My mother had been wanting to visit Srikalahasti for eleven year Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja Timings
Each time something stood in her way — a marriage in the family, some health trouble, an unreasonably late arrival of a railway ticket. Her uncle, who was an astrologer, had told her that she had to get the Rahu-Ketu position in her horoscope corrected. And although she had sought other solutions, visited other shrines and performed various pujas, all her efforts seemed fruitless until her friend, who had performed the ceremony at Srikalahasti, advised her straightforwardly.
And so, we finally went. It was a Tuesday morning in the month of November, boarding the early bus at 5 AM from Tirupati. When we reached Srikalahasti, the town was up and about already — the narrow streets around the temple were filled with the fragrance of flowers and chants from within the gopuram, even before one reaches the entrance gate. The line for the tickets for pooja starts as early as 6:30 AM and progresses surprisingly fast. But two hours after that, watching my mother fold her hands over the silver idols of Rahu and Ketu, I could clearly see something leave her face — something that had stayed there for many years now. There is no way I can say how that happened, scientifically. All I know is what I saw.
This article gives you all the details that you need to know about the Rahu Ketu Pooja in Srikalahasti, right from the timing of the pooja, ticket costs, ideal days for conducting the ritual and the list of things to take care of before going.
Why Srikalahasti? The Importance of Srikalahasti Temple in the Context of Rahu-Ketu
The temple of Srikalahasti is not simply an important temple but has certain geographical significance that distinguishes it from all other pilgrim sites in India.
Firstly, Srikalahasti temple is one of Pancha Bhuta Stalas or five Shiva temples representing the five elements of nature. In this case, the Srikalahasti temple is associated with the element of air. Thus, it is also called a Vayu temple since the Shivalinga installed in it is known as Vayu Lingam and is believed to move in a closed room due to the wind blown from the divine. Even without discussing such metaphysical phenomena, any devotee can experience the atmosphere created there.
Secondly, and more importantly, hundreds of thousands of people visit Srikalahasti temple for special Rahu ketu Pooja because Srikalahasti temple is the only temple in India where a special ritual takes place on the day of solar and lunar eclipses when Rahu and Ketu cause such phenomena in accordance with Hindu beliefs. Srikalahasti temple is regarded as the place where Rahu and Ketu were given moksha by Lord Shiva.
“Srikalahasti is named after the three devotee animals, Sri (spider), Kala (snake), and Hasti (elephant), who all prayed to Lord Shivalinga and gained salvation. The story of their devotion is engraved on the temple walls.”
complete poja guide of Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja Timings : Watch this reel
Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja Timing for the Year 20226
Rahu Ketu Pooja takes place in multiple batches through the day. Below is the complete timing schedule:
- HOURS FOR POOJA Timings for Rahu Ketu Pooja on Each Day
- First Batch Begins: 6:30 AM (After morning abhishekam ceremony)
- Pooja Takes Place: Throughout the day in one-hour batches
- No Pooja During Lunch Hour: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
- Last Batch of Pooja: 8:30 PM (Devotees have to take tickets before that time)
- Duration of Each Batch: 45 minutes – 1 hour
- Temple Darshan Time: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Ideal Time of Day for Performing Pooja Ceremony
There is always a time during each day known as the Rahu Kalam. It is a time when the ruling planet is Rahu. Pooja in this period is the most ideal for devotees. Time varies each day:
Rahu Ketu Pooja Ticket Prices – Various Categories
This temple provides various categories for tickets that are designed to suit all kinds of visitors. The venue where the pooja will be held will vary based on the type of ticket purchased. However, the blessing will remain the same.
| Ticket Price | Pooja Location | Hall Type | Best For |
| ₹150 | Open mandapam | General seating | Budget pilgrims, solo visitors |
| ₹300 | Covered mandapam | Semi-covered hall | Families, slightly less crowded |
| ₹700 | Inner mandapam | Better seating, closer to priests | Those wanting more focused pooja |
| ₹1,500 | Special mandapam | AC hall, prasad included | Comfortable experience |
| ₹2,500 | Premium hall | Air-conditioned, dedicated priest | Couples seeking personal attention |
| ₹5,000 | VIP mandapam | Exclusive hall, special prasad | Those seeking maximum comfort |
How the Pooja Really Works – A Personal Experience
It takes around 45 minutes to an hour for the whole process, and it is much more interactive than I anticipated. Here’s how it works.
First, you purchase your ticket, then go into the waiting room where you are given a package of pooja samagri, containing all the things required for performing the ceremony: turmeric, kumkum, flowers, a silver figure of Rahu and Ketu, a coconut. Nothing needs to be brought by you, thankfully, considering the effort made to reach there.
Once your batch number is called out, you will be taken to your respective mandapam and made to sit. The rituals are performed by the priests in Telugu and Sanskrit, but the instructions are clearly written in many languages inside the hall. You perform accordingly; light the lamp at the right time, offer each item in order, and chant along with the priest. The atmosphere in the hall is concentrated and intensely serious. No one will be using their phone while praying here. There is something about sitting in a room with several other people praying together, hoping to get rid of their troubles and delays. There is something about performing the same prayer with everyone else because they want to overcome the unknown obstacles which horoscopes call “dosha” that makes you realize why this practice is so important.
After the pooja, you dip the silver figures of Rahu and Ketu into the Hundi. We were told by the priests that we are not supposed to take the idols back home because the whole purpose behind this ritual was to let go, not hold on. Finally, you can go to the main temple to pray in front of Lord Srikalahasteeswara.
During my mother’s journey back to Tirupati by bus, she said virtually nothing. She kept quiet the entire time, staring out the window. When I inquired about her well-being, she simply nodded and said: “I feel lighter. I know it is true. I do not have any proof other than that I saw it happen.”
Getting to Srikalahasti Temple
The temple is located at Srikalahasti, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. The postal address is given below:
Sri Kalahasti Temple, Srikalahasti,
Chittoor District, AP – 517644
• From Tirupati: 25 km. Buses & Shared autos available from Tirupati bus stand. Travel time is about 40–50 minutes. This is the most popular route.
• From Chennai: 120 km, through NH16. By road travel time is around 2.5 to 3 hours. Bus services from Chennai are available along this route.
• By Rail: Srikalahasti railway station is located nearby. Direct train connectivity from Chennai, Tirupati & Vijayawada. This route is considered the best way.
• The nearest Airport: Tirupati Airport. Around 25 km. Cabs are easily available.
