Sri Kalahasti Temple Srikalahasti
Ancient Shiva temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams (Vayu element), famous for Rahu-Ketu Pooja.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best for Rahu-Ketu pooja
Sri Kalahasti Temple Srikalahasti
Best Time
Best for Rahu-Ketu pooja
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Shiva temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams (Vayu element), famous for Rahu-Ketu Pooja.
"A must-visit for spiritual seekers, feeling truly blessed after visiting. "
📱 Mobile Storage
Lockers available for phones/cameras (₹20). Essential before entering.
🎟️ Pooja Tickets
Book ₹500/₹750 tickets for Rahu-Ketu pooja. Materials included.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vayu Lingam
Sanctum Sanctorum
Witness the Vayu Lingam, representing the element of air, a unique aspect of this Pancha Bhoota Sthalam.
Rahu-Ketu Pooja
Designated Pooja areas
Participate in the renowned Rahu-Ketu dosha nivarana pooja to alleviate astrological afflictions.
Architectural Grandeur
Temple Complex
Marvel at the ancient architecture, intricately carved pillars, and the towering gopuram.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Rahu-Ketu Pooja Planning
Temple Etiquette & Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📱 Mobile Storage
Lockers available for phones/cameras (₹20). Essential before entering.
🎟️ Pooja Tickets
Book ₹500/₹750 tickets for Rahu-Ketu pooja. Materials included.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Wear comfy footwear.
🙏 Beware of Priests
Stick to official counters; avoid unofficial pujas.
Tips
from all over the internet
📱 Mobile Storage
Lockers available for phones/cameras (₹20). Essential before entering.
🎟️ Pooja Tickets
Book ₹500/₹750 tickets for Rahu-Ketu pooja. Materials included.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Wear comfy footwear.
🙏 Beware of Priests
Stick to official counters; avoid unofficial pujas.
🚗 Parking
Paid parking available near the temple (₹60).
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sri Kalahasti Temple for its profound spirituality, ancient architecture, and the unique Vayu Lingam. The Rahu-Ketu Pooja is a major draw, though it can involve significant waiting times, especially on weekends. Be prepared for crowds and follow temple guidelines regarding phones and unofficial priests for a smoother experience.
"Srikalahasti Temple, near Tirupati
I recently visited the ancient Srikalahasteeswara Temple, also known as Kalahasti Temple, located just a short drive from Tirupati. It’s one of the most divine and powerful Shiva temples I’ve ever been to. The temple is famous for the Vayu Lingam, representing the air element — one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.
The temple’s architecture is stunning — beautifully carved pillars, a grand gopuram, and an atmosphere filled with deep devotion. You can truly feel centuries of faith here. The stories of Sri (spider), Kala (snake), and Hasti (elephant) add even more spiritual depth to the experience.
Inside the temple, the darshan feels peaceful and sacred. The priests perform pujas with dedication, especially the Rahu–Ketu dosha nivarana puja, which many devotees come for.
It’s an old and historic temple, yet the vibrations and positive energy are beyond words. A must-visit place for anyone coming to Tirupati — you feel truly blessed after visiting."
RAVI VAISHNAV
"We visited Sri Kalahasti Temple from Chennai, and it was a memorable experience. The temple is known for its historical and spiritual significance, especially famous for Rahu-Ketu poojas. It’s one of the most important Shiva temples in South India, with rich heritage and powerful spiritual energy.
The drive from Chennai was smooth till Sullurpeta, with wide and well-maintained roads. After that, the road becomes narrow and supports two-way traffic, so a bit of caution is needed. That said, the route is scenic, clean, and visually refreshing — we truly enjoyed the journey.
There’s paid parking available (₹60) near the temple. We were pleasantly surprised to find hot and tasty pongal served inside, which added to the overall comfort.
The temple was very crowded as we visited on a Sunday. We opted for the ₹50 ticket, but still had to wait over 2 hours in the queue. Be prepared for long waiting times, especially during weekends or festival days.
Mobile phones are strictly not allowed, and we had to store them in a locker facility (₹20 per phone) before entering the premises.
Also, be aware of many random priests approaching for unofficial pujas and offerings outside and even inside the temple premises — kindly stay alert and follow the official counters only.
Overall, a deeply spiritual experience — just plan ahead for the crowd and logistics!"
Jagankumar E
"Srikalahasti temple is one of the five holy Shiva temples, representing the PanchaBhoota Sthalams (five elements). In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Vayu (wind form) embodied as the Vayu Linga (wind god).
Temple famous for Rahu-Kethu Pooja. Visit on Sunday or Monday for doing these pooja’s. There are different kind of tickets available for pooja like 500/- 750/- etc..They will provide all pooja materials along with ticket, almost 1 to 1.5Hr required for Rahu Kethu pooja, After this visit Vayu lingam and Take Blessingsy from the god. Have Anna Prasadm after darshan.
Mobiles are not allowed and for rooms please directly go to hotels and check. Dont be in auto drives trap they will show hotels with more prices or you can get temple rooms as well. Go to gate no 4 for information center."
Venkatesh
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sri Kalahasti Temple is approximately 36 km from Tirupati. You can hire a taxi, take a bus, or use ride-sharing services. The journey is scenic and takes about an hour.
The drive from Chennai is smooth, with well-maintained roads. After Sullurpeta, the road narrows but remains scenic. It's a popular day trip or weekend getaway.
Yes, regular buses operate from Tirupati and other nearby cities to Srikalahasti. Local auto-rickshaws are also available for shorter distances.
There is paid parking available near the temple premises, which costs around ₹60. It can get busy on weekends.
Absolutely! It's a common day trip from Tirupati or Chennai, allowing you to experience the temple's spiritual essence and architecture.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The temple typically opens early in the morning and closes in the evening. Specific timings can vary, so it's advisable to check locally or online before your visit.
Tickets for the Rahu-Ketu Pooja are available at different price points, such as ₹500 and ₹750. The ticket usually includes the pooja materials.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekend visits, to avoid long queues and ensure your participation.
General darshan is usually free, but there are paid queues (e.g., ₹50 ticket) that offer shorter waiting times.
The Rahu-Ketu Pooja typically lasts for about 1 to 1.5 hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing Vayu (air), and is famous for its Vayu Lingam and the Rahu-Ketu Pooja. The temple's history is tied to a spider, snake, and elephant.
No, mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the main temple premises. You'll need to use the locker facility.
Waiting times can be significant, especially on Sundays and festival days. Opting for a paid ticket can reduce your wait time.
Yes, there are hotels and homestays available in Srikalahasti town. Temple accommodation can also be arranged through the CRO office.
The name is derived from 'Sri' (spider), 'Kala' (snake), and 'Hasti' (elephant), who are believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, hot and tasty pongal is served inside the temple premises, offering a comforting meal for devotees.
Srikalahasti town has various restaurants offering local Andhra cuisine and other options. You can find eateries catering to different tastes.
Yes, Anna Prasadham (offering of food) is available after darshan, providing a blessed meal to pilgrims.
📸 📸 Photography
While photography is restricted inside, you can capture the temple's exterior, the gopuram, and the surrounding town. The approach to the temple offers scenic views.
Drone photography is generally not permitted within the temple complex or its immediate vicinity due to security and sanctity reasons.
The entrance area and the roads leading up to the temple provide good vantage points for capturing the temple's grandeur.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as there's a lot of walking involved. Mobile phones are not allowed, so ensure you have a plan for keeping them secure. The temple does offer Anna Prasadham, which can be a convenient and blessed meal option for families.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
Take time to absorb the ancient ambiance, admire the architecture, and participate in the rituals with devotion. The temple's history and the legends associated with it add to the profound spiritual journey.
🚗 Day-Trippers
Allocate sufficient time for travel, darshan, and any poojas you wish to attend. Remember to store your mobile phones and cameras before entering the temple. Enjoy the scenic drive and the spiritual immersion the temple offers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pancha Bhoota Sthalams
The Vayu Lingam at Srikalahasti is particularly significant because it is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu) and is said to subtly move due to the presence of air, even when the sanctum is closed. This phenomenon is a testament to the divine energy believed to reside within the temple, drawing devotees seeking spiritual solace and connection with the elemental forces.
Visiting these elemental temples offers a profound spiritual journey, allowing devotees to connect with the divine through the very fabric of creation. Each temple provides a distinct experience, rooted in ancient traditions and the worship of Lord Shiva in his elemental forms.
Understanding the Rahu-Ketu Pooja
Devotees can purchase tickets for the pooja, which typically include the necessary materials. The pooja itself lasts for about 1 to 1.5 hours. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as queues can be long. The experience is deeply spiritual, with priests guiding participants through the rituals.
Many visitors report feeling a sense of relief and positive energy after participating in the Rahu-Ketu Pooja. It's a significant ritual for those seeking astrological remedies and blessings for marriage, children, career, or health.
Historical and Architectural Significance
The temple's name itself is steeped in legend, derived from the story of a spider ('Sri'), a snake ('Kala'), and an elephant ('Hasti'), all of whom worshipped Lord Shiva here. This narrative adds a layer of mythological depth to the site, making it more than just a place of worship but a repository of ancient tales.
Often referred to as Dakshina Kailasam (the Kailash of the South), the temple's spiritual significance is immense. The presence of ancient inscriptions and the enduring devotion of pilgrims over centuries underscore its importance as a sacred site in South India.
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