Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja Timings At Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple

The Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja is a revered ritual performed at the ancient Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. This special pooja is believed to mitigate the effects of Rahu and Ketu doshas in one’s astrological chart and bring spiritual relief, wellness, and balance. When I visited the temple, what surprised me most was the steady flow of devotees from early morning till evening specifically for this pooja, which is scheduled daily between set hours and ideally conducted during certain astrological periods.

Temple Overview And Importance Of Rahu Ketu Pooja

Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple, located in Srikalahasti town of Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, is famed for its Dravidian architecture, spiritual ambiance, and the Vayu Lingam, representing the wind element. It is also known as a powerful place to perform Rahu Ketu Pooja and Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Pooja.

The Rahu Ketu Pooja focuses on reducing the perceived malefic influences of the shadow planets Rahu and Ketu according to Hindu astrology. Many devotees make a special effort to perform this ritual because of its spiritual significance tied to personal and professional life improvements.

Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja Timings

The daily timing for the Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja is from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased and devotees can enter the pooja area within these hours. Devotees are advised to reach at least 30 minutes before their scheduled time to ensure participation without rush.

General Pooja Schedule

The pooja typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes per devotee or group, depending on the ticket category selected.

Preferred Muhurta And Rahu Kalam For Best Results

Devotees often prefer to perform the Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja during Rahu Kalam — an astrological period every day that is traditionally considered auspicious for Rahu-related rituals. Rahu Kalam varies by day as listed below (approximate, based on sunrise):

Performing the pooja during Rahu Kalam is believed to align the ritual with cosmic influences, improving perceived impacts. Sundays and Tuesdays are commonly regarded as especially favorable.

Ticket Prices And Pooja Options

Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja bookings offer multiple ticket categories depending on seating location and preferred experience. While some online resources vary slightly, typical costs for the pooja range from ₹500 to ₹5000.

Each ticket generally includes all necessary pooja materials. The temple does not widely support online booking as of 2025; devotees usually purchase tickets at the temple counter on arrival.

Step-By-Step Procedure For Participation

1. Reach Early And Register

Arrive at the temple complex well ahead of time — ideally before 6:00 AM. Head to the ticket counter, select your preferred category, and complete the booking with a valid ID. I personally recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before your chosen slot during holiday seasons to avoid queues.

2. Follow Temple Dress Code

Devotees must follow the dress code shown on the temple’s official channels: traditional Indian attire such as dhoti or pyjama for men and saree or salwar kameez for women. Electronic devices are restricted inside the sanctum area.

3. Enter The Pooja Area

Once registered, you will be guided to the assigned mandapam or hall. A priest will conduct the ritual and direct you through steps like mantra chanting, offering flowers, and specific rites for Rahu and Ketu doshas.

4. Receive Prasad And Completion

After the ritual, prasad is distributed. Many devotees take a holy bath after returning home to signify ritual completion.

Best Practices And Tips For Devotees

• Bring a printed ticket and ID to avoid delays at entry.
• Offer prayers during Rahu Kalam on Sundays or Tuesdays for perceived strengthened effects.
• Maintain silence and follow temple decorum for a respectful experience.
• If visiting during festivals, plan an extra hour since crowds increase significantly.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Waiting until last minute to book your ticket — peak days fill up quickly.
• Wearing inappropriate clothing — dress code is strictly enforced.
• Arriving after the pooja window — sessions are not guaranteed past 6:00 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Book The Pooja Online?

Currently, most bookings need to be done offline at the temple ticket counter, as online bookings are limited or unavailable.

Is There A Specific Day That Is Best?

While daily pooja is available, Rahu Kalam on Sundays and Tuesdays is widely preferred by devotees for enhanced astrological alignment.

What Should I Wear?

Traditional Indian attire such as dhoti for men and saree or salwar kameez for women is recommended and often required.

My Personal Experience And Final Thoughts

When I visited Srikalahasti Temple in early morning, the energy around the pooja area was both serene and uplifting. I noticed many devotees timing their visit to coincide with Rahu Kalam. The organization by the temple staff made the experience smooth even with large crowds. I personally recommend planning your visit on a weekday if possible for a quieter and more immersive pooja experience.