The Sri Kalahasti Temple is one of South India’s most sacred Shiva temples, attracting thousands of devotees every day.
Known as the “Kailasam of the South” (Dakshina Kailasam), this temple offers multiple types of darshan (worship services) to suit the devotion and convenience of every pilgrim.
This guide provides complete details about the temple darshan timings, special poojas, ticket prices, queue systems, and important instructions for visitors — written for devotees who want a peaceful and well-planned temple experience.
🛕 About the Darshan
The presiding deity, Lord Kalahasteeswara, represents the Vayu Lingam (Air Element) — one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams of Lord Shiva.
Darshan here is considered especially auspicious for those suffering from Rahu–Ketu dosha, Naga dosha, or seeking liberation from karmic troubles.
The temple remains open every single day of the year, even during solar and lunar eclipses, which makes it unique among all Shiva temples.
🕰️ Sri Kalahasti Temple Timings
The temple follows a structured daily schedule of poojas, darshans, and abhishekams. Below are the stable, year-round timings (suitable for long-term publishing):
| Temple Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening Hours | 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Suprabhata Seva | 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM |
| Abhishekam & Morning Poojas | 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| General Darshan Hours | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Rahu–Ketu Pooja Timings | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM (approx.) |
| Evening Pooja & Harathi | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Temple Closing | 9:00 PM |
🪔 Note: The temple does not close for lunch on special days and festivals like Maha Shivaratri or Karthika Deepotsavam.
🙏 Types of Darshan
Sri Kalahasti Temple offers several types of darshan options for devotees. Each type provides different levels of access, timing, and convenience.
| Type | Description | Suggested For |
|---|---|---|
| Free Darshan | Standard queue for all devotees; entry from east gopuram | Pilgrims visiting for general worship |
| ₹50 Darshan (Quick Entry) | Priority queue for quicker darshan | Families, elderly, and short-stay visitors |
| ₹100 Special Darshan | Short queue; available at counter | Devotees performing poojas or Rahu-Ketu remedies |
| Seva Darshan | Includes pooja participation and darshan | Those performing Abhishekam or Rahu–Ketu Pooja |
| NRI / VIP Darshan | Available on select days; subject to temple approval | NRIs, senior devotees, and special guests |
Each darshan queue merges near the sanctum where devotees receive blessings from Lord Kalahasteeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi.
🌿 Rahu–Ketu Pooja Darshan
The Rahu–Ketu Pooja is the most popular ritual in Sri Kalahasti, attracting devotees from across India.
It is believed to remove the ill effects of planetary positions, especially related to career, marriage, health, and peace of mind.
Pooja Timings
- Available Daily: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Best Days: Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday
- Peak Periods: Amavasya, Pournami, and Rahu Kalam (1.5-hour slots based on lunar calendar)
Ticket Categories (Approximate)
| Ticket Type | Cost (₹) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| General Ticket | 500 | Pooja inside Rahu–Ketu Mandapam |
| Special Ticket | 750 | Closer platform & guided ritual |
| Deluxe Ticket | 1500 | VIP area, priest assistance, and darshan line |
Note: Devotees can buy tickets directly from temple counters. Online booking options may vary from time to time.
📿 Daily Sevas and Rituals
| Seva Name | Timings | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rudrabhishekam | 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM | 1 hr | Sacred bath for the Shiva Lingam |
| Archana (Name Recitation) | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 15 min | Chanting names of devotees before the deity |
| Naga Pratishta | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 45 min | Performed for those with Sarpa Dosha |
| Somavara Abhishekam | Mondays | 1 hr | Special milk abhishekam for Shiva |
| Rahu–Ketu Pooja | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 45–60 min | Performed in designated mandapam |
| Pradosha Pooja | As per lunar calendar | — | Evening ritual for prosperity |
🪔 Darshan Etiquette and Dress Code
Visitors are requested to follow traditional norms when entering the temple premises.
| Gender | Recommended Dress | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Dhoti or Kurta-Pajama | Avoid shorts or sleeveless tops |
| Women | Saree or Salwar-Kameez | Avoid modern or tight-fitting outfits |
| Children | Traditional / Simple Dress | Maintain cleanliness inside temple |
Other guidelines:
- Do not carry mobile phones or cameras inside the sanctum.
- Avoid leather belts, bags, or shoes in the temple.
- Offerings should be made only at official counters.
- Always maintain silence near the main sanctum.
🏛️ Darshan Entry & Queue Information
- Main Entry: East Gopuram side
- Queue System: Separate lines for free, ₹50, and special darshan
- Average Waiting Time:
- Weekdays: 30–60 minutes
- Weekends / Amavasya / Festivals: 2–4 hours
- Facilities in Queue: Drinking water, fans, resting areas, and announcements
Special consideration is given to:
- Senior Citizens
- Differently-abled devotees
- Mothers with infants
Temple volunteers guide devotees throughout the darshan path.
🚩 Important Days for Darshan
Devotees prefer to visit the temple on spiritually powerful days when the energy of the deity is said to be at its peak:
| Day | Significance |
|---|---|
| Monday | Day of Lord Shiva |
| Amavasya (New Moon) | Best for Rahu-Ketu Pooja |
| Maha Shivaratri | Grand night of Lord Shiva |
| Karthika Month (Nov) | Month of deepa (light) worship |
| Pradosham (Twice a month) | Removes sins and obstacles |
During these days, special arrangements and extended timings are made to accommodate devotees.
💡 Tips for Devotees
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid heavy crowds.
- Perform Rahu–Ketu Pooja first, then have darshan of the main deity.
- Carry minimal belongings. Cloakrooms are available near the entrance.
- Purchase official prasadam only from temple counters.
- Avoid agents or brokers outside the temple.
🏞️ Nearby Attractions for Devotees
- Bhakta Kannappa Hill Shrine – 1 km (famous for Kannappa’s sacrifice)
- Swarnamukhi River Bathing Ghats – near temple
- Veyilingala Kona Waterfalls – 8 km (natural scenic spot)
- Tirupati – 36 km (visit Balaji Temple after Kalahasti darshan)
🧭 Contact for Darshan Queries
- Temple Office: Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Vari Devasthanam, Srikalahasti – 517 644
- Phone: +91 8578 222240 / 222399
- Email: info@srikalahastitemple.org.in (for informational queries)
- Darshan Counter: East Gopuram entrance, near main arch
