Welcome to Srikalahasti Devasthanam
🕉️ Welcome to Sri Kalahasti Temple
Welcome to the sacred abode of Lord Kalahasteeswara, one of the most revered temples in South India.
Situated on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, near Tirupati, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as the Vayu Lingam (Air Element) among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.
Known as Dakshina Kailasam (Kailasa of the South), Sri Kalahasti is a place where faith breathes in every corner. Devotees from across India visit this temple to perform the powerful Rahu-Ketu Dosha Nivarana Pooja and seek blessings for peace, prosperity, and liberation.
Today Pooja & Seva Status, Official Timings
Check today’s available sevas, poojas, and their timings before you visit the temple.
| Seva / Pooja Name | Time | Tickets Availability | Type | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suprabhata Seva | 5:00 AM | Limited | Morning Ritual | Book early |
| Rahu Ketu Pooja | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Available | Dosha Nivarana | Every 1 hour slot |
| Rudrabhishekam | 7:00 AM | Available | Daily Pooja | Ideal for health & peace |
| Ksheerabhishekam | 8:00 AM | Few left | Daily Pooja | Milk abhishekam |
| Palabhishekam | 9:30 AM | Available | Special Pooja | Offered to Lord Shiva |
| Archana | 10:30 AM | Available | General | Daily archana seva |
| Nithya Kalyanam | 12:00 PM | Not Available | Weekly Only | Performed Fridays |
| Sahasranamarchana | 4:00 PM | Available | Evening Pooja | Daily |
| Ekantha Seva | 8:30 PM | Available | Night Ritual | Limited seats |
Important Instructions for Devotees
Devotees are requested to reach the temple at least 30 minutes before the seva or pooja timing.
Rahu Ketu Pooja is performed throughout the day, and tickets can be purchased directly from the temple counters on the same day.
Devotees must carry a valid Photo ID proof used during online or offline booking.
Dress Code:
Men should wear dhoti or pyjama with upper cloth.
Women should wear saree or salwar kameez.
Mobile phones, cameras, and electronic devices are not allowed inside the main sanctum.
Tickets once booked are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Children below 12 years do not require a ticket for general darshan.
On special occasions or festival days, pooja timings may change depending on temple activities and crowd management.
Devotees are requested to maintain silence, cleanliness, and discipline inside the temple premises.
For any queries, devotees can contact the temple helpdesk or visit the official website.
Note:
- Information provided above is updated daily from official temple sources.
- Timings may vary on Shivaratri, Ekadasi, or Rahu–Ketu planetary events.
- Please check the latest updates before visiting the temple.
About the Srikalahasthi Temple
Sri Kalahasti Temple, fondly known as Dakshina Kailasam, is one of the most powerful Shiva temples in South India. Nestled along the sacred banks of the Swarnamukhi River near Tirupati, this divine temple is believed to represent the element of air among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. Lord Shiva here is worshipped as Sri Kalahasteeswara, and Goddess Parvati as Gnana Prasunambika Devi.
Devotees from all over India visit this holy place to perform the famous Rahu Ketu Pooja, believed to remove obstacles, planetary doshas, and bring peace of mind. The temple’s towering gopuram, intricate carvings, and centuries-old stone corridors speak of its glorious history — built and expanded by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings.
Visiting Sri Kalahasti is not just a pilgrimage, but a spiritual experience that fills the heart with divine energy and deep devotion. The gentle sound of temple bells, the aroma of incense, and the chanting of Vedic hymns create an atmosphere that truly feels like the abode of Lord Shiva Himself.
- Main Deity: Lord Shiva as Sri Kalahasteeswara
- Consort: Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi
- Temple Element: Vayu (Air)
- Famous Ritual: Rahu-Ketu Pooja for planetary doshas
- Location: 36 km from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
History of Sri Kalahasti Temple
The history of Sri Kalahasti Temple is deeply woven with faith, mythology, and divine miracles. It is believed that thousands of years ago, a spider (Sri), a serpent (Kala), and an elephant (Hasti) worshipped Lord Shiva here with pure devotion — and hence the temple’s name Sri-Kala-Hasti was born. Pleased by their prayers, Lord Shiva appeared and granted them salvation, symbolizing that sincere devotion matters more than form or status.
The earliest stone structures of the temple were built during the Pallava dynasty, while the grand architecture seen today took shape under the Chola and Vijayanagara kings. The towering Raja Gopuram, rising over 120 feet, was constructed by King Krishnadevaraya in 1516 AD, who also engraved inscriptions describing his devotion to Lord Kalahasteeswara.
What makes this temple even more sacred is its association with the Vayu (Air) Lingam, representing one of the five elements of nature — the Pancha Bhootas. The lamp inside the sanctum constantly flickers, even when there is no visible air movement, signifying the presence of the Vayu element.
Over the centuries, Sri Kalahasti has remained a beacon of spiritual power, drawing millions of devotees seeking relief from Rahu-Ketu Doshas and inner peace. Every stone, sculpture, and chant inside the temple carries the timeless story of devotion and faith that has made this holy place immortal.
Gallery of Kalahasti Temple
Temple Timings
The temple remains open every day with rituals and darshan available throughout.
Session | Timings |
Temple Opens | 5:30 AM |
Suprabhata Seva | 5:30 – 6:00 AM |
General Darshan | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Rahu-Ketu Pooja | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Temple Closes | 9:00 PM |
Note: The temple remains open even during solar or lunar eclipses — a rare tradition unique to Sri Kalahasti.
🪔 Major Poojas & Sevas
Sri Kalahasti Temple is known for its powerful poojas that cleanse karmic effects and bring inner peace.
Pooja / Seva | Timings | Ticket (₹) | Significance |
Rahu-Ketu Pooja | 6 AM – 6 PM | 500 – 1500 | Removes doshas, ensures stability |
Rudrabhishekam | 7 AM – 12 PM | 300 | Sacred bathing of Lingam |
Archana | 8 AM – 1 PM | 50 | Personalized chanting of names |
Naga Pratishta | 10 AM – 11 AM | 600 | Remedy for serpent doshas |
Somavara Abhishekam | Mondays | 200 | Special offering to Lord Shiva |
All sevas can be booked offline at temple counters or through authorized booking centers near the temple.
🌿 Spiritual Significance
According to legends, three great devotees — a spider (Sri), a snake (Kala), and an elephant (Hasti) — worshipped Lord Shiva here and achieved moksha.
Their devotion gave the temple its divine name — Sri + Kala + Hasti = Srikalahasti.
The temple also honors Bhakta Kannappa, a tribal devotee who offered his own eyes to Lord Shiva. His shrine, located on the nearby hill, is a symbol of pure, unconditional devotion.
🌬️ The Vayu Lingam (Air Element)
Sri Kalahasti is one of the five Pancha Bhoota temples, each representing an element of nature — Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space.
Here, Lord Shiva manifests as Air (Vayu). Inside the sanctum, an oil lamp flickers continuously without any visible breeze, proving the presence of divine air flow.
🎉 Major Festivals at Sri Kalahasti
The temple celebrates several grand festivals that attract thousands of devotees every year.
Festival | Month | Description |
Maha Shivaratri | Feb – Mar | All-night vigil with Rudrabhishekam and chanting of Om Namah Shivaya |
Brahmotsavam | Mar – Apr | Annual procession of deities around temple streets |
Karthika Deepotsavam | Nov | Thousands of lamps lit across temple premises |
Pradosham | Twice monthly | Special evening worship to remove sins |
During these festivals, the entire temple town glows with devotion and music. Pilgrims describe the atmosphere as “alive with God’s presence.”
📸 Temple Highlights
- The Raja Gopuram, built by King Krishnadevaraya (1516 CE), rises 120 ft high.
- The temple remains open during eclipses — rare in Hindu tradition.
- The Vayu Lingam is believed to change color with different poojas.
- The Swarnamukhi River flowing beside the temple adds divine purity.
The Kannappa Hill nearby offers a panoramic view of the temple town.
🚶 How to Reach Sri Kalahasti
Sri Kalahasti is easily accessible by road, rail, and air.
Mode | Details |
By Road | 36 km from Tirupati; frequent APSRTC buses & taxis |
By Train | Sri Kalahasti Railway Station (SKHT) – 2 km from temple |
By Air | Tirupati International Airport – 28 km away |
Nearby Cities | Chennai (120 km), Bangalore (250 km), Nellore (95 km) |
Local auto-rickshaws and cabs are available at the station and bus stand. Parking facilities and cloakrooms are located near the temple entrance.
🏨 Accommodation & Facilities
TTD and Devasthanam maintain comfortable lodges and guest houses around the temple.
Facilities for Pilgrims
- Free and paid rooms (₹200 – ₹1500)
- Cloakroom and luggage counters
- Clean restrooms and drinking water
- Prasadam counters & Annadanam hall
- Parking and free shoe-stand service
Private lodges and hotels are also available within a short walk from the temple.
🧘 Visitor Guidelines
To maintain the sanctity of the temple, devotees are requested to follow these guidelines:
- Wear traditional attire (Men: Dhoti / Kurta | Women: Saree / Salwar)
- Avoid leather items, tobacco, or photography inside sanctum
- Offer donations only at official counters
- Maintain silence in queue lines and pooja halls
Remember: Faith and humility are the true offerings Lord Shiva accepts.
🙏 Plan Your Darshan
Recommended Time: Early mornings between 6 AM – 9 AM for peaceful darshan.
Expected Waiting:
- Free Darshan: 1–2 hrs (Weekdays) / 3–5 hrs (Weekends)
- ₹100 Special Entry: 30–60 mins
Darshan tokens and seva tickets are issued near the main temple counter beside the east gopuram.
💰 Donations & Support
Devotees can contribute to temple maintenance, Annadanam, and welfare activities.
Authorized donation counters are available near the main mandapam. All donations go toward daily poojas, renovations, and serving pilgrims.
🌸 Experience the Divine
Visiting Sri Kalahasti is not merely a trip — it is a journey into the breath of the Divine.
Here, the wind carries mantras, the stones echo centuries of prayers, and every devotee leaves lighter in heart and spirit.
“At Kalahasti, the air you breathe is the blessing of Lord Shiva himself.”
