Experience the grand Maha Shivaratri festival at Sri Kalahasti Temple. Learn about abhishekam, rituals, timings, and the divine significance of this sacred night.
Among all the sacred days celebrated at Sri Kalahasti Temple, Maha Shivaratri stands as the most divine and powerful festival.
It is the night when Lord Shiva performs the cosmic dance of creation and destruction, blessing the devotees who worship Him with sincerity.
At Sri Kalahasti, known as the “Kailasa on Earth”, Maha Shivaratri is observed with unmatched devotion, grandeur, and spiritual energy that fills every corner of the temple town.
🌑 Significance of Maha Shivaratri at Sri Kalahasti
- It is believed that Lord Shiva manifested here as Vayu Linga, one of the five Panchabhoota Lingas representing the element of air.
- Devotees believe that staying awake and chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” throughout the night grants liberation (moksha).
- The festival marks the victory of light over darkness and the awakening of spiritual consciousness.
- The event attracts lakhs of devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana.
📅 When is Maha Shivaratri Celebrated?
- Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha (new moon fortnight) in the month of Magha (February–March).
- The festival lasts for two days, with major celebrations taking place on the main night.
🛕 Rituals and Celebrations
🪔 1. Early Morning Abhishekam
- The day begins with Abhishekam to the Vayu Linga using milk, honey, sandal paste, ghee, and sacred water.
- The sound of Rudra Namakam and Chamakam chants echo through the temple corridors.
🕯️ 2. Rudrabhishekam and Homams
- Devotees participate in the Rudrabhishekam, a sacred ritual invoking the power of Lord Shiva.
- Priests perform special homams for peace, prosperity, and removal of sins.
🌸 3. Alankaram and Archana
- The deities — Lord Kalahasteeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi — are beautifully adorned with gold ornaments and flowers.
- Sahasranama Archana is offered to Lord Shiva amidst Vedic chanting.
🔥 4. All-Night Jagaran (Vigil)
- The temple remains open all night for darshan.
- Devotees sing Shiva bhajans, chant Om Namah Shivaya, and meditate.
- Special Shiva Lingas made of sand and rice flour are created by devotees for individual worship.
🌿 5. Theertha & Prasadam Distribution
- After midnight pooja, sacred theertham (holy water) and prasadam are distributed to devotees.
- Annadanam (free meals) continues throughout the day and night.
🎇 Highlights of the Festival at Sri Kalahasti Temple
| Event | Timing | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Abhishekam | 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM | Ritual purification of the Vayu Linga |
| Rudrabhishekam | 6:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Chanting of Rudra Namakam & Chamakam |
| Archana & Alankaram | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Decoration of deities with flowers & jewels |
| Rahu–Ketu Poojas | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Special dosha nivarana rituals |
| Night Jagaran (Vigil) | 8:00 PM – 4:00 AM | Devotees sing bhajans & perform Shiva Aradhana |
| Maha Theertham & Prasadam | After 4:00 AM | Holy water and prasadam distributed |
🪶 Rahu–Ketu Pooja on Maha Shivaratri
The Rahu–Ketu Dosha Nivarana Pooja is extremely special on Maha Shivaratri.
It is said that performing this pooja on this day removes all planetary doshas and grants long-lasting peace and prosperity.
Devotees receive a special prasadam kit, including silver Rahu–Ketu idols, vibhuti, and kumkum.
🌕 Spiritual Importance
- Performing Shiva worship on this day removes sins from previous births.
- Married couples perform abhishekam for marital harmony and happiness.
- Childless couples pray for blessings of progeny.
- Yogis meditate throughout the night to achieve spiritual awakening.
“To chant the name of Lord Shiva on this sacred night is to rise above the cycle of birth and death.”
👣 Devotee Experience
During Maha Shivaratri:
- Streets are filled with Om Namah Shivaya chants.
- The Swarnamukhi River banks are decorated with lamps.
- Cultural programs and bhajans take place near the temple arch.
- The temple glows with oil lamps, floral torans, and incense smoke — creating an atmosphere of divine bliss.
🧘 Preparation Tips for Devotees
✅ Reach the temple at least a day before the festival.
✅ Book accommodation early — Bhudevi and TTD guesthouses fill quickly.
✅ Carry water bottles, simple food, and a mat for resting.
✅ Wear traditional attire — men in dhoti, women in saree.
✅ Follow temple staff instructions and maintain cleanliness.
🚗 Travel Tips
- Nearest Railway Station: Srikalahasti (2 km)
- Nearest Airport: Tirupati Airport (Renigunta – 27 km)
- Nearest City: Tirupati (36 km)
- APSRTC runs special festival buses from Tirupati, Nellore, and Chennai.
