Why do thousands of people travel specifically to Srikalahasti — and not any other Shiva temple — for Rahu Ketu remedy? The answer lies in a legend: when Rahu and Ketu — the shadow planets — created chaos in the cosmos, Lord Shiva himself imprisoned them here at Kalahasti. They are not merely worshipped here. They are controlled here. The temple is their captivity, and Lord Kalahasteeswara (Shiva) is their jailer. Performing the Rahu Ketu Pooja here is not a routine ritual — it is a direct appeal to the deity who holds Rahu and Ketu in check, at the exact spot of their cosmic imprisonment.
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💡 Quick Answer Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM | Three sessions with breaks Rahu Ketu Pooja Tickets: ₹500 (single) | ₹2,500 (couple) | ₹5,000 (premium couple) Pooja Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily Online Booking: aptemples.ap.gov.in (60 days advance) Also open during: Solar + lunar eclipses — unique Tirupati from: 36 km
2026 Update: Srikalahasti Temple — Vayulinga (Air element) of Pancha Bhoota Sthalas. Rahu Ketu Pooja daily 6 AM–6 PM. Tickets: ₹500–₹5,000 at aptemples.ap.gov.in. Book 60 days in advance. Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam 2026 (Feb 10-23) — completed. Source: srikalahastitemple.org.in May 2026 + templedarshantime.com April 2026.
Srikalahasti Temple — At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple |
| Also Known As | Dakshina Kailasam (South Kailash) |
| Deity | Lord Kalahasteeswara (Shiva) — Vayulinga |
| Element | Air (Vayu) — one of 5 Pancha Bhoota Sthalas |
| Location | Srikalahasti, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh |
| River | Swarnamukhi River |
| Distance from Tirupati | 36 km |
| Opens | 5:30 AM |
| Closes | 9:30 PM |
| Rahu Ketu Pooja | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily |
| Special | Open during solar + lunar eclipses |
| Official Booking | aptemples.ap.gov.in |
Darshan Timings 2026
| Session | Time |
|---|---|
| Temple Opens | 5:30 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Afternoon Darshan | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Temple Closes | 9:30 PM |
| Rahu Ketu Pooja | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (during darshan hours) |
Unique: Srikalahasti Temple remains open even during solar and lunar eclipses — most Hindu temples close during eclipses. This is an ancient tradition specific to Srikalahasti, believed to be because Rahu and Ketu (who cause eclipses) are already imprisoned here.
Pro tip: 6:00–8:00 AM weekdays — minimal crowd, cool Swarnamukhi River air. For Rahu Ketu Pooja — Rahu Kalam on Tuesdays and Saturdays is considered most powerful.
Rahu Ketu Pooja — Why Here, Why Not Elsewhere
The Rahu Ketu Pooja (Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Pooja) performed at Srikalahasti is believed to be the most effective remedy for Rahu Dosha, Ketu Dosha, and Kala Sarpa Dosha in Vedic astrology.
Why specifically Srikalahasti: According to legend, Lord Shiva imprisoned the shadow planets Rahu and Ketu at Kalahasti — they are said to reside in the temple as captive entities under Shiva’s control. A pooja performed here is a direct petition to the imprisoning authority — not just a general prayer to any deity.
Problems believed to be addressed:
- Delays in marriage
- Career setbacks and financial problems
- Health issues
- Childlessness
- Mental anxiety
- General Kala Sarpa Dosha effects
Rahu Ketu Pooja Ticket Prices 2026
| Ticket Type | Price | For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ₹500 | 1 person |
| Couple | ₹2,500 | 2 persons |
| Premium Couple | ₹5,000 | 2 persons (premium seating) |
| Children below 12 | Free | General darshan only |
Booking: aptemples.ap.gov.in — up to 60 days in advance.
Rahu Kalam — Best Time for Pooja
Rahu Kalam is the daily planetary hour when Rahu is most active — and Srikalahasti is most powerful during this time.
| Day | Rahu Kalam (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Tuesday | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Thursday | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Sunday | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM |
Book your Rahu Ketu Pooja slot during Rahu Kalam for maximum efficacy — according to traditional belief.
Online Booking — Step by Step
Official Portal: aptemples.ap.gov.in
Step 1 — Go to aptemples.ap.gov.in Step 2 — Select “Srikalahasti Devasthanam” Step 3 — Click “Sevas and Darshan” Step 4 — Select Rahu Ketu Pooja / Special Darshan Step 5 — Choose date and time (Rahu Kalam preferred) Step 6 — Enter pilgrim details — name, Aadhaar, Gotra, Janma Nakshatra (if known) Step 7 — Pay → Download e-ticket PDF
Note: Gotra and Nakshatra details not mandatory — priests can perform the pooja without them if unknown.
Booking opens 60 days in advance. Non-refundable.
Vayulinga — Air Element of Pancha Bhoota Sthalas
Srikalahasti is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalas — the five temples representing the five elements of nature.
| Temple | Element | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Chidambaram | Space (Akasha) | Tamil Nadu |
| Tiruvannamalai | Fire (Agni) | Tamil Nadu |
| Srikalahasti | Air (Vayu) | Andhra Pradesh |
| Kanchipuram Ekambareswara | Earth (Prithvi) | Tamil Nadu |
| Thiruvanaikaval | Water (Jala) | Tamil Nadu |
The Vayulinga (air Shivaling) at Srikalahasti is believed to be made of air — invisible, weightless. The proof offered by tradition: the flame of the lamps inside the sanctum sways and flickers even when all doors and windows are closed — as if a breeze is present where there is none.
The Name — Sri + Kala + Hasti
The temple’s name carries one of the most moving origin stories in South Indian temple tradition.
Three great devotees attained moksha (liberation) here through their unshakeable love for Lord Shiva:
| Name | Form | Devotion |
|---|---|---|
| Sri | Spider (Arignaa) | Spun its web over the Shivaling to shade it from heat |
| Kala | Snake (Nagam) | Offered its hood jewel as decoration |
| Hasti | Elephant | Bathed the Shivaling with its trunk daily |
The three were eventually in conflict — the elephant’s water washed away the spider’s web; the spider kept rebuilding. Eventually, all three were rewarded with moksha simultaneously for their pure, unconditional devotion.
Sri + Kala + Hasti = Srikalahasti
Bhakta Kannappa — The Most Radical Devotee
The story most associated with Srikalahasti — and one of the most powerful devotion stories in Hindu tradition — is that of Bhakta Kannappa.
Kannappa was a hunter — an “outcaste” by birth in classical Brahminic terms. He had no knowledge of Vedas, rituals, or temple tradition. But he loved Lord Shiva completely.
Every day he would bring wild game, fruit, and water (in his mouth) to the Shivaling — offering as he knew how.
One day the Shivaling’s “eye” appeared to be bleeding. Without hesitation, Kannappa gouged out his own eye and placed it on the Shivaling. The bleeding continued from the second eye. Kannappa prepared to gouge the second eye too — keeping his foot on the Shivaling so he could find it after going blind.
Lord Shiva appeared and stopped him — declaring him among the greatest of devotees. Kannappa’s statue stands at the temple today.
Tirupati + Srikalahasti — One Day Circuit
| Time | Activity | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 4:30 AM | Tirupati darshan (Seeghra/VIP) | — |
| 9:00 AM | Drive to Srikalahasti | 36 km, 1 hr |
| 10:00 AM | Rahu Ketu Pooja (Rahu Kalam) | — |
| 12:30 PM | Srikalahasti darshan | — |
| 2:00 PM | Drive back to Tirupati/Renigunta | — |
The Srikalahasti Trap — Which Portal to Use
Multiple websites claim to offer “online Rahu Ketu Pooja booking” for Srikalahasti. Most are unofficial.
Only two official portals:
- aptemples.ap.gov.in — AP Government Endowments portal
- srikalahastitemple.org.in — official temple portal
Do not book through any other website. Verify your booking confirmation via the official helpdesk before traveling.
How to Reach Srikalahasti
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Train | Srikalahasti Railway Station — 2 km from temple |
| Car from Tirupati | 36 km, ~1 hour via SH 30 |
| Bus | APSRTC from Tirupati every 20-30 min |
| Flight | Tirupati Airport — 50 km |
Common Errors + Fixes
Not sure how to book Rahu Ketu Pooja → Fix: Visit aptemples.ap.gov.in → select Srikalahasti → Sevas → Rahu Ketu Pooja → choose date and time → pay. Book up to 60 days in advance. Prices: ₹500–₹5,000.
Don’t know Gotra or Nakshatra → Fix: Not mandatory. Priests perform the pooja with just your name and basic details. If Gotra is unknown, “Kashyapa” is commonly used as a default.
Wondering if the temple closes during eclipses → Fix: No — Srikalahasti uniquely stays open during solar and lunar eclipses. Since Rahu and Ketu (who cause eclipses) are already imprisoned here, the temple follows this centuries-old exception.
Unsure when Rahu Kalam falls → Fix: Rahu Kalam varies by day. Generally, Tuesday 3:00–4:30 PM and Saturday 9:00–10:30 AM are the most powerful slots. Refer to the Rahu Kalam table in this article.
Planning to combine Tirupati and Srikalahasti in one day → Fix: Absolutely possible — just 36 km apart, approximately 1 hour by road. Tirupati morning darshan + Srikalahasti afternoon Rahu Ketu Pooja = a complete day trip.
Srikalahasti Visit Checklist
☑ Rahu Ketu Pooja booked — aptemples.ap.gov.in — ₹500/₹2,500/₹5,000 ☑ Book 60 days in advance — non-refundable ☑ Rahu Kalam timing for pooja — Tuesday/Saturday preferred ☑ Gotra/Nakshatra helpful but not mandatory ☑ Temple open during eclipses — no need to avoid ☑ Traditional attire — dhoti/kurta (men), saree/salwar (women) ☑ Tirupati 36 km — combine same day ☑ Srikalahasti Railway Station 2 km ☑ Only official portals — aptemples.ap.gov.in + srikalahastitemple.org.in
FAQ
What are Srikalahasti temple darshan timings 2026?
Temple opens 5:30 AM, closes 9:30 PM. Sessions: 6 AM–1 PM | 3–6 PM | 6:30–9:30 PM. Rahu Ketu Pooja: 6 AM–6 PM daily.
What is the Rahu Ketu Pooja ticket price at Srikalahasti 2026?
Standard: ₹500/person | Couple: ₹2,500 | Premium Couple: ₹5,000. Book at aptemples.ap.gov.in — up to 60 days in advance. Gotra/Nakshatra optional.
Why is Srikalahasti specifically recommended for Rahu Ketu remedy?
Legend holds that Lord Shiva imprisoned Rahu and Ketu at Srikalahasti. The pooja here is a direct petition to the deity who controls these shadow planets — at the site of their cosmic captivity. This is why Srikalahasti is considered uniquely powerful for this remedy.
Does Srikalahasti temple remain open during eclipses?
Yes — uniquely, Srikalahasti stays open during solar and lunar eclipses. This centuries-old tradition is specific to this temple since Rahu and Ketu (who cause eclipses) are already imprisoned here.
How to reach Srikalahasti from Tirupati?
36 km — APSRTC bus every 20–30 minutes from Tirupati. Car: approximately 1 hour via SH 30. Srikalahasti Railway Station is 2 km from the temple.
How did Srikalahasti get its name?
Sri (spider) + Kala (snake) + Hasti (elephant) — three devoted creatures who attained moksha here. The spider shaded the Shivaling with webs, the snake offered its hood jewel, and the elephant bathed it daily — each through pure unconditional love.
The spider, the snake, and the elephant — three creatures with no Vedic training, no brahminical lineage, no ritual knowledge — all attained moksha at Srikalahasti through pure love. Kannappa the hunter offered his eye without hesitation. The Rahu and Ketu who govern the shadow cycles of existence were imprisoned here by Shiva himself. Come for the Rahu Ketu Pooja. Come during Rahu Kalam. Come as yourself. Om Namah Shivaya!
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