Srikalahasthi is a sacred pilgrimage site, which is located in Andhra Pradesh. This temple is belonged as one of the divine temples where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Vayu Linga. This one is representing the element of air among the five elements (Pancha Bhootas). In this temple the Goddess appears as Jnana Prasanna Devi who is believed to bless devotees like a divine wish-fulfilling tree (Kalpavriksha) the one who granting their desires. In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the Srikalahasti temple, including details about the Rahu-Ketu Puja, temple mythology, darshan procedure, transport facilities, and more.
The name “Srikalahasti” originates from the names of three mute creatures: Sri (a spider), Kala (a serpent) and Hasti (an elephant). This sacred site is famous for being the place where Lord Shiva granted salvation (moksha) to these three beings. The Shiva Linga here is known as the Vayu Linga this one is one of the Pancha Bhoota Lingas. It is a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Linga, and what makes it unique is the presence of an undying lamp (Akhanda Deepam) that flickers near the Linga, believed by devotees and priests to symbolize Lord Shiva’s breathing
An Overview Table of the Srikalahasthi Darshan
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Srikalahasti Temple (Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple) |
| Location | Srikalahasti, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Main Deity | Lord Shiva (Vayu Linga, representing air element) |
| Other Deities | Goddess Gnanaprasunambika (Parvati), Lord Ganesha, Subrahmanya |
| Established | Around 5th century AD, renovated in 12th century by Chola and Vijayanagara kings |
| Significance | One of five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams (air); famous for Rahu-Ketu pooja |
| Key Features | Self-manifested linga, Pathala Ganapati shrine, Kannappa story |
| Area Covered | ~5 acres with gopurams, courtyards, and Swarnamukhi River nearby |
| Major Festival | Maha Shivaratri (likely March 1, 2025, based on Hindu lunar calendar) |
| Other Festivals | Navratri, Karthikai Deepam, Brahmotsavam (February-March) |
| Annual Visitors | ~2 million devotees, with ~100,000 during Maha Shivaratri |
| Temple Timings | 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily (may extend during festivals) |
| Daily Hours | 15 hours (general); 24 hours during Maha Shivaratri |
| Entry Fee | Free for general darshan |
| Rahu-Ketu Pooja Cost | Rs 300–Rs 2,500 (based on seva type, e.g., basic, special, premium) |
| Other Seva Costs | Rs 50–Rs 5,000 (e.g., Archana Rs 50, Abhishekam Rs 500–1,500) |
| Distance from Tirupati | 38 km (23.6 miles, ~45 min by road) |
| Distance from Chennai | 120 km (74.6 miles, ~2.5 hours by road) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Srikalahasti Railway Station (~2 km from temple) |
| Nearest Airport | Tirupati Airport (~25 km, ~40 min by taxi) |
| Transport Options | Buses (Rs 30–50 from Tirupati), autos (Rs 100–200), taxis (Rs 500–1,000) |
| Accommodation | TTD guesthouses, private hotels (Rs 500–3,000/night); no TTD rooms in Srikalahasti |
| Facilities | Restrooms, footwear stands, prasadam counters, parking (free/limited) |
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What are the timings of the Srikalahasthi Temple Darshan
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Srikalahasti Temple (Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple) |
| Opening Time | 6:00 AM |
| Closing Time | 9:00 PM |
| Daily Hours | 15 hours (6:00 AM to 9:00 PM) |
| Open Days | Every day (7 days a week) |
| Special Hours | 24 hours during Maha Shivaratri (likely March 1, 2025) |
What are the Sevas and Darshans are available in the Temple
| Type | Name | Description | Timing (Approx.) | Cost (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darshan | General Darshan | Free viewing of Lord Shiva (Vayu Linga) and Goddess Gnanaprasunambika. | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Free |
| Darshan | Special Darshan | Priority access to deity for quicker darshan. | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM | 100 |
| Darshan | VIP Darshan | Faster entry with closer view, often for prominent devotees. | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM | 500 |
| Seva | Rahu-Ketu Pooja (Basic) | Ritual to remove astrological doshas, performed in mandapam. | 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM, 5 PM | 300 |
| Seva | Rahu-Ketu Pooja (Special) | Enhanced ritual with more offerings, near deity. | Same as basic | 600 |
| Seva | Rahu-Ketu Pooja (Premium) | Private ritual with gold/silver items, in sanctum area. | Same as basic | 1,500–2,500 |
| Seva | Suprabhata Seva | Morning wake-up ritual with chants and lamps. | 5:30 AM | 50–100 (donation) |
| Seva | Abhishekam (Rudrabhishekam) | Bathing linga with milk, curd, honey, etc., for blessings. | 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM | 500–1,500 |
| Seva | Archana | Chanting deity’s names with flowers and mantras. | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM | 50–100 |
| Seva | Sahasranama Archana | Reciting 1,000 names of Lord Shiva or Parvati. | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM | 200–300 |
| Seva | Kalyanotsavam | Ceremonial marriage of Shiva and Parvati. | Morning (varies) | 1,000–2,000 |
| Seva | Pradosha Pooja | Special worship during Pradosham (twice monthly, twilight). | Evening (5:30 PM) | 300–500 |
| Seva | Maha Shivaratri Special Pooja | Grand ritual during Maha Shivaratri with extended worship. | March 1, 2025 (all day) | 1,000–5,000 (est.) |
| Seva | Annadanam | Sponsoring free food for devotees. | Noon | 1,000+ (donation) |
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Contact Information
Address:
Sri Kalahastiswaraswamy Vari Devasthanam
Srikalahasti, Chittoor District
Andhra Pradesh – 517644(andhra temples, tirupatihelps.com)
Phone Numbers:
- 08578-222240
- 08578-221336
- 98859-74050(Vedadhara – A Spiritual Treasure, DHARMO RAKSHATI RAKSHITAHA, Go Tirupati)
Email:
Official Website: