Home Temples Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple (The Rahu-Ketu Kshetra), Srikalahasti

Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple (The Rahu-Ketu Kshetra), Srikalahasti

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Temple Overview
Temple Overview: Located 36 km from Tirupati, Srikalahasti is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalam (five temples representing the elements), represent...

Temple Overview: Located 36 km from Tirupati, Srikalahasti is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalam (five temples representing the elements), representing Vayu (Air). It is a powerful "Moksha Puri" where the main deity is worshipped as a Vayu Linga. The temple is globally famous for its Rahu-Ketu Dosha Nivarana Puja, believed to remove astrological obstacles and bring peace to one's life.
History & Legend: The name "Srikalahasti" comes from three creatures: Sri (Spider), Kala (Serpent), and Hasti (Elephant). Each worshipped Lord Shiva here and attained salvation. This is also the site where the hunter-saint Kannappa famously offered his eyes to the Lord. A miraculous feature of the inner sanctum is a flickering lamp; despite no windows or fans, the flame continuously flickers, signifying the presence of the Lord as 'Air.'

Temple Timings

Morning Darshan: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Evening Darshan: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

  • Special Abhishekam at 5:30 AM
  • Maha Aarti at 7:30 PM
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Sri Kalahasthi Temple
Essential Visitor Information
Temple Timings(Daily)
  • Temple Opening: 05:30 AM.
  • Temple Closing: 09:00 PM (extends to 09:30 PM on Sat, Sun, and Mon).
  • Rahu-Ketu Puja Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
  • Special Note: This temple is unique as it remains open during Solar and Lunar Eclipses, and special Rahu-Ketu pujas are performed during those times.
Detailed Darshanam Types & Bookings
  • Sarva Darshan (Free): General walk-in entry.
  • Special Entrance (₹50 / ₹200): Faster entry options available at the gate.
  • VIP Break Darshan: Protocol Darshans usually occur in the early morning (6 AM) and evening (5 PM).
  • Tirupati360 Tip: Holders of the ₹2500 & ₹5000 Puja tickets often receive priority access to the main sanctum for Darshan immediately after their puja is completed.
Rahu-Ketu Puja: Booking & Costs
  • Booking: Srikalahasti primarily follows a Current Booking system. You must purchase tickets at the temple counters on the day of your visit. Limited slots for certain sevas may appear on the official portal (srikalahastitemple.org.in), but walk-ins are the standard.
  • Puja Categories:
  • ₹500 / ₹750: Performed in common halls.
  • ₹1500: Performed in the "Aasirvada Mandapam" inside the temple.
  • ₹2500 / ₹5000: Performed inside the main temple complex, very close to the deities.
  • Materials: All puja materials (silver/lead snakes, etc.) are provided by the temple
Sevas & Rituals:Booking & Attendance
  • Rudrabhishekam: Performed at 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 5:00 PM.
  • Nitya Kalyanam: Celestial wedding performed daily at 11:00 AM.
  • Ekanta Seva: The final ritual at 09:00 PM (Closing).
  • How to Book: Most sevas are booked offline at the Arjitha Seva Counter near the entrance
Festivals & Important Days
  • Maha Shivaratri: February 15, 2026. This is the temple's grandest day; the temple remains open all night for Lingodbhava rituals.
  • Annual Brahmotsavam: February 10 – February 22, 2026. A 13-day celebration featuring the famous Rathotsavam (Chariot Festival) on Feb 16 and Kalyanotsavam on Feb 17.
  • Karthika Deepotsavam: November 24, 2026. The temple is beautifully lit with thousands of oil lamps.
  • Rahu Kalam: Sunday and Tuesday are the most auspicious days for Rahu-Ketu pujas
Annaprasadam & Prasadham
  • Free Meals: Served daily from 12:00 PM to 03:30 PM at the temple's Annadhana Hall.
  • Signature Prasadham: Be sure to buy the Srikalahasti Malai Laddu at the exit counters—it is a local specialty. Pulihora and Vada are also available for purchase.
Dress Code & Etiquette
  • Strict Dress Code for Puja: Traditional wear is mandatory for Rahu-Ketu Puja and Abhishekam.
  • Men: Dhoti (Pancha) with Shalya or Kurta-Pyjama.
  • Women: Saree or Chudidar with Dupatta.
  • Etiquette: Photography is strictly prohibited. Do not take the "metal snakes" home; drop them in the Hundi inside the temple after the puja.
Nearby Attractions
  • Pathala Vinayaka: A unique underground Ganesha temple (35 feet deep) within the complex.
  • Bhakta Kannappa Temple: Situated on a hillock overlooking the main temple (approx. 350 steps).
  • Bharadwaja Teertham: A peaceful pond located 0.5 km east of the temple.
Location & Accessbility
  • Location: 36 km from Tirupati (Approx. 1-hour drive).
  • Transport: A Tirupati360 Cab is recommended, as the Rahu-Ketu puja can take 2–3 hours and public transport can be tiring.
  • Accessibility: The temple is vast with uneven stone floors. Senior citizens should be prepared for significant walking.
Tirupati360 Insider Tips
  • Rahu Kalam Timing: Ask your Tirupati360 Cab driver for the Rahu Kalam timing of the day to plan your arrival perfectly.
  • River Swarnamukhi: It is traditional to sprinkle water from the river (located outside) on your head before entering.
  • Post-Puja Tradition: Local custom suggests returning to your room/home after the Rahu-Ketu puja without visiting anyone else's house to keep the puja's energy focused.
Sri Kalahasthi Brahmotsavam: 12-Day Schedule
  • Day 1 | Dwajarohanam (Flag Hoisting): The sacred temple flag is raised, signaling a divine invitation to all Gods and marking the official start of the festival.
  • Day 2 | Nandi Vahanam Seva: Lord Shiva processes on His sacred bull, Nandi, symbolizing the eternal pillars of strength, righteousness, and truth.
  • Day 3 | Hamsa Vahanam: The Lord rides the Swan, a celestial mount representing supreme purity, wisdom, and the ability to discern spirit from matter.
  • Day 4 | Simha Vahanam: Riding the Lion, the deity symbolizes courage, majesty, and the ultimate victory of good over evil forces.
  • Day 5 | Gaja Vahanam: The Elephant mount represents royal power, abundance, and the showering of prosperity upon devotees.
  • Day 6 | Sesha Vahanam: The Lord appears on Adisesha (the divine serpent), representing cosmic energy and the protection of the universe.
  • Day 7 | Hanumantha Vahanam: This day honors the bond of devotion and selfless service as the Lord rides on Hanuman.
  • Day 8 | Rishabha Vahanam: A grand night procession on the Sacred Bull; the air is filled with the powerful chanting of Vedic Rudra hymns.
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