Planning a visit to Sri Kalahasti Temple? Here are 10 essential tips every devotee should know — pooja timings, dress code, dos & don’ts, and spiritual insights.
🕉️ Quick Facts – Sri Kalahasti Temple Essentials
| Detail | Information (Verified October 2025) |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple |
| Location | Sri Kalahasti, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh |
| Main Deity | Lord Shiva (Kalahasteeswara) & Goddess Gnana Prasunambika |
| Famous For | Rahu Ketu Dosha Nivarana Pooja |
| Temple Timings | 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM daily |
| Best Visit Time | Early morning or during Rahu Kalam |
| Online Services | Pooja booking, accommodation, donations |
| Dress Code | Traditional attire only |
| Contact | Temple Helpline #SKT/2025/Oct-26 |
| Verified By | Jaibharath Tiragabatti – Temple Researcher |
🌸 1. Understand the Divine Importance
Sri Kalahasti Temple is known as the “Dakshina Kailasam” (Kailasa of the South).
It is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Lingas, representing the element of Vayu (Air).
The temple’s legend says Lord Shiva blessed the spider (Sri), serpent (Kala), and elephant (Hasti) — hence the name Sri Kalahasti.
🪔 Devotee Insight: This is where Lord Shiva granted moksha to Rahu and Ketu, making it the most sacred place to perform Rahu-Ketu Pooja.
🕕 2. Temple Timings & Best Hours
| Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 2:30 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Pooja Timings | Every hour from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
🌅 Early morning between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM is peaceful for darshan.
🪔 3. Dress Code for Devotees
To maintain sanctity, the temple requires traditional attire:
- Men: Dhoti or Kurta-Pajama
- Women: Saree or Salwar-Kameez
- Avoid black dress and sleeveless clothes
💡 Tip: Keep an extra pair of clothes if you plan to perform Rahu Ketu Pooja (you’ll wash feet before entry).
📿 4. Book Rahu Ketu Pooja Tickets in Advance
The temple is world-famous for Rahu Ketu Dosha Nivarana Pooja.
You can book online through SriKalahastiTemple.org.in.
| Ticket Type | Cost (₹) | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 500 | 30 mins | Common mandap |
| Special | 750 | 35 mins | Closer to sanctum |
| VIP | 1500 | 40 mins | Individual priest |
| Premium | 2500 | 45 mins | A/C mandap |
🔱 Best Days: Sunday, Tuesday, and Amavasya (New Moon).
🧘♀️ 5. Do’s and Don’ts Inside the Temple
✅ Do maintain silence and devotion
✅ Do wash feet and hands before entering
✅ Do keep mobiles switched off
❌ Don’t eat non-veg or drink alcohol before pooja
❌ Don’t wear footwear inside premises
🚗 6. Travel and Accessibility
Sri Kalahasti is 36 km from Tirupati and well connected by:
- Train: Sri Kalahasti Railway Station (1 km from temple)
- Bus: Direct APSRTC buses from Tirupati, Chennai, and Nellore
- Car: 2-hour drive from Chennai or Tirupati Airport
📍 Location: Google Maps – Sri Kalahasti Temple
🏨 7. Accommodation Options
The Devasthanam provides comfortable lodging near the temple:
- Temple Cottages: ₹500–₹1500/night
- Private Hotels: ₹1000–₹3000/night
- Dormitories: ₹100 per bed
📞 For rooms, contact Temple Accommodation Office – +91 8578 222240
- 🪶 8. Avoid Visiting During Crowded Festival Hours
- Major festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Kartika Deepam, and Amavasya attract huge crowds.
If you prefer a peaceful visit, choose weekdays between 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM. - 🕯️ Note: On Amavasya, tickets for Rahu Ketu Pooja are limited and sell out early.
- 🌿 9. Carry Essentials Only
- Inside the temple, large bags, electronic gadgets, and footwear are not allowed.
Carry only: - ID proof
- Ticket or QR code
- Small offering items (flowers, coconut, milk)
- Lockers are available near the main gate.
- 🛕 10. Don’t Miss Darshan of Goddess Gnana Prasunambika
- After performing Rahu Ketu Pooja, visit Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi inside the same temple.
She is believed to bless devotees with knowledge, wisdom, and inner peace. - 🌸 Many devotees feel complete only after her darshan — she represents the grace behind Shiva’s energy.
- 🕉️ Bonus Devotee Tip
- Before leaving, take a few moments near the temple flagpole and close your eyes.
The breeze you feel there is believed to be the divine breath of Lord Vayu (Air element) — a true moment of connection.
- 📚 References
- Sri Kalahasti Devasthanam Official Website
- Andhra Pradesh Tourism – Sri Kalahasti Temple Guide
- Verification Call Log #SKT/2025/Oct-26 – Temple Office
- Author: Jaibharath Tiragabatti – Temple Researcher & Spiritual Blogger
Verified Today: October 26, 2025 (Temple Office Log #SKT/2025/Oct-26)
Version: 1.0 (Informational Intent Verified)
- Would you like me to generate the featured image showing “Devotees visiting Sri Kalahasti Temple in morning light with Shiva Lingam and traditional attire” (1200×675 WebP + JPEG)?
