Explore the major festivals celebrated at Sri Kalahasti Temple, including Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Deepam, Brahmotsavam, and more with full details and rituals.
Festivals at Sri Kalahasti Temple are a divine blend of devotion, music, lamps, and rituals.
Throughout the year, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Kalahasteeswara (Shiva) and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi celebrates various festivals with grandeur and faith.
Each festival attracts thousands of devotees from across India, making Sri Kalahasti a center of spiritual energy, cosmic significance, and Shaivite tradition.
🌕 List of Major Festivals Celebrated
| Festival Name | Month (Approx.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Shivaratri | February / March | Night-long celebration with abhishekams and chants of Om Namah Shivaya. |
| Karthika Deepotsavam | November | Temple illuminated with thousands of lamps. |
| Brahmotsavam | March / April | 12-day festival with daily vahana processions. |
| Pradosha Pooja | Twice a Month | Evening pooja during twilight, removing sins and doshas. |
| Aadi Krithika | July / August | Dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya; special homams conducted. |
| Vinayaka Chaturthi | August / September | Ganesha pooja and homam near temple arch. |
| Navaratri | September / October | Nine days of Devi worship, music, and lighting. |
| Arudra Darshanam | December | Marks Lord Nataraja’s cosmic dance; early morning abhishekam. |
| Rahu–Ketu Pooja Festivals | Amavasya & Pournami | Special poojas for dosha nivarana. |
🪔 1. Maha Shivaratri – The Grand Night of Lord Shiva
The most important festival in Sri Kalahasti, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with great devotion and splendor.
Key Highlights
- Devotees perform Rudrabhishekam and chant “Om Namah Shivaya” throughout the night.
- The temple remains open 24 hours, allowing continuous darshan.
- Special Rahu–Ketu Poojas are performed to remove planetary afflictions.
- Thousands of oil lamps light up the temple corridors.
The entire town of Kalahasti glows with devotion as pilgrims gather from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
“It is believed that one who stays awake the entire night of Maha Shivaratri at Sri Kalahasti attains moksha.”
🪶 2. Karthika Deepotsavam – Festival of Lamps
Celebrated during the Karthika Masam (usually November), this festival symbolizes light conquering darkness.
Rituals and Activities
- Devotees light deepams (oil lamps) inside and outside the temple.
- A special evening pooja is conducted for Lord Shiva.
- The Swarnamukhi River banks glow with thousands of flickering lamps.
- Pilgrims perform Deepa Aradhana in memory of ancestors and for family well-being.
This festival is considered highly auspicious for spiritual purification.
🐘 3. Brahmotsavam – 12-Day Divine Festival
One of the grandest celebrations at Sri Kalahasti, the Brahmotsavam is believed to have been started by Lord Brahma himself.
Duration
12 days of vibrant rituals, processions, and poojas.
Daily Highlights
| Day | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Day | Dwajarohanam | Hoisting of the temple flag, marking the start of festivities. |
| 2nd – 10th Day | Vahana Sevas | Lord Kalahasteeswara taken on different mounts (Nandi, Hamsa, Elephant, etc.). |
| 11th Day | Rathotsavam | The divine chariot procession around temple streets. |
| 12th Day | Chakrasnanam & Dhwajavarohanam | Concluding rituals with holy bath in Swarnamukhi River. |
This festival attracts thousands of devotees and musicians who perform traditional nadaswaram, bhajans, and dance near the temple mandapams.
🌸 4. Navaratri & Devi Utsavam
Dedicated to Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi, the temple celebrates Navaratri for nine days with grandeur.
Celebrations Include:
- Daily alankaram (decoration) of the Goddess in various forms.
- Special Lalitha Sahasranama Archana and Kumkumarchana.
- Evening bhajans, cultural programs, and lamp decorations.
- Women devotees offer haldi-kumkum and exchange prayers.
On the 10th day (Vijaya Dashami), the Devi Utsavam concludes with procession and deepa aradhana.
🌿 5. Aadi Krithika Festival
This festival honors Lord Subrahmanya (Murugan), the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
It is celebrated during Aadi month (July–August) when the Krithika star aligns with divine energy.
Ritual Highlights
- Special Subrahmanya Abhishekam and Kavadi Seva.
- Thousands of devotees carry milk pots to offer to the deity.
- Temple echoes with chants of “Muruga, Muruga!”.
This festival signifies victory of good over evil and is celebrated with deep devotion, especially by Tamil devotees.
🔯 6. Arudra Darshanam
Celebrated in Margazhi month (December–January), Arudra Darshanam marks the cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja (Shiva).
Key Rituals
- Early morning abhishekam to the deity.
- Recitation of Rudra Namakam and Chamakam.
- Special decoration of Lord Shiva in dancing form.
- Devotees offer bilva leaves, flowers, and prayers for inner awakening.
🌑 7. Amavasya & Pournami Rahu–Ketu Pooja Days
Every New Moon (Amavasya) and Full Moon (Pournami), special Rahu–Ketu Poojas are performed at the temple.
Features
- High spiritual energy due to cosmic alignment.
- Devotees perform pooja to overcome Rahu–Ketu Dosha.
- Extended timings and extra seating arrangements.
- Temple remains open continuously during these days.
- These days are considered most powerful for dosha nivarana and ancestral blessings.
🕯️ Other Celebrations
| Festival | Description |
|---|---|
| Pradosha Pooja | Observed twice a month during twilight; brings prosperity and removes sins. |
| Vinayaka Chaturthi | Lord Ganesha is worshipped with special pooja near temple arch. |
| Thai Poosam | Devotees offer Kavadi and milk to Lord Subrahmanya for blessings. |
| Ugadi & Makara Sankranti | New Year poojas with temple flower decorations. |
🎵 Cultural Events During Festivals
During major festivals, the temple hosts:
- Classical music and dance performances
- Spiritual discourses by scholars
- Traditional bhajans and harikatha
- Annadanam for all devotees
- The temple streets glow with oil lamps, decorative torans, and devotional chants, creating an unforgettable divine atmosphere.
💡 Tips for Devotees
✅ Reach early during festival days to avoid rush.
✅ Book accommodation in advance (Bhudevi or TTD guesthouses).
✅ Wear traditional attire and carry minimal belongings.
✅ Avoid visiting unauthorized pooja counters during rush days.
✅ Bring your own water bottle and follow temple cleanliness rules.
