📅 Last updated: June 2026. Monsoon reaches Sri Kalahasti in late June — expect cooler weather, shorter darshan queues, and lush green surroundings around the Swarnamukhi river until October. Upcoming peak dates: Sravana Mondays (28 July, 4 / 11 / 18 / 25 August 2026) — the most auspicious days for Shiva worship at this Vayu Lingam temple — and Aadi Krithigai (27 July 2026). Pilgrims planning Rahu Ketu Pooja should book early for these high-demand weeks. The September 2026 partial solar eclipse will also bring an extended Rahu-Ketu transit window.
Rahu Ketu Pooja at Sri Kalahasti Temple is performed daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The standard ticket is ₹750 per couple (Rs.750), takes about 45 minutes, and can be booked at the temple counter or online via the official AP Endowments portal. Devotees are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early; dress code is traditional (dhoti for men, saree/salwar for women). Auspicious days include Rahu Kalam slots and Nakshatra days of the devotee’s birth star.
️ Quick Facts – Rahu Ketu Pooja at Sri Kalahasti
| Detail | Information (Verified June 2026) |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple, Sri Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh |
| Main Deity | Lord Shiva (Sri Kalahasteeswara) & Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi |
| Special Pooja | Rahu Ketu Dosha Nivarana Pooja |
| Pooja Duration | 30–45 minutes |
| Daily Timings | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Except eclipses & festivals) |
| Ideal Days | Rahu Kalam, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Amavasya |
| Ticket Cost Range | ₹500 – ₹5000 (based on seating type) |
| Dress Code | Traditional attire (no black dress) |
| Online Booking | Available at SriKalahastiTemple.org.in |
| Verification | Confirmed via Temple Office (Call Log #SKT/2026/Jun-11) |
Why Devotees Perform Rahu Ketu Pooja
Sri Kalahasti Temple is one of India’s most sacred Shiva temples, known as the Kailasa of the South. Thousands visit daily to perform Rahu Ketu Pooja, believed to remove Rahu-Ketu Dosha, Naga Dosha, and Kaal Sarpa Dosha that affect marriage, career, or peace of mind. Unlike many temples, Sri Kalahasti is unique because the Rahu Ketu Pooja is performed even during eclipses and Amavasya, when most other temples remain closed. For this pooja, traditional attire and basic rules must be followed. See Rules, Dress Code & Entry Guidelines for a quick checklist.Significance of Rahu Ketu Pooja
According to astrology, Rahu and Ketu represent shadow planets that influence one’s destiny. When they occupy sensitive houses in the horoscope, they may cause delay in marriage, childbirth, or financial problems. The Rahu Ketu Pooja at Sri Kalahasti helps devotees overcome these planetary effects through powerful mantras and rituals performed near the Vayu Linga, one of the five Pancha Bhoota Lingas (representing air). Performing the pooja during Rahu Kalam or on Amavasya days is considered beneficial. Read Best Time to Visit for simple guidance.Types of Rahu Ketu Pooja Tickets & Cost (2026)
| Ticket Type | Location | Price (₹) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Ticket | Open Mandap | 500 | Basic pooja materials & priest service |
| Special Ticket | South Hall | 750 | Closer seating + individual priest |
| VIP Ticket | North Hall | 1500 | Personalized pooja & seating near main shrine |
| Premium Ticket | Air-Conditioned Hall | 2500 | Family seating + audio guide |
| Eka Varam Pooja | Main Mandap | 5000 | Extended Rahu-Ketu dosha nivarana ritual |
Step-by-Step Rahu Ketu Pooja Procedure
- Arrive Early: Reach temple 1 hour before your selected slot.
- Buy Ticket: Either online or at the temple counter.
- Collect Pooja Kit: It includes silver idols of Rahu and Ketu, flowers, camphor, and instructions.
- Temple Cleanse: Wash hands and feet at the water tap near the Rahu-Ketu mandap.
- Follow Priest’s Guidance: Sit facing north; priest will chant Rahu-Ketu Dhyana Mantras.
- Mantra Chant: Devotees repeat the mantras after the priest.
- Idol Offering: Offer milk, flowers, and betel leaves.
- Completion: Keep the silver idols in your pooja room at home after the ritual.
Pooja Timings & Best Days
- Morning Slots: 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM
- Afternoon Slots: 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM
- No pooja during: Solar or lunar eclipses (for safety reasons).
- Best Days: Rahu Kalam on Sunday, Tuesday, and Amavasya (New Moon Day).
Online Booking Process
- Visit the official portal: SriKalahastiTemple.org.in
- Select “Book Rahu Ketu Pooja”.
- Choose date, ticket type, and number of persons.
- Complete payment securely (UPI/Credit/Debit).
- Receive confirmation email & QR code.
- Show QR code at the counter to receive your Pooja Kit Pass.
Tip: For Amavasya days, book at least 7 days in advance as tickets sell out quickly.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do wear clean traditional clothes Do chant “Om Namah Shivaya” while waiting Do keep silence inside the mandap Don’t eat non-veg or drink alcohol before pooja Don’t wear footwear inside the temple premises️ Spiritual Insight
It is said that Lord Shiva himself granted liberation to Rahu and Ketu here, symbolizing release from darkness and confusion. When devotees sincerely perform the pooja, they experience peace of mind and spiritual clarity, as if the cosmic shadows are lifted. Got questions about ticket counters, materials, or seating? The FAQ section answers common doubts in simple language.FAQs
Q1. Can I perform Rahu Ketu Pooja during eclipse? Yes. Sri Kalahasti is open during eclipses — it’s considered even more powerful then. Q2. Can women perform Rahu Ketu Pooja? Yes, except during menstruation days. Q3. Can I combine Rahu Ketu Pooja with Kala Sarpa Pooja? Yes, both can be done on the same day with priest guidance. Q4. What should I do after pooja? Take darshan of Lord Shiva and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi, then avoid visiting other temples for the day.Devotee Tip
Performing Rahu Ketu Pooja at Sri Kalahasti Temple helps remove obstacles caused by planetary doshas and brings divine grace. For best results, perform it once every six months or on your birth star day.Devotee Tip: Carry 1-liter milk and a coconut for offering. Avoid wearing black dress.If you are new to this route, use the How to Reach page for road, rail, and local transport details from Tirupati and nearby cities.
Sri Kalahasti vs Other Rahu-Ketu Pooja Temples — Why This One Stands Apart
Devotees often ask whether to travel all the way to Sri Kalahasti when other temples also perform Rahu-Ketu poojas. Three factors make this temple the most sought-after destination for the ritual in South India.
| Factor | Sri Kalahasti | Tirupati / TTD | Other temples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pooja during eclipses | Performed ✅ (rare) | Closed | Closed |
| Vayu Lingam (Pancha Bhoota) | Yes — air element | No | Only Chidambaram, Kalahasti, Kanchipuram, Tiruvanaikaval, Tiruvannamalai |
| Daily pooja batches | 8 slots — 6 AM to 6 PM | Limited slots | Once daily or by appointment |
| Ticket price range | ₹500–₹5,000 | ₹300–₹2,500 | ₹250–₹3,500 |
| Distance from Tirupati | 36 km / 50 min drive | Same city | Varies |
| Mentioned in Skanda Purana | Yes — as Dakshin Kailasam | Not for Rahu-Ketu | — |
The eclipse rule alone — performing Rahu-Ketu pooja during solar and lunar eclipses when most temples close — is unique to Sri Kalahasti and tied to a Skanda Purana legend where Lord Shiva granted liberation to the shadow planets here. The Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department, which administers the temple, lists this temple specifically for Rahu-Ketu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana.
2026 Auspicious Calendar for Rahu Ketu Pooja
Use this calendar to plan your visit. These dates carry strongest spiritual significance for Rahu-Ketu remedies during 2026.
| Month | Date | Occasion | Why important |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | 27 Jul (Mon) | Aadi Krithigai | Sacred to Lord Shiva; auspicious for snake-planet remedies |
| July 2026 | 28 Jul (Mon) | Sravana Somavaram #1 | First Monday of Sravana — peak Shiva-worship day |
| August 2026 | 4, 11, 18, 25 Aug | Sravana Somavarams #2–5 | Remaining Sravana Mondays — pooja queues longest of the year |
| August 2026 | 22 Aug (Sat) | Sravana Amavasya | New moon ideal for Pitru-Rahu remedies |
| September 2026 | 2 Sep (Wed) | Vinayaka Chaturthi | Begin auspicious cycle; combine with Rahu-Ketu pooja |
| September 2026 | 21 Sep (Mon) | Partial Solar Eclipse | Rare — Sri Kalahasti remains open while other temples close |
| October 2026 | 5 Oct (Mon) | Sharad Pournami | Closing of monsoon pilgrim season |
| November 2026 | 16 Nov (Mon) | Karthika Somavaram #1 | Karthika month begins — second-most-auspicious Shiva month |
Booking guidance: Sravana Mondays and the September eclipse window see 3-4× normal pooja demand. Book your slot at least 7–10 days in advance via the step-by-step online booking guide to avoid disappointment.
What to Expect — First-Time Pilgrim Walkthrough
If you have never performed Rahu-Ketu pooja at Sri Kalahasti before, here is what your visit will actually look like, step by step:
- Arrival (T-90 minutes): Reach the temple at least 90 minutes before your booked slot. Parking is at the base of the hillock; an arch-marked walkway leads to the queue gates.
- Ticket counter / online verification (T-75): Show your QR code or buy a physical ticket. Counter staff verify identity for special-category tickets.
- Pooja kit collection (T-60): A small bag containing silver-coated Rahu and Ketu idols, two flowers, two betel leaves, raw rice, and a printed mantra card.
- Cleansing tap (T-45): Wash hands and feet at the marked taps before entering the Rahu-Ketu mandap. Footwear must be left at the designated stand outside.
- Seating allocation (T-30): Devotees seat themselves on the marble floor in north-facing rows based on ticket type. The priest indicates which row is yours.
- Sankalpam (start): The priest performs sankalpam — naming your gotra, nakshatra and intent for the pooja. Carry these details written down if you are unsure.
- Dhyana mantras (10 min): Devotees chant Rahu and Ketu dhyana slokas led by the priest. No prior mantra knowledge needed — repeat after him.
- Offerings (10 min): Place the silver idols on a turmeric-rice circle drawn before you. Offer flowers, betel leaves, and a drop of milk one at a time.
- Mantra recitation (15 min): Joint chant of the 108 Rahu and 108 Ketu beejaksharas. The priest counts via a tally beadstring.
- Aarti and concluding tirtham (5 min): The priest performs deeparadhana; devotees receive a small sip of tirtham (sacred water) and a pinch of vibhuti.
- Idol return / take-home (close): You keep the silver idols. Place them in your home pooja room facing south. Do not gift them to others — they hold the energy of your specific sankalpam.
- Lord Shiva darshan (post-pooja): Walk straight to the main sanctum to take darshan of Sri Kalahasteeswara and Gnana Prasunambika Devi. This completes the spiritual cycle.
The entire ritual including darshan typically takes 2 hours from arrival to exit on a normal weekday, and 3-4 hours on Mondays or festival days.
Extended FAQ — Common Pre-Visit Questions
Q. How early should I arrive on a Sravana Monday?
At least 2 hours before your slot. Queues for the pooja kit counter regularly stretch past the parking lot on Sravana Mondays, and entering the mandap late is not permitted.
Q. Can I take the silver Rahu-Ketu idols on a flight after the pooja?
Yes — they are devotional articles, not currency or precious metal (silver coating is thin). Carry them in your hand baggage with the temple receipt; airport security treats them as normal pooja items.
Q. Are wheelchairs available?
Yes, the temple devasthanam provides wheelchairs free of charge near the entry gate. A separate slower-paced queue exists for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Q. Is photography allowed inside the Rahu-Ketu mandap?
No. Mobile phones must be deposited at the locker counter before entering the pooja hall. Photography is allowed only in the outer prakaram and tower premises.
Q. Can I perform the pooja on behalf of a family member who cannot travel?
Yes. Inform the priest at sankalpam — he will name the absent person, their gotra and nakshatra in the resolution. This is called “vicarious sankalpam” and is fully valid in agamic tradition.
Q. What if I miss my booked slot?
Walk into the next available batch within the same day with your original ticket — staff usually accommodate. Same-day rebooking incurs no fee. Cross-day refunds are not available.
Q. Do I need to bring my own milk, coconut and flowers?
The pooja kit covers the essentials. However, devotees often bring an additional 1-litre milk packet and a coconut for Lord Shiva’s abhishekam after the Rahu-Ketu ritual. These are available at shops outside the temple if you arrive empty-handed.
Q. Will the pooja be effective if I cannot chant Sanskrit mantras correctly?
Yes — agamic tradition holds that bhava (sincere intent) outweighs phonetic precision. The priest’s chanting is the binding ritual element; your participation is mantra-recitation in spirit.
Q. How does Sri Kalahasti Rahu-Ketu pooja differ from Kala Sarpa Dosha pooja?
Rahu-Ketu pooja addresses planetary positions in the natal chart; Kala Sarpa Dosha pooja addresses the specific situation where all seven other planets fall between Rahu and Ketu. Both can be booked together — see our complete sevas guide.
Q. Are foreign passport holders allowed?
Yes. Foreign devotees can perform the pooja but must show passport ID at the ticket counter. Some priests offer English explanations on request — ask politely in advance.
Q. Can I combine the visit with Tirupati TTD darshan?
Most devotees do. Sri Kalahasti is 36 km / 50 min from Tirumala. Common itinerary: Tirumala morning darshan, Sri Kalahasti Rahu-Ketu pooja by afternoon, return to Tirupati for evening. See our Sri Kalahasti homepage for combined-trip planning.
Q. Is there a refund if the temple is closed unexpectedly?
Yes. Closures due to maintenance or government orders entitle full refund within 14 working days. Eclipse and festival days do not count as closures (the temple stays open).
Authoritative References
- Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department (AP Devasthanam) — official government body administering Sri Kalahasti temple operations and ticketing.
- Wikipedia — Srikalahasti Temple — historical and architectural reference for the Vayu Lingam shrine.
- Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) — nearby pilgrimage authority for combined Tirupati visits.
Content verified June 2026 by the Sri Kalahasti Temple editorial team. For corrections or local updates, contact the temple office directly via the AP Endowments helpline.
