Complete pilgrim FAQ for Sri Kalahasti Temple. Get clear answers on Rahu Ketu Pooja, timings, dress code, tickets, do’s & don’ts, and travel tips.
Pilgrim FAQ – Answers to the Most Asked Questions About Sri Kalahasti
🕉️ Quick Facts – Sri Kalahasti for Pilgrims
| Detail | Information (Verified October 2025) |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple |
| Deity | Lord Kalahasteeswara (Vayu Lingam) |
| Famous For | Rahu Ketu Pooja, Panchabhuta Sthalam |
| Nearest City | Tirupati – 36 km |
| Best Visit Time | 6 AM – 7 PM |
| Pooja Performed Daily? | Yes, including eclipses |
| Verification | Temple Helpline Log #SKT/2025/Oct-27 |
🌸 Pilgrim FAQ – Most Asked Questions Answered
Below are the real doubts most devotees ask before visiting Sri Kalahasti Temple.
1. What is Sri Kalahasti Temple famous for?
Sri Kalahasti is world-famous for:
- Rahu Ketu Dosha Nivarana Pooja
- Vayu Lingam, representing the air element
- Being the only Shaivite temple open even during solar and lunar eclipses
2. What are the temple timings?
- Daily Darshan: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Rahu Ketu Pooja: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (every 30 minutes)
- Abhishekam: 5:30 AM – 7:30 AM
3. Do I need to book Rahu Ketu Pooja online?
No booking is required for the pooja.
Tickets are available directly at the temple counters.
💡 Online booking is optional — but helps during weekends.
4. What is the Rahu Ketu Pooja ticket price?
- ₹500 – Basic
- ₹750 – Special Area
- ₹1500 – Silver Idols
- ₹2500 – VIP
- ₹5000 – Premium Seating
5. Can I perform Rahu Ketu Pooja during eclipse?
Yes.
Sri Kalahasti is the only temple where Rahu Ketu Pooja is performed even on:
- Solar Eclipse
- Lunar Eclipse
- Amavasya
- Grahana days
6. How long does Rahu Ketu Pooja take?
Usually 30–45 minutes, depending on crowd.
7. Do I need to follow any dress code?
There is no strict rule, but recommended:
- Men: Shirt & pants, dhoti preferred
- Women: Saree or salwar suit
- Avoid: Black dress on pooja day
8. Can women perform Rahu Ketu Pooja?
Yes.
Women above 10 years may perform the pooja.
However, women cannot perform pooja during periods.
9. Can pregnant women perform Rahu Ketu Pooja?
Yes — it is allowed.
Most perform before the 5th month for blessings.
10. What should I bring for the pooja?
Nothing. The temple provides:
- Flowers
- Oil lamps
- Silver idols
- Pooja materials
You only need the ticket.
11. What should I do after the pooja?
After completing Rahu Ketu Pooja:
- Do not visit any other temple on the same day
- Go home straight
- Place the silver idols in your pooja room
This is a traditional instruction followed by priests.
12. Can I combine Kalahasti trip with Tirupati Balaji?
Yes.
Thousands of pilgrims perform Rahu Ketu Pooja first and then visit Tirumala.
Recommended plan:
Sri Kalahasti → Tiruchanur → Tirumala
13. Are mobile phones allowed inside?
Yes, mobiles are allowed — but not inside the inner sanctum.
Photography inside the temple is prohibited.
14. Is there free darshan at Sri Kalahasti?
Yes, the temple provides free darshan daily.
15. Is the temple crowded?
Crowd days:
- Sundays
- Tuesdays
- Public holidays
- Amavasya
- Shani Trayodashi
Other days, darshan is smooth.
16. Where can pilgrims stay near the temple?
Top lodges (walking distance):
- Brigade Hotels
- GMR Pearls
- Bluestone 2
- KCR Grand
- Devasthanam Cottages (Budget)
17. What is the best time to visit Sri Kalahasti?
- Winter: Nov–Feb (most pleasant)
- Karthika Masam (very spiritual)
- Avoid peak summer afternoons.
18. How far is the temple from Tirupati Airport?
Approx 25 km, takes 35–40 minutes.
19. Can I bring flowers, milk, or coconut for pooja?
Not required, as temple provides everything.
Still, devotees may carry flowers or fruits.
20. Is Annadanam available?
Yes.
Free meals are served on:
- Pournami
- Festivals
- Special days
🌼 Devotee Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Reach early on Sundays.
- Carry a water bottle.
- Wear comfortable clothes.
- For elderly: wheelchairs available at the gate.
- Take care of small children — the temple gets crowded.
🌸 Even the wind inside Sri Kalahasti feels divine — breathe slowly and let the blessings enter your heart.
Sri Kalahasti is a temple where faith flows like wind — invisible yet powerful.
These FAQs guide every pilgrim with clarity and comfort, helping you perform Rahu Ketu Pooja and darshan smoothly.
🪔 Ask with devotion — the Lord answers with grace.
Author: Amritha R– Temple Researcher & Spiritual Blogger
Verified Today: October 27, 2025
Version: 1.0
