Srikalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh is famous for Rahu Ketu Shanti Puja and Kalasarpa Dosha Nivarana. Thousands visit daily seeking relief from planetary doshas affecting marriage, career, and health. This 2026 guide covers timings, ticket prices, online booking, and complete tips. Plan your spiritual journey with accurate, updated information.
Overview of Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Puja
Rahu Ketu Puja at Srikalahasti is one of India’s most powerful planetary dosha remedies. The temple is part of Pancha Bootha Sthalam, representing the Vayu Lingam element.
What makes this temple unique is performing puja during solar eclipse and lunar eclipse rituals. The Swayambhu Lingam here is self-manifested and spiritually powerful.
Devotees believe this puja removes Rahu Dosha, Ketu Dosha, and Kalasarpa Dosha. The temple has strong connections to Bhakta Kanappa’s devotion and ancient traditions.
Pilgrims experience mental clarity and peace after completing the ritual. This sacred site offers Graha Dosha Nivarana Puja for comprehensive planetary relief.
The dosha nivarana rituals here bring career stability through puja and harmony. Many devotees report removing marriage obstacles and achieving success.
Financial stability remedies are also sought through these ancient practices. The temple provides relationship harmony rituals for couples facing challenges.
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Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Puja Timings 2026
The temple conducts Rahu Ketu Puja throughout the day in batches. Each session takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Devotees can choose a ticket category based on their comfort and budget. The Pratyaksha Seva ticket system makes booking simple and organized.
Daily Rahu Ketu Puja Timings (2026)
Morning sessions start at 6:30 AM and continue until 12:30 PM. Afternoon slots run from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM daily. Evening batches operate between 3:30 PM and 8:30 PM. You can visit anytime within these hours for the puja.
The temple staff guides devotees to available batches efficiently. Booking tickets 30 days in advance is recommended for weekends.
Peak days see larger crowds requiring early arrival. The continuous batch system ensures minimal waiting time.
Best Time to Perform Rahu Ketu Puja – Rahu Kalam 2026
Rahu Kalam timings are considered most powerful for this puja. Performing puja during eclipse days amplifies spiritual benefits significantly.
Traditional beliefs suggest Rahu Kalam energy enhances dosha removal. Planning your visit during these hours brings maximum results.
Sunday Rahu Kalam occurs between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM. Monday timing is 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM. Tuesday slot runs from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The Wednesday period is 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
Thursday Rahu Kalam falls between 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM. Friday timing is 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Saturday slots occur from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. These timings may vary slightly based on local Panchangam calculations.
Amavasya puja and Purnima darshan days are highly auspicious. Maha Shivaratri attracts thousands seeking blessings and dosha relief.
Eclipse days require advance booking due to heavy crowds. Check the official calendar before planning your temple visit.
Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Puja Ticket Price 2026
Ticket prices range from ₹150 to ₹5000 based on facilities. Higher categories offer better seating near the Utsava Murthy sanctum. All tickets provide equal spiritual benefits regardless of price. Premium options ensure a quieter, more peaceful experience.
| Category | Price (INR) | Suitable For | Venue Location |
| Basic | ₹150 | 1 devotee | Hall outside main temple |
| Standard | ₹300 | 1 devotee | North-side puja hall |
| Special | ₹700 | 1 devotee | Temple outer hall |
| A/C Hall | ₹1500 | 1 devotee | Air-conditioned hall |
| Couple Ticket | ₹2500 | 2 devotees | Near Dwajasthambam area |
| Premium Couple | ₹5000 | 2 devotees | Hall outside the main temple |
Couples prefer ₹2500 or ₹5000 tickets for joint participation. The AP Temples portal provides transparent pricing information. Premium halls offer proximity to the Sri Kalahasteeswara darshan area. Choose based on comfort, budget, and crowd preferences.
What Details Do You Need for Booking the Puja
You need three essential details for puja registration. Janma Nakshatra (birth star) is required for accurate rituals.
Janma Rashi (zodiac sign) helps priests perform correctly. Gotra details complete the personalized ceremony requirements.
Ask family members if you don’t know these details. Local priests can also help determine your astrological information.
These details ensure the puja aligns with your horoscope. Carry this information written down to avoid confusion.
Dress Code and Behavior Inside the Temple
Wear simple, traditional Indian attire when visiting the temple. Following dress code guidelines shows respect for sacred traditions.
Avoid western clothing, shorts, or sleeveless tops completely. Traditional clothes create the right spiritual atmosphere.
Keep all belongings securely with you at all times. Never leave clothes or valuables with strangers inside the premises.
Some people attempt scams by asking you to remove items. Always use the official lockers provided by the temple administration.
Priests guide every step clearly during the ceremony. They explain when to break coconuts and place offerings.
First-time visitors find the process easy to follow. Maintain silence and focus during mantra chanting sessions.
Dakshina, Offerings, and Money Tips
Dakshina amounts are completely optional and voluntary. Keep small denominations like ₹11, ₹21, ₹54, or ₹108. These traditional amounts are considered auspicious for offerings. Carry exact change to avoid inconvenience.
Offering tokens to priests after puja is not mandatory. Many devotees choose to give as personal gratitude. Be cautious of people selling “special” or “VIP” tickets. Always purchase tickets only from official temple counters.
Avoiding temple scams requires staying alert and informed. Touts may approach by claiming they can expedite services. Ignore such offers and proceed to authorized counters. The temple staff provides all necessary assistance free.
Common Scams to Avoid at Srikalahasti Temple
Touts and middlemen operate near temple entrance areas. They charge extra money for regular services available officially available.
Never trust anyone offering “special access” or “quick darshan”. Go directly to the official counters for all bookings.
Auto drivers sometimes promote specific hotels for commissions. Ask to be dropped off only at Gate 4 near the South Gopuram entrance.
This gate provides all essential facilities and services. Avoid private shops claiming exclusive temple connections.
The “clothes scam” involves asking devotees to remove garments. Official washrooms and changing areas are available at Gate 4.
Use temple-provided lockers for valuables and personal items. Speak directly with temple staff if anyone pressures you.
Report suspicious behavior to temple security immediately. Official staff wear identification badges and proper uniforms.
They never demand extra money for standard services. Reaching the temple from the railway station using official buses prevents scams.
After the Puja – Darshan and Goddess Visit
Hold the silver Rahu Ketu idols close to your chest. Walk toward the sanctum without looking back during this time. This tradition is believed to strengthen the puja’s effects. Getting darshan after puja completes the spiritual journey.
Complete Sri Kalahasteeswara darshan after placing idols in the temple hundi offerings. Then proceed to visit Goddess Gnana Prasanna Devi for additional blessings.
Many devotees also climb to the Bhakta Ganapathi shrine nearby. This complete circuit maximizes spiritual benefits and divine grace.
Annadanam at Srikalahasti Temple
Free meals are served daily at the Gate 4 location. Annadanam prasadam starts around 11:30 AM for all pilgrims.
The food is vegetarian, simple, and prepared with devotion. Devotees can enjoy meals after completing their puja.
This sacred food offering is available to everyone regardless. No tickets or registration required for annadanam participation.
The temple serves thousands of devotees with this service. Accept prasadam as a divine blessing from the temple.
Accommodation at Srikalahasti Temple
The temple offers clean, affordable rooms for overnight stays. Where to book temple accommodation is simple through official channels.
Rooms can be reserved at the counter or online. The AP Temples portal makes advance booking convenient.
Weekend and festival days require early room reservations. Search “AP Temples Srikalahasti” on Google for direct access.
Facilities include basic amenities at budget-friendly rates. Staying on temple premises enhances the spiritual experience.
Food Rules and Travel After the Puja
Many devotees avoid non-vegetarian food before the puja day. Some continue this practice for a few days afterward.
Health problem solutions devotees often follow stricter dietary rules. Ask your priest for specific guidance during puja.
Traveling to nearby temples like Tirupati is common afterward. How do I reach Srikalahasti from Tirupati is frequently asked.
The distance is approximately 43 km, taking one hour. Many complete both pilgrimages in a single trip.
Alcohol consumption should be avoided before and after puja. Maintain purity in thoughts, words, and actions during the visit.
These practices enhance the spiritual benefits you receive. Follow the priest’s advice based on your specific ritual.
Language Support and Priest Assistance
Priests explain the complete puja in multiple Indian languages. Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, and English are commonly spoken here.
This ensures devotees from across India understand the process. What should I wear to the Srikalahasti temple, and other doubts are clarified.
The guidance provided makes even first-timers feel comfortable. Priests are patient and answer all questions respectfully.
They explain the significance of each ritual step clearly. This multilingual support removes language barriers completely.
How to Book Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Puja Online in 2026
Can I book Rahu Ketu Puja online? is a common question. Yes, the official portal makes booking simple and secure.
Devotees can reserve tickets up to 30 days in advance. Online booking prevents last-minute hassles during peak days.
Steps for Online Booking (2026)
Visit aptemples.ap.gov.in for official temple bookings. Select Srikalahasti Temple from the dropdown temple list.
Click on the Pratyaksha Seva tickets section for puja options. Choose your desired puja type from the available services.
How to book Rahu Ketu Puja online involves simple registration. Log in using your mobile number for verification.
First-time users must register with basic details quickly. Enter devotee information and upload a valid government ID proof.
Select your preferred time slot from the available options. Choosing the ticket category depends on budget and comfort needs.
Proceed to payment using UPI, net banking, or cards. Download the confirmation ticket received via email immediately.
Print the ticket or save it on your mobile. Carry ID proof matching your booking details to the temple.
Online booking is strongly recommended for Amavasya puja days. Weekend rushes make advance booking absolutely essential for comfort.
Best Days to Perform Rahu Ketu Puja at Srikalahasti
What is the best day to visit the Srikalahasti temple varies. Sundays are considered highly auspicious for this specific puja.
Purnima darshan (full moon) days amplify spiritual energy significantly. Amavasya puja (new moon) is traditionally equally powerful.
Solar eclipse puja and lunar eclipse rituals are most recommended. The temple uniquely performs puja during eclipse periods nationwide.
Maha Shivaratri attracts devotees seeking intensive dosha removal. Masa Shivaratri (monthly) also holds special significance here.
Navratri days combine goddess worship with planetary remedies. When to perform Rahu Ketu Puja depends on personal convenience.
Eclipse days provide maximum astrological benefits according to tradition. Plan accordingly if seeking optimal spiritual results.
How the Rahu Ketu Puja Is Performed at Srikalahasti Temple
The puja follows an organized, guided process throughout. Devotees are seated according to their purchased ticket category.
Who can perform this puja – anyone seeking dosha relief. Priests provide all necessary items, including silver Rahu Ketu idols.
Mantra chanting sessions begin with priest leadership and guidance. Devotees follow instructions for offerings and prayer gestures.
The collective chanting creates powerful spiritual vibrations inside the halls. After completion, idols are placed in the temple hundi offerings.
Devotees then proceed for Sri Kalahasteeswara darshan immediately. Premium ticket holders get quieter halls and better seating.
They also enjoy a closer proximity to the main sanctum. How long does the Rahu Ketu Puja take – usually 30-60 minutes.
How to Reach Srikalahasti Temple
Reaching the temple from the railway station is convenient and simple. Srikalahasti Railway Station is just 2 km from the temple.
Free temple buses start running from 4:00 AM daily. Auto-rickshaws charge approximately ₹20 for the short distance.
How do I reach Srikalahasti from Tirupati by road easily? The temple is about 43 km from Renigunta junction.
Travel time is approximately one hour by bus or taxi. Many devotees visit Srikalahasti before proceeding to Tirupati darshan.
APSRTC buses connect Srikalahasti with major Andhra Pradesh cities. Private vehicles have ample parking space near the temple premises.
Some buses stop directly at the temple entrance gate. Coming from the Visakhapatnam-Vijayawada-Nellore route, Srikalahasti comes first before Tirupati.
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Where to Get Ready – Facilities for Devotees
Gate 4 near the South Gopuram entrance offers all essential facilities. Clean washrooms for men and women are available here.
Bathing and changing areas help devotees prepare properly. Official locker facilities secure your belongings during puja.
PR/ERO counters provide information and assistance to pilgrims. Annadanam prasadam counters serve free meals from this location.
Temple-run accommodation blocks are accessible from this same gate. These facilities prevent the need for private establishments.
Avoiding temple scams is easier when using official facilities. Ignore touts claiming facilities are unavailable or crowded.
Temple administration maintains these amenities well for all devotees. Always choose Gate 4 as your primary arrival point.
Srikalahasti Temple Timings and Daily Rituals
What time does the Srikalahasti temple open daily at 5:00 AM? Morning Suprabhatam rituals begin around 5:30 AM sharp.
Rahu Ketu Puja operates from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Other ritual tickets become available at Gate 4 counters.
Go puja (cow offerings) and other services start early. Temple counters begin functioning from 5:30 AM for convenience.
Evening darshan continues until 9:00 PM for all devotees. Plan your visit according to these official temple timings.
Final Tips Before You Leave
Purchase tickets only from official counters to avoid scams. Prices range from ₹150 to ₹5000 based on category.
Do I need to know my birth star for puja – yes, carry Janma Nakshatra details. Ask priests immediately if confused about any ritual step.
Keep the temple premises clean and carry waste outside. Take all personal belongings when leaving the temple complex.
Follow instructions from temple staff for peaceful, smooth experiences. Respect the sacred traditions and other devotees’ spiritual space.
Comparison Table: Ticket Categories vs Benefits
| Feature | Basic (₹150) | Standard (₹300) | Special (₹700) | A/C Hall (₹1500) | Couple (₹2500) | Premium (₹5000) |
| Location | Outside hall | North hall | Outer hall | A/C hall | Near Dwajasthambam | Near Utsava Murthy |
| Seating | Basic | Basic | Better | Comfortable | Good | Premium |
| Crowd Level | High | Medium | Medium | Low | Low | Very Low |
| Darshan Access | Standard | Standard | Standard | Priority | Priority | VIP |
| Suitable For | Solo budget | Solo travelers | Solo comfort | Comfort seekers | Couples | Premium couples |
| Proximity to Sanctum | Far | Moderate | Moderate | Close | Very Close | Closest |
Personal Opinion and Requirements
Based on devotee experiences, advance planning significantly improves your temple visit. Carrying Gotra details, Janma Nakshatra, and Janma Rashi information is absolutely essential. Premium tickets offer noticeably better experiences during crowded festival days.
Why Srikalahasti is famous extends beyond astrology to a deep spiritual heritage. First-time visitors should arrive early in the morning to experience the complete rituals. The Graha Dosha Nivarana Puja here genuinely provides mental clarity and peace according to countless testimonials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Rahu Ketu Puja cost at Srikalahasti?
Ticket prices start from ₹150 and go up to ₹5000, depending on seating category and facilities.
Can I book Rahu Ketu Puja online?
Yes, use the official AP Temples portal at aptemples.ap.gov.in for advance bookings up to 30 days.
What is the best day to visit the Srikalahasti temple?
Amavasya, Purnima, Sundays, and eclipse days are considered most powerful for Rahu Ketu Puja.
Is there free food at the Srikalahasti temple?
Yes, free Annadanam prasadam is served daily near Gate 4 starting around 11:30 AM for all pilgrims.
What should I wear to the Srikalahasti temple?
Wear traditional Indian attire; avoid western clothes, shorts, and sleeveless tops to respect temple customs.
Conclusion
Srikalahasti Temple remains India’s premier destination for Kalasarpa Dosha Nivarana and Rahu Ketu Shanti Puja. This ancient Vayu Lingam temple in the Andhra Pradesh temples network offers powerful planetary dosha remedies. Booking tickets 30 days in advance ensures a smooth darshan and puja experience. Follow official channels, avoid scams, and embrace this sacred spiritual journey.
Alich, a skilled content writer with 3+ years of experience, known for creating clear guides and 1000+ published articles across multiple niches.
