Learn the complete Rahu Ketu Pooja procedure at Sri Kalahasti Temple — timings, ticket prices, best days, and benefits of this powerful dosha nivarana ritual.
The Rahu Ketu Pooja performed at Sri Kalahasti Temple is one of the most powerful remedies in Hindu tradition for removing Graha Doshas (planetary afflictions).
This sacred ritual is performed every day at the temple by trained Vedic priests and is believed to bring relief from problems related to career, marriage, health, family, and peace of mind.
Sri Kalahasti is the only temple in India where the Rahu–Ketu Pooja is performed throughout the day — even during solar and lunar eclipses. This makes it a unique and spiritually charged destination for devotees seeking planetary balance and divine grace.
🌘 What is Rahu and Ketu?
In Hindu astrology, Rahu and Ketu are known as the shadow planets.
They are not physical celestial bodies but powerful nodes that influence human destiny.
- Rahu represents desires, confusion, material obsession, and illusion.
- Ketu symbolizes detachment, spirituality, and liberation.
When their positions in one’s horoscope are unfavorable, it causes Rahu–Ketu Dosha or Sarpa Dosha, leading to challenges such as:
- Delays in marriage or childbirth
- Financial instability
- Mental stress or confusion
- Repeated failures despite efforts
- Obstacles in career or education
- Relationship problems
- Family disputes or health issues
The Rahu Ketu Pooja performed at Sri Kalahasti Temple is said to neutralize these planetary effects and bring harmony in life.
🔱 Importance of Rahu Ketu Pooja at Sri Kalahasti
Sri Kalahasti Temple is known as the Kshetra for Rahu–Ketu Nivarana (remedy).
According to legend, after being cursed by Lord Vishnu, Rahu and Ketu performed penance here to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva.
Pleased with their devotion, Lord Shiva blessed them and granted the boon that any devotee performing Rahu–Ketu Pooja at this place with faith will be freed from their doshas.
Hence, devotees from all over India and abroad visit Sri Kalahasti to perform this pooja and attain spiritual and material balance.
“It is said that performing Rahu–Ketu Pooja here once is equivalent to performing it 100 times elsewhere.”
📿 Rahu Ketu Pooja Timings
The temple allows devotees to perform the Rahu–Ketu Pooja every day without any restrictions.
| Day | Pooja Timings |
|---|---|
| All Days (Sunday to Saturday) | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Pooja Duration | 45 – 60 Minutes |
| Special Days | Amavasya (New Moon), Pournami (Full Moon), Sundays, Mondays, and during Rahu Kalam |
Unlike other temples, Sri Kalahasti Temple remains open even during eclipses — making it one of the most spiritually active temples in India.
💰 Ticket Types and Costs
The temple provides multiple ticket categories for the Rahu–Ketu Pooja.
All tickets are available only at official temple counters near the Rahu–Ketu Mandapam.
| Ticket Type | Cost (₹) | Seating Area | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Ticket | 500 | Common Hall | Standard seating and pooja with group chanting. |
| Special Ticket | 750 | Middle Section | Closer seating area with better visibility and assistance. |
| VIP / Deluxe Ticket | 1500 | Front Section | Conducted with personalized guidance from priests. |
🪔 Note: Online booking may not be available at all times. Tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis at temple counters.
🙏 Pooja Procedure (Step-by-Step Guide)
Devotees can perform the Rahu–Ketu Pooja directly under the guidance of temple priests.
Below is the simple step-by-step process:
- Take a Head Bath:
Bathing before entering the temple purifies the body and mind. - Purchase Ticket:
Buy the Rahu–Ketu Pooja ticket at official counters near the East Gopuram or Rahu–Ketu Mandapam. - Collect Pooja Kit:
You’ll receive items like silver/metal serpents, flowers, and camphor. - Perform the Ritual:
- Sit in your assigned area.
- Follow the priest’s instructions as they chant mantras for Rahu and Ketu.
- Offer flowers and prayers as guided.
- Completion:
- After the pooja, visit the main sanctum of Lord Kalahasteeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi.
- Dispose of the used pooja material in the temple-designated area (not in the river).
🌿 Best Days to Perform Rahu–Ketu Pooja
| Occasion | Significance |
|---|---|
| Amavasya (New Moon) | Strongest day to remove doshas. |
| Pournami (Full Moon) | Ideal for emotional and mental healing. |
| Sundays & Mondays | Days of Rahu and Shiva — highly beneficial. |
| During Rahu Kalam | Astrologically favorable for powerful results. |
| Maha Shivaratri | Ultimate day for Rahu–Ketu Pooja and Lord Shiva worship. |
Devotees often consult local astrologers to confirm the most auspicious day based on their horoscope.
⚖️ Things to Remember Before Performing the Pooja
- Women should avoid performing the pooja during menstrual cycles.
- It is not necessary to fast before the pooja.
- Devotees are advised not to perform the pooja twice in the same month.
- It can be repeated every six months or one year, if required.
- Perform the pooja individually — avoid group substitution through agents.
- The pooja should always be followed by darshan of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati inside the main temple.
🪔 After the Pooja – Important Guidelines
- Do not visit any other temple immediately after performing Rahu–Ketu Pooja.
- You may go home directly and rest for the day.
- On returning home, light a lamp in the name of Lord Kalahasteeswara and pray for spiritual cleansing.
- Avoid eating non-vegetarian food or alcohol on the same day.
These simple acts maintain the spiritual purity and energy received during the pooja.
💫 Benefits of Performing Rahu–Ketu Pooja
| Benefit | Result |
|---|---|
| Removes Rahu–Ketu Dosha | Relief from astrology-related problems |
| Improves Mental Peace | Reduces anxiety, fear, and confusion |
| Brings Marital Harmony | Removes delay in marriage |
| Career and Financial Growth | Stabilizes career and income flow |
| Health and Emotional Balance | Calms the mind and body |
| Ancestral Peace | Helps overcome Pitru Dosha |
| Spiritual Progress | Deepens faith and clarity |
Devotees often report visible improvement in their life situations after performing this pooja with full faith and devotion.
🕍 Rahu–Ketu Mandapam Location
The Rahu–Ketu Pooja Mandapam is located within the Sri Kalahasti Temple complex, near the main eastern entrance.
Separate areas are allocated for different ticket categories to ensure a smooth flow of devotees.
Facilities include:
- Seated platforms for pooja
- Drinking water & fans
- Rest areas for elderly devotees
- Volunteers for guidance in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi
📿 What to Bring
- Two metal or silver serpents (optional)
- Fresh flowers and coconut
- Wet cloth for cleaning hands after pooja
- A copy of your Janma Kundali (birth chart) (optional)
- A small towel or mat to sit on
All other required pooja materials are provided with the temple kit.
📜 Scriptural Reference
According to Skanda Purana, Lord Shiva said to Rahu and Ketu:
“Those who worship Me at Kalahasti shall be freed from your shadow influence. Their lives shall shine with wisdom and peace.”
This sacred verse establishes Sri Kalahasti as the most powerful place in India for Rahu–Ketu remedies.
