Know the essentials before you arrive
Book on the AP Temples portal or buy at the temple counter. The counter confirms the final amount.
Pooja details
Srikalahasti is the foremost temple in India for Rahu Ketu and Kalasarpa dosha nivarana pooja. Devotees perform it to ease delays in marriage, career or health attributed to planetary afflictions. The pooja is held daily in the temple's pooja halls and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The Devasthanam notes that it is performed during Rahu Kalam, so many devotees plan their visit around it.
Timings and Rahu Kalam
The pooja is performed daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM in batches. Rahu Kalam is the window believed most favourable; it changes by weekday. These are the standard Rahu Kalam timings for each day.
| Day | Rahu Kalam |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7:30 – 9:00 AM |
| Tuesday | 3:00 – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 – 1:30 PM |
| Thursday | 1:30 – 3:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 – 10:30 AM |
| Sunday | 4:30 – 6:00 PM |
Ticket prices
Pooja tickets come in five categories: ₹500, ₹750, ₹1,500, ₹2,500 and ₹5,000. Higher categories give closer seating and smaller batches. The counter explains what each includes. Couples and families usually choose the higher categories.
Procedure
- Reach the temple 1 to 2 hours before Rahu Kalam starts and go to the pooja counter inside the temple.
- Buy your pooja ticket for the category you prefer.
- Go to the pooja hall at your batch time with your family.
- Take part in the sankalpam and pooja guided by the priests.
- Collect prasadam, then take darshan of Lord Kalahasteeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika.
Dress code
Traditional dress is expected for pooja and seva. Men usually wear dhoti or kurta pyjama and women wear saree or salwar kameez. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops and ripped clothing.
Important information
- Carry a photo ID and keep mobile phones silent and away from the pooja area
- Reach at least 30 minutes before your batch
- Book on the AP Temples portal or buy at the temple counter; avoid agents
- Weekends, Mondays and festival days are the most crowded
Which pooja is right for you?
Choose the option closest to your situation for general guidance.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Arriving without knowing that day's Rahu Kalam
- Trusting agents who sell advance slots
- Wearing shorts or sleeveless clothes
- Forgetting photo ID
- Expecting a guaranteed outcome: the pooja is an act of faith