Srikalahasti is a holy town and a municipality in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. It is covered under the Tirupati Urban Development Authority region.[2] The Srikalahasti Temple is one of the important ancient Shiva Temples of Southern India, which is opened during the times of Solar and Lunar Eclipses also unlike other temples. It occupies the area between the river bank and the foot of the hills and is popularly known as Dakshina Kailasam. It is also the origin of the popular textile painting art called kalamkari. Srikalahasti is popularly known as "Dakshina Kaashi".

Geography

Srikalahasti is located at 13°45′N 79°42′E on the bank of river Swarnamukhi. It is located 38 km north of Tirupati central. It is one of the assembly constituencies in Chittor District.

Demographics

As of 2011 Census of India, the town had a population of 80,056. The total population constitute, 38,995 males and 41,061 females—a sex ratio of 1053 females per 1000 males, higher than the national average of 940 per 1000.[1][3] 8,224 children are in the age group of 0–6 years, of which 4,227 are boys and 3,997 are girls—a ratio of 946 per 1000. The average literacy rate stands at 78.66% (male 85.15%; female 72.57%) with 56,501 literates, significantly higher than the national average of 73.00%.