According to regional tradition, it is said to be the site where Kannappa was ready to offer both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Shivalinga before Shiva stopped him and granted him moksha.

The 120 feet (37 m) high main gopuram and the hundred pillared hall with intricate carvings was commissioned during the regime of the Vijayanagara Krishnadevaraya during 1516 CE.

Shiva granted her a heavenly body, a hundred times better than her previous divine form, apologised to her and later taught her the secret lore.

Cursed to become a ghost, Ghanakala prayed at Srikalahasti for 15 years and after chanting the Bhairava Mantra, Shiva restored her original form.

[6] Kulottunga Chola I, contrived and built the beautiful gopurams, located at the entrance facing south, during the 11th century CE.

The 120 feet (37 m) high main gopuram and the hundred pillared hall with intricate carvings was commissioned during the regime of the Vijayanagara Krishnadevaraya during 1516 CE.

[7] The presiding image of Shiva in the form of Linga is made of white stone (believed to be the solidification of camphor) in a tall cylindrical shape resembling an elephant trunk.

[4] The temple is revered as one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalam where the presiding deity is worshipped as Vayu linga (the embodiment of air).

[13] The presiding deity of the temple Gnana Prasunambika Devi was born in Vellathurar Gotra of Senguntha Kaikola Mudaliar caste.

[citation needed] Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival when lakhs of devotees offer prayers to seek the blessings of the Lord.

Mahashivaratri Brahmotsavams are celebrated in par with Maha Shivaratri for 13 days during which the processional idols of Shiva and Parvati will be taken on Vahanams in a procession around the temple streets.