Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple, Srikalahasti
Srikalahasti
India's foremost Rahu-Ketu shrine, thronged daily for Kala Sarpa Dosha nivarana pooja.
⭐ Why it is famous
One of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams (Vayu linga) and, independently, the most famous temple in South India for Rahu-Ketu Sarpa Dosha and Kala Sarpa Dosha nivarana poojas, performed in dedicated batches through the day.
📜 Pilgrimage history
An ancient Shaiva centre associated with the devotee Kannappa and celebrated by the Nayanmars, Srikalahasti grew under Chola and Vijayanagara patronage into both a Pancha Bhoota Sthalam and South India's principal address for planetary affliction remedies.
🕰️ Temple timings
- 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
🙏 Darśan details
- Rahu-Ketu Sarpa Dosha pooja runs roughly 6 AM–6 PM in timed batches
- Separate paid and free darshan queues
- Traditional dhoti/pancha dress code for the pooja
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple, Srikalahasti, Srikalahasti, TirupatiSri Kalahasti (SKM) — 2 km
Srikalahasti bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Tirupati Airport (TIR) — 38 km
Srikalahasti is 36 km from Tirupati on NH71, a short and well-travelled drive from the Tirumala pilgrim belt.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Choultries and lodges around the temple
- Hotels in Tirupati, 38 km away
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹2,500 | ₹5,000 | ₹9,000 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Swarnamukhi river ghats
- Kalahasti kalamkari textile workshops
🧵 Part of these circuits
📅 Best time to visit
October–March; any Rahu Kalam slot for the sarpa dosha pooja