Srikalahasti Temple Timings, Rahu Ketu Pooja and Vayu Lingam
The Vayu linga temple that many families add to a Tirupati trip.
The Vayu linga we saw
At Srikalahasti the priest pointed at a lamp inside the sanctum that kept flickering even though there was no breeze. He said it is the breath of Vayu, the wind. Our father went quiet for a long time after that.
Srikalahasti is about 36 km from Tirupati. Below is the legend, the Rahu Ketu pooja and how to add it to your trip plan.
Quick answer: Srikalahasti temple (Kalahasti temple) is about 36 km from Tirupati and is the Vayu lingam among the five Pancha Bhoota temples of Shiva. Srikalahasti temple timings are usually about 6 am to 9 pm. Rahu Ketu pooja is done through the day in batches, with tickets at the temple.
Temple quick facts
Srikalahasteeswara and Gnana Prasunambika
Vayu, wind
Rahu Ketu pooja
Swarnamukhi
About 36 km
Half a day
What makes Srikalahasti special
Pooja timings and fees are set by the temple and can change.
Vayu linga
One of the five temples of Shiva for the five elements. Here Shiva is worshipped as wind.
Spider, snake, elephant
The name comes from Sri the spider, Kala the snake and Hasti the elephant, who all worshipped Shiva here.
Kannappa
The hunter Kannappa offered his eyes to Shiva here. A shrine to him stands on the hill nearby.
Rahu Ketu pooja
Devotees come for Rahu Ketu sarpa dosha pooja, done in batches through the day.
About 36 km
On the banks of the Swarnamukhi river, about an hour from Tirupati by road.
Read moreHow to reach Srikalahasti
How we visit Srikalahasti
A simple half day plan.
Start early
Leave Tirupati in the morning by bus or taxi.
Dress traditional
Wear traditional clothes as at Tirumala.
Book the pooja
For Rahu Ketu pooja, get the ticket at the temple counter.
Attend the pooja
Sit in the hall with your family as the priests lead the ritual.
Main darshan
Have darshan of Srikalahasteeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika.
Return
Head back to Tirupati or on to Kanipakam.
How the Rahu Ketu pooja is done
Devotees with Rahu or Ketu dosha in their horoscope come here for the sarpa dosha pooja. You buy a ticket at the official counter and get a small kit with the items used in the ritual.
Families sit in rows in the pooja hall while priests chant and lead you through each step. It takes about an hour. After the pooja, most people have darshan of Srikalahasteeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika and leave without visiting any other temple on the way home, as tradition suggests.
Ticket types and fees are set by the temple. Go early in the day, the first batches are calmer.
Do and avoid
Do
- Go early for the pooja
- Book pooja at official counters
- Carry the items the priests ask for
- Visit Kannappa shrine if fit
Avoid
- Paying agents for special pooja
- Visiting at midday in summer
- Photos inside the sanctum
- Rushing through the ritual
Srikalahasti tips
What helped our family.
Half day trip
- MorningLeave Tirupati
- Next hourReach and book pooja
- Late morningPooja and darshan
- NoonReturn or go on
Ticket types
Pooja tickets come in different types at fixed fees. Pick at the official counter.
Eclipse days
The temple is known to stay open during eclipses, unlike many others.
Combine trips
From Chennai you can visit on the way to or from Tirupati.
Food
Simple vegetarian meals are available in the town near the temple.
- Deity
- Srikalahasteeswara
- Element
- Vayu, wind
- From Tirupati
- About 36 km
- River
- Swarnamukhi
- Famous for
- Rahu Ketu pooja
- Time needed
- Half a day
Pooja agents. Some people outside offer special pooja for high fees. Book only at the official temple counters. Book only on the official TTD website or app.
Related pages: Kanipakam Temple · Dress Code & Rules · Tirupati Laddu Prasadam · Hair Offering
Official sources: Official TTD website · TTD news (tirumala.org) · Srikalahasti Temple (Wikipedia)
Short answers devotees search for
About 6 am to 9 pm on normal days.
Srikalahasti is the Vayu lingam temple among the five Pancha Bhoota temples of Shiva.
Questions about Srikalahasti temple
What devotees ask us about the temple.
What are Kalahasti temple timings?
Sri Kalahasti temple is usually open from about 6 am to 9 pm, with a short break in the afternoon on some days. Timings change on festivals and eclipses, so check before you go.
What are Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu pooja timings?
Rahu Ketu pooja is held from morning to evening in batches every half hour or so. Tickets are bought at the temple counter, from about ₹500 upward depending on the type. Rahu kalam time is the most crowded.
Why is Srikalahasti called Vayu lingam?
Srikalahasti is the Vayu (air) lingam among the Pancha Bhoota temples. The lamp near the lingam flickers even though there is no breeze inside, which devotees see as the presence of Vayu.
How far is Srikalahasti from Tirupati?
About 36 km by road. It takes around an hour by bus or taxi.
Why is Srikalahasti famous?
It is one of the five Pancha Bhoota temples, where Shiva is worshipped as Vayu, the wind. It is also known for Rahu Ketu pooja.
What is the Rahu Ketu pooja at Srikalahasti?
It is a ritual done for relief from Rahu and Ketu doshas. Devotees attend it in batches at the temple with tickets from official counters.
What are Srikalahasti temple timings?
The temple opens early in the morning and stays open till night. Pooja batches run through the day. Check the temple website for current times.
Is Srikalahasti open during eclipses?
Yes, it is known to remain open during eclipses, when many temples close.