How far is Srikalahasti Temple from Tirupati?

Srikalahasti Temple is located approximately 38 km east of Tirupati. With our private AC cab, the drive takes around 45 to 55 minutes via the 4-lane NH71 highway.

What are the ticket prices for Rahu-Ketu Sarpa Dosha Pooja at Srikalahasti?

Official temple tickets for Rahu-Ketu Pooja are tiered into three categories: ₹500 (Open Mandapam), ₹1,500 (Covered AC Mandapam), and ₹2,500 (VIP Inner Sanctum Mandapam). Tickets are purchased directly at the temple booking counters upon arrival.

What are the timings for Rahu-Ketu Pooja?

The pooja is conducted daily from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM in continuous batches lasting approximately 35 to 45 minutes. Performing the pooja during Rahu Kalam (which occurs at a different 90-minute window each day) is considered most auspicious by Vedic astrologers.

What is the mandatory dress code for Srikalahasti Temple?

Devotees must wear traditional Hindu attire. Men must wear dhoti or kurta pyjama. Women must wear saree or salwar kameez with dupatta. Jeans, western pants, and shorts are strictly prohibited in the pooja mandapams.

Dakshina Kailasam Pancha Bhoota Vayu Sthalam 38 km from Tirupati

Srikalahasti Temple & Rahu-Ketu Pooja Guide

The authoritative guide to Sri Srikalahasteeswara Swamy Temple: history of the Air element Lingam, Rahu-Ketu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana rituals, official ticket pricing, Rahu Kalam timing, and round-trip private cab transit from Tirupati.

PILGRIM ADVISORY & POOJA TICKETING

Tirupati DMC is an independent travel agency and division of KV Tours Pvt. Ltd. We are not affiliated with the Srikalahasti Temple Executive Board. All pooja tickets (₹500 / ₹1500 / ₹2500) are purchased directly by devotees at the official temple counters. We provide 100% private sanitised cab transfers, waiting coordination, and route guidance.

1. Spiritual Significance of Srikalahasti (Dakshina Kailasam)

Perched serenely along the scenic banks of the sacred River Swarnamukhi, Sri Srikalahasteeswara Swamy Temple is one of the most revered Shiva kshetras in Southern India. Celebrated as Dakshina Kailasam (the Southern Abode of Shiva), the temple is one of the five cosmic Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the fundamental element of Air (Vayu Lingam).

Within the inner sanctum sanctorum, where all exterior ventilation is absent, the flame of the oil lamps placed near the Shivalinga flickers continuously, testifying to the perpetual presence of the Vayu Tattva. The name Sri-Kala-Hasti immortalizes three devoted animal devotees who attained moksha through their unswerving devotion to Lord Shiva:

Sri (Spider): Spun intricate silk webs over the Shiva Linga to shield it from harsh sunlight and falling leaves.
Kala (Serpent): Placed rare precious gems (Nagamanis) upon the Linga as an offering of devotion.
Hasti (Elephant): Daily washed the sacred Linga with fresh river water drawn from the Swarnamukhi and laid bilva leaves.

2. Rahu-Ketu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Pooja

Srikalahasti is universally revered as the foremost pilgrimage destination for neutralizing astrological planetary afflictions, notably Kala Sarpa Dosha, Rahu-Ketu afflictions, marriage obstacles, delayed child conception (Putra Dosha), and career stagnation.

Official Pooja Ticket Categories

General Hall

₹500

Outer Covered Mandapam | Priest guides group batches

Special AC Hall

₹1,500

Air-Conditioned Hall | Dedicated batch with smaller groups

VIP Mandapam

₹2,500

Inner Temple Mandapam | Includes Special Darshan

* Note: The pooja ticket price includes the official Pooja Samagri kit provided by temple authorities (silver Rahu and Ketu snake idols, sacred threads, flowers, lemons, and camphor).

3. Step-by-Step Pooja Ritual Flow

Arrival & Attire: Devotees arrive wearing strict traditional attire (dhoti for men, saree or salwar with dupatta for women).
Counter Ticket Purchase: Proceed to the official Devasthanam counter to purchase your chosen ticket. Receive the sealed puja basket containing the silver naga idols.
Entry into Mandapam: Take your seat on the clean sanctified floor mat. Vedic priests lead the chantings of Sri Rudram, Chamakam, and planetary hymns.
Sankalpam: Priests perform your personal Sankalpam reciting your Gotram, Nakshatram (birth star), and Rasi.
Offering & Immersion: At the conclusion of the 40-minute Vedic ritual, devotees carry the silver idols into the temple and offer them into the dedicated Hundis at the feet of Lord Srikalahasteeswara.
Darshan of Presiding Deities: Complete your divine darshan of Moolavar Sri Srikalahasteeswara Swamy and Sri Gnana Prasunambika Devi (Goddess of Supreme Spiritual Wisdom).

4. Auspicious Rahu Kalam Timings

While Rahu-Ketu poojas are performed continuously throughout the day from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM, astrologers recommend performing the ritual during the 90-minute Rahu Kalam window of that particular day:

Sunday: 04:30 PM – 06:00 PM (Highly auspicious for general Rahu dosha)
Monday: 07:30 AM – 09:00 AM
Tuesday: 03:00 PM – 04:30 PM (Considered most effective for Kuja / Angaraka dosha)
Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 01:30 PM
Thursday: 01:30 PM – 03:00 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday: 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM

5. Tirupati to Srikalahasti Cab Transfers

Tirupati DMC provides dedicated round-trip private cab services connecting Tirupati hotels, stations, and airports directly with Srikalahasti Temple:

Sedan (Swift Dzire / Toyota Etios): ₹1,999 (Round trip, 4 hours waiting included)
SUV (Toyota Innova Crysta): ₹2,999 (Round trip, 4 hours waiting included)
Tempo Traveller (12 to 17 Pax): ₹4,499 (Round trip for group pilgrimages)

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can unmarried individuals perform Rahu-Ketu Pooja?

Yes. Devotees experiencing delays in marriage or career hurdles frequently perform this pooja independently to clear obstacles attributed to 7th or 8th house planetary placements.

Can we visit Tirumala Balaji Temple after Srikalahasti?

According to long-standing pilgrimage custom, devotees usually visit Tirumala first for the primary darshan of Lord Balaji, and subsequently visit Srikalahasti and Tiruchanur Padmavathi Temple on the next day. However, both sequences are spiritually valid.

Are luggage bags or mobiles allowed inside Srikalahasti temple?

Mobile phones are not allowed during the pooja ritual and must be switched off or deposited at the counter. When you book a private cab with Tirupati DMC, your driver stays parked nearby, keeping all your personal belongings safely locked in the vehicle boot.

🚗 Tirupati ↔ Srikalahasti Cab

Private round-trip cab with waiting time included. Driver assists with pooja counter guidance.

₹1,999 (AC Sedan)

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