
the fire, and failing to safeguard its handicraft, it immolated at once. Pleased
with its bhakti, the Lord granted speech and original shape to it. Before
merging with the Lord - Sayujya mukti, it requested the Lord to name the place
after him. It was granted. Hence the addition of Sri to Kalahasti. The lowest
insect was elevated, and made eligible for the highest of muktis. Nothing sinks
down in the ocean of Maheswar's compassion. That is his glory!
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