One day, there arose a fight between the snake and the elephant. The elephant which brought the flowers to decorate the idol, removed the precious stones brought by the snake. The spider got caught in the middle of the fight and finally the three died.
Due to their staunch devotion, the Lord merged the three souls in Him and thus the name Sri Kalahasti (Sri Kala Hasti).
Legend of Kannappar Nayannar & Srikalahasti Temple
According to another legend, there was a hunter named Kannappa Nayanaar, a true devotee of Mahadeva. His real name was Thinnan and is said to have offered his own eyes to Lord Siva. Thus the hunter was named as Kannappan. A statue of this hunter is seen in the temple sanctum.