Know the official dress code, entry rules, and temple guidelines for devotees visiting Sri Kalahasti Temple. Follow traditions for peaceful darshan.
The Sri Kalahasti Temple, known as the Dakshina Kailasam (Kailasa of the South), is a sacred place where Lord Shiva is worshipped as the Vayu Lingam, representing the element of Air.
Devotees from all parts of India and abroad visit this temple to seek blessings, perform Rahu–Ketu Pooja, and experience peace.
To preserve its divine sanctity and ensure every devotee enjoys a smooth darshan, the temple administration has laid down a set of rules, dress code, and entry guidelines that everyone is expected to follow.
Following these simple rules ensures that your visit is both spiritually fulfilling and respectful to the sacred traditions that have been followed here for centuries.
🚪 Entry Rules & Temple Guidelines
Before entering the Sri Kalahasti Temple, devotees are expected to observe certain behavioral and spiritual practices that align with temple dharma.
🛕 General Entry Rules
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Cleanliness | Take a head bath before entering the temple. Maintain physical and spiritual purity. |
| 2. Silence Inside Temple | Avoid loud talking, phone use, or group discussions inside the temple premises. |
| 3. Photography Ban | Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the temple sanctum. |
| 4. Offerings | Offer flowers, fruits, and coconuts only at official counters or through temple priests. |
| 5. Temple Tokens | Collect darshan, seva, or pooja tokens only from authorized counters. |
| 6. Queues & Discipline | Follow queue lines and instructions from temple staff and volunteers. |
| 7. Footwear | Remove footwear before entering the temple area. Shoe stands are available near the entrance. |
| 8. Bags & Belts | Avoid carrying leather belts, handbags, or wallets into the sanctum. |
| 9. Respect Sanctity | Do not touch idols, priests, or sacred items unless permitted. |
| 10. Cleanliness of Premises | Do not litter, chew betel leaves, or smoke near temple surroundings. |
🪔 Note: The temple remains open during eclipses and other astrological events — devotees can continue darshan and poojas during those times.
👕 Dress Code for Devotees
Sri Kalahasti Temple follows a traditional South Indian dress code for all visitors to maintain the sanctity of the premises.
| Category | Recommended Attire | Not Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Dhoti, Kurta, Pyjama, or Simple Pants with Shirt | Shorts, Lungis without upper cloth, Sleeveless T-shirts |
| Women | Saree, Half Saree, Salwar Kameez, or Traditional Dress | Jeans, Skirts, Short Tops, Western Dresses |
| Children | Clean and modest traditional clothes | Fancy or revealing clothes |
🌼 Dress Code Guidelines
- Devotees performing Rahu–Ketu Pooja must strictly wear traditional clothes.
- Carry a scarf or dupatta for covering the head if entering sanctum areas.
- Footwear, sunglasses, and caps must be removed before darshan.
- Devotees are advised to maintain cleanliness and modesty in dressing as a mark of respect to Lord Shiva.
“A pure body reflects a pure heart — both are essential to approach the Divine.”
🙏 Behavioral Guidelines Inside the Temple
The temple atmosphere is filled with mantras, bells, and devotion. Devotees are requested to follow the below conduct to maintain peace and harmony.
| Instruction | Description |
|---|---|
| Maintain Silence | Avoid talking loudly or using mobile phones. Focus on prayers and chanting. |
| Respect Others | Allow senior citizens, women, and differently-abled devotees to move comfortably. |
| Follow Priest Instructions | Perform Sevas and poojas only as guided by temple priests. |
| Offerings Placement | Do not throw coins or offerings directly on idols or Lingam. Use designated trays. |
| Queue Discipline | Avoid skipping or crowding in darshan lines. |
| Children Care | Keep children near you and maintain decorum during pooja. |
| Avoid Agents | Do not approach outside agents for darshan or pooja — use only official counters. |
🧘 Guidelines for Rahu–Ketu Pooja Devotees
As the Rahu–Ketu Pooja is the most performed ritual here, special attention is required for devotees participating in it.
- The pooja dress code must be followed (Dhoti/Kurta for men, Saree/Salwar for women).
- Take a head bath before performing the pooja.
- Do not perform the pooja during menstrual days.
- Do not carry any metallic ornaments inside the pooja mandapam.
- The used pooja materials should be disposed of in temple-assigned areas, not in the river.
- Do not perform this pooja twice in the same month.
🪔 Prohibited Activities Inside the Temple
The following are strictly not allowed inside Sri Kalahasti Temple premises:
🚫 Photography or Video Recording
🚫 Smoking or Consumption of Alcohol
🚫 Leather Items or Non-Vegetarian Food
🚫 Political or Promotional Activities
🚫 Spitting or Throwing Waste
🚫 Unauthorized Collection or Begging
Violation of these rules may lead to removal from the temple premises by security staff.
🛕 Entry for Special Groups
| Category | Entry Privilege |
|---|---|
| Senior Citizens | Special queue line available during non-peak hours |
| Physically Challenged Devotees | Wheelchair and assistant support available |
| Mothers with Infants | Dedicated entry near East Gopuram |
| NRI Devotees | Guidance counter near temple office for seva and donation support |
All special queue permissions are handled only by temple officials — not by outside intermediaries.
📜 Code of Conduct Summary
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Purity | Maintain cleanliness of body and mind before darshan. |
| Discipline | Follow temple timing, queue system, and staff instructions. |
| Respect | Show humility to priests and fellow devotees. |
| Faith | Pray sincerely — no shortcut replaces devotion. |
🌸 Temple Entry Timings
| Session | Time |
|---|---|
| Temple Opens | 5:30 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Temple Closes | 9:00 PM |
🕰️ Timings may vary slightly on festival days like Maha Shivaratri or Brahmotsavam, but the temple never closes during eclipses.
🧭 Visitor Tips
✅ Arrive early morning for peaceful darshan.
✅ Carry only essentials; lockers and cloakrooms are available.
✅ Drink plenty of water — the climate can be hot during the day.
✅ Purchase prasadam only from official counters.
✅ Seek help only from authorized temple volunteers (wearing ID badges).
🪶 Quick Reminders
- The temple follows ancient Shaivite customs — respect local traditions.
- Avoid comparing or discussing other temple practices inside.
- Use soft voice and folded hands while speaking to priests or volunteers.
- Maintain queue distance and allow space for senior devotees.
