The Sri Kalahasti Temple is one of the holiest Shiva temples in South India, famous for its powerful Sevas and Poojas performed every day with ancient Vedic traditions.
Here, Lord Kalahasteeswara is worshipped as the Vayu Lingam (Air Element), one of the sacred Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.
Each pooja performed here is said to balance the elements within the devotee, purify karma, and invite divine grace into life.
Thousands of devotees visit this temple daily to perform Rahu–Ketu Dosha Nivarana Pooja, Rudrabhishekam, and other spiritual rituals that bring inner peace and prosperity.
🌿 Importance of Sevas and Poojas
The Sanskrit word Seva means service to the Divine. Performing Sevas at Sri Kalahasti Temple is believed to:
- Remove planetary and karmic afflictions
- Bring health, wealth, and mental stability
- Restore peace in family and relationships
- Clear doshas related to Rahu, Ketu, and serpents
- Help devotees progress spiritually
Every pooja follows strict Agama Shastra rules, and all mantras are chanted by trained Vedic priests.
📜 Daily Sevas & Poojas
| Seva / Pooja | Timings | Ticket Cost (₹) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suprabhata Seva | 5:30 AM | Free | Morning prayer to awaken the deity with Vedic hymns. |
| Rudrabhishekam | 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM | 300 | Sacred bath of the Shiva Lingam with milk, honey, ghee, and water, accompanied by Rudra Namakam and Chamakam chants. |
| Archana | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 50 | Priests chant 108 names of Lord Kalahasteeswara on behalf of the devotee for blessings. |
| Naga Pratishta Pooja | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 600 | Remedy for Sarpa Dosha and ancestral afflictions. Involves consecration of serpent idols. |
| Somavara Abhishekam | Mondays | 200 | Special abhishekam to Lord Shiva with milk and bilva leaves. Brings long life and happiness. |
| Rahu–Ketu Pooja | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 500 – 1500 | Removes Rahu–Ketu dosha, marriage delays, and career obstacles. Performed individually with mantras. |
| Pradosha Pooja | Evening (Twice a month) | 150 | Conducted during Pradosha Kalam; removes sins and ensures prosperity. |
| Laksha Bilwarchana | Special Days | 1000 | Devotees offer one lakh Bilva leaves while chanting Om Namah Shivaya. |
| Ganapathi Homam | Mornings (By Request) | 800 | Invokes Lord Ganapathi before other poojas for removal of obstacles. |
All poojas can be performed by visiting devotees on the same day by purchasing tickets at official counters near the main temple entrance.
🔱 The Famous Rahu–Ketu Pooja
The Rahu–Ketu Pooja is the most powerful and widely performed ritual at Sri Kalahasti.
According to astrology, when the shadow planets Rahu or Ketu influence one’s birth chart, they cause issues like marriage delay, health problems, and financial struggles.
At this temple, performing the Rahu–Ketu Pooja helps devotees overcome such doshas and lead a more stable life.
Key Details
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (performed continuously throughout the day)
- Pooja Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Days: All days (especially Sundays, Mondays, and during Rahu Kalam)
- Tickets: ₹500, ₹750, ₹1500 (depending on seating proximity and assistance)
Instructions for Devotees
- No fasting is required.
- Take a head bath before entering the temple.
- Carry two silver or metal serpents if desired (optional).
- Do not perform this pooja during menstrual cycles.
- After the pooja, visit the main temple for Lord Shiva darshan.
🪔 Weekly & Monthly Sevas
| Seva | Day / Occasion | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Somavara Abhishekam | Every Monday | Brings good health and removes anxiety. |
| Pradosha Pooja | 13th day of each lunar fortnight | Erases sins and past karmas. |
| Maha Shivaratri Pooja | Once a year | Night-long pooja for spiritual awakening. |
| Karthika Deepa Seva | Karthika month | Devotees light thousands of lamps for blessings. |
| Chandi Homam | By special request | Removes black magic and evil eye effects. |
| Navagraha Homam | By special request | Balances all nine planetary energies. |
Each Seva is performed with proper mantras, traditional offerings, and priest guidance.
📿 Procedure for Performing Sevas
- Purchase tickets at the Temple Seva Counter near East Gopuram.
- Collect your puja material kit and proceed to the designated area.
- Follow priest instructions carefully.
- After completion, receive prasadam and theertham.
- Proceed for darshan of Lord Kalahasteeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi.
- For Rahu–Ketu Pooja and major Sevas, separate halls are arranged for smooth conduct.
🧘 Benefits of Performing Sevas at Sri Kalahasti
- Relief from Rahu–Ketu and Naga Doshas
- Blessings for marriage, career, and childbirth
- Liberation from ancestral debts (Pitru Dosha)
- Attainment of mental peace and stability
- Progress in spiritual and family life
Devotees who perform poojas here with full faith often share experiences of remarkable changes in their life situations.
🛕 Special Sevas on Auspicious Days
| Festival / Occasion | Special Seva Conducted | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Shivaratri | Night-long Rudrabhishekam | Temple open all night; chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times. |
| Karthika Deepotsavam | Deepa Seva | Thousands of oil lamps lit around the temple. |
| Aadi Krithika & Thai Poosam | Subramanya Seva | Dedicated to Lord Murugan for success and protection. |
| Full Moon (Pournami) | Rahu–Ketu Special Pooja | High spiritual energy; special priest chants. |
🎟️ Seva Booking Information
At present, all Sevas are booked offline at temple counters.
Online booking facilities may be introduced periodically through the official Devasthanam portals.
Booking Counters
- East Gopuram Seva Ticket Office
- Near Rahu–Ketu Mandapam Entrance
- Information Center beside Temple Arch
Devotees should carry a valid ID and cash, as card payment options may vary.
🧭 Additional Tips
- Arrive early (before 7 AM) for peaceful pooja.
- Keep your ticket safe till the end of darshan.
- Avoid engaging middlemen or unauthorized agents.
- Maintain silence and cleanliness in the pooja area.
- Offer only flowers, fruits, and coconuts in the mandapam.
