As the legend goes, the town got its name because of the temple named after Sri ( spider ) Kala ( serpent ) hasti ( elephant) after the three animals, who were ardent devotees of Lord Siva. These three animals attained divinity through worshipping Lord Siva.

The spider was Vishwakarma's (architect of the deva ganas) son Oornanabha. He was replicating Brahma-the creator's job and an annoyed Brahma cursed him to become a spider.

The snake was once cursed by Siva himself.

The elephant was a Deva (Pramadha) cursed by Siva's wife, Parvathi, when he intruded their privacy!

The Siva linga at Srikalahasti is an amalgamation of the three animals.