Sri Kalathiappar temple is located in the holy town named Kalahasthi, in the district of Chittoor, in the state of Andhra Pradesh in South India. The chief deities of this temple are Kalathiappar, Kalatheeswarar (Lord Shiva) and his consorts are Gnanaparasunambikai, Gnanapoongothai and Gnanasundari.
The holy tree of this temple is Vilwa. The holy water of this temple is River Ponmuhali (also Swarnamukhi River). The agamam or pooja of this temple is known as Kameeyam. This temple is nearly 2000-3000 years old in this region. The historical name of this place is Seekalathi.
According to the local legends and scholars, “Appar, Gnanasambandar and Sundarar This is the 19th temple on the Cauvery bank praised in Thevaram hymns in Thondaimandalam region.” The most important festivals of this shrine are the Makara Sankranthi (Pongal) in January and Giri Valam on Shivrathri day, Masi festival in January-February, Thirukarthigai in November-December, Mahasivarathri in January-February, Oonjal festival on all Fridays, Vaikunta Ekadashi, Amavasya, pournima, New Year day and Navarathtri days are celebrated with much festivity and enthusiasm.
It is to be noted that in this temple, Sri Kalathinathar is a Swaymbu murthi who blesses the devotees and pilgrims. It is to be highly remembered that the lamp will be always oscillating in the sanctum sanctorum as As Kalahasthi largely belongs to the Vayu (wind) nature of the Panchaboodha temples. The shrine remains open for devotees and pilgrims from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. In front of the main deity, there are two Nandi’s in this particular temple.