Srikalahasti Temple also popular as ‘Dakshina Kailasam’ is located in the Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the most famous Shiva temples and is close to the Lord Balaji Temple. It is counted among one of the ‘Pancha Bhoota Stalams’ that celebrate Lord Shiva as the personification of the primary elements. Rahu Ketu Pooja is most famously performed here.
Srikalahasti Temple – Facts
Deity | Lord Srikalahasti (Lord Shiva) |
Location | Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh |
Significance | Pancha Bhoota Stalams |
Entry Fee | Free |
Darshan Timings | 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
Poojas | Rahu Ketu Pooja |
Best Time to Visit | October to March |
Festivals | Shravan, Shivratri |
Pancha Bhoota Stalams | Jambukeswarar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Chidambaram Nataraja, Arunachalam Temple |
What are the timings of Srikalahasti Temple?
Timings | From | To |
---|---|---|
Darshan | 6 AM | 9 PM |
The Prasad costs Rs 10 for Laddu, Pulihora, and Vada. While each Jalebi costs Rs 15, the Mahanivedanaladdu laddu is available for Rs 50. Hence, a pilgrim can take his pick of these options and cherish the unique taste as well.
What are some of the poojas and rituals at Srikalahasti Temple?

Some of the poojas and rituals that take place at Srikalahasti temple are:
- The priest performs the Rahu Kethu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Puja in the temple from 6 AM to 7 PM on all days except for Maha Shivaratri. A large number of pilgrims belief that the most auspicious days to observe this puja is on an Amavasya day in a calendar month or Sunday Amavasya.
- The Unjal Seva is a special service to the Lord and the Goddess on every full moon day. In this puja, the deities adorned with precious ornaments for seven weeks. The pilgrims make an endowment of Rs 5000 and in this Seva, the devotees offer service to the God and the Goddess with their own hands.
- Nandi Seva is another service which the visitors offer by paying Rs 6500. It can take place on any day and Abhishekam is in their name besides giving tirtha and annaprasadas.
- Abhishekam refers to ‘Bathing the Lingam’. It is the most important ritual of the temple along with the daily prayers. Abhishekams are performed four times in a day and signify the act of cleansing and singing melodious hymns praising the Lord.
- Panchakarpur refers to paste comprising camphor, water, honey, milk and is the most important Abhishekam. Rudra Abhishekam refers to bathing the Lord with milk and camphor and chanting mantras and prayers. Pala Abhishekam signifies bathing the Lord with milk and Panchamrutha Abhishekam is offered to both the Lord and Gnana Pransunambika.
What is the significance of Srikalahasti Temple?

The significance of the temple is that the Linga is white in colour and even the priest does not touch it. This ancient temple is also considered as the Kailash of the South or Dakshin Kailash.
The element of Air is signified by this temple while the other four are associated with Tiruvannamalai (fire), Chidambaram (space), Tiruvanaikkaval (water) and Kanchipuram (earth).
Srikalahasti Temple has two major shrines for Lord Shiva and Parvati. A small shrine, Dakshinamurthy, is for the Guru of Lord Shiva. Additionally, there are many other deities for Venkateswara, Vinayaka, Nataraja, Surya and replica of Lingas of famous Shiva temples from all over India.
Pallava dynasty started Srikalahasti Temple’s construction during the 5th century. The Chola and Vijayanagara kings provided great assistance to the development of this temple. Around the 10th century, the Chola kings renovated the main shrine and constructed the main temple.
According to beliefs, Lord Shiva appeared in this place to Bhakta Markandeya. He taught him that a Guru alone can preach divine understandings and is hence the Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara.
Three hills surround the Srikalahasti Temple – Durgambika in the north, Kannappar in the south and Kumaraswamy in the east. This famous pilgrimage destination is along the banks of the Swarnamukhi River.
The Temple Trust consists of fifteen members and Sri Guravaiah Naidu is the Trust Board Chairman of this temple.
Srikalahasti Temple offers free bus service from the temple premises to the railway station and the bus stand as well. All the pilgrims can avail this facility without bearing any cost.
Srikalahasti Temple is the only temple which remains open irrespective of the Solar or Lunar eclipses.
What is the history of Srikalahasti Temple?

The most prominent legend of history of the temple is about the strong devotion of the spider Sri, the snake Kala and the elephant Hasti. The elephant used to clean the deity by pouring river water from his trunks and praying with Bilva leaves. The spider protected the Shiva lingam by weaving his web. While the snake placed a precious gem on the linga to decorate God.
One day there a fight occurred among the three as the elephant cleaned the linga where the snake and the spider placed gem and built the cob. While the snake died by entering the elephant’s trunk, the elephant died by hitting its trunk and head against the linga. The spider also died. Pleased with their selfless devotion, Lord Shiva associated their names with the Vayulinga. The place is hence Srikalahasteeswara.
It is also a belief that Rahu and Ketu, two of the nine planets in Indian Astrology offered their prayers at this famous temple.
Another legend refers to Goddess Parvati’s curse. Lord Shiva cursed Parvati to discard her heavenly body to take a human form. Parvati penanced here to get rid of the curse. Hence, eventually, Lord Shiva recreated her body using various mantras like the Panchakshari. Parvati then became popular as Gnana Prasunamba or Gnana Prasunambika Devi.
A ghost named Ghanakala also prayed here for 15 years following a curse. After he recited Bhairava Mantra many times, Lord Shiva regained her original form. Lord Shiva tested the devotion of Thinnadu before the sages accumulated at Srikalahasti. Shiva created a tremor that caused the top of the roof to fall.
What is the structure of Srikalahasti Temple?
Srikalahasti Temple is a remarkable Shiva temple. It consists of a huge and ancient entrance tower (gopuram) over the main entrance. This tower is 120ft high and is carved out from a huge stone hill. The Vijayanagara king, Krishnadevaraya in 1516 constructed the 100 pillar mandapam and the gopuram.
A lamp is presented inside the inner sanctum which flickers constantly without any air movement. One can clearly observe it when the priest closes the entrance of the main deity room that has no windows.
Which festivals are celebrated at Srikalahasti Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Srikalahasti temple are:
- The Mahasivaratri Brahmotsava is the most important and auspicious festival of the temple. There are innumerable devotees who gather in the temple during this time. This 12 days festival is celebrated during the Kartik month on an annual basis. Mahasivaratri, Nandi Seva, Lingodbhavam, Rathotsavam, Teppotsavam, Sri Swami-Ammavarla Kalyanotsavam, Palki Seva are some of the most vital aspects of this festival.
- The Aadi Krithika festival is for the worship of Lord Kumaraswamy as it is his power day. The Krithika star day of the Aadi month marks for a rejuvenating occasion to rebuild one’s positive energy. Pilgrims gather at the Vignana Giri to worship during this festival.
- Kedaari Gowri Vratham is celebrated on Diwali at the temple premises. Thousands of women gather in this temple every year to worship Ammavaru. People wear new clothes, lit lamps and seek blessings during this event.
On occasions such as Brahmosavams, Vijayadasami, New Year, Ugadi, Ekadashi and Mukkoti, pilgrims from surrounding places pay a visit to this temple.
What is the Nitya Annadana Scheme?
The Nitya Annadana Scheme provides free food to the devotees who visit this temple. An average of 200 pilgrims is fed on a daily basis under this plan. Moreover, it is in the name of the donor who can contribute any amount over Rs 1116.
Every year on the day of the donor’s choice, annadanam is provided by using the interest derived from the endowment. People who donate Rs 1000 are Poshakas, Rs 25000 are Raja Poshakas and those who donate Rs 50000 are Maharaja Poshakas. The donations can be sent to the Executive Officer of the temple by way of a demand draft that can be drawn from any bank.
How to reach Srikalahasti Temple?
Here’s how to reach Srikalahasti temple:
- Air: The easiest way to reach this temple by air is Tirupati Airport.
- Rail: Sri Kalahasti railway station is the nearest to the temple and it is on the Tirupati-Vijayawada broad gauge rail route.
- Road: Both KSRTC and APSRTC operate buses during the day and night.
Where to stay near Srikalahasti Temple?
There are many guest houses near the Srikalahasteeswara Temple where one can stay. From affordable single to double and dormitory, there are a variety of options for accommodation. One can also book air-conditioned rooms as per their requirement. There are also multiple luxury hotels with world-class modern facilities.
Where to eat near Srikalahasti Temple?
There are many restaurants and small eatery joints in the surrounding area of the Srikalahasteeswara Temple. One can taste authentic Indian food at a decent price. Also, for people looking out for international cuisines, Andhra Pradesh offers exotic restaurants that provide an array of delicacies to suit one’s taste buds.
What are some of the temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Srikalahasti temple are:
- Sri Subrahmanya Swami Temple: It is on the northeastern side and is one of the important destinations for people who visit the Srikalahasteeswara shrine.
- Bhakta Kannappa Temple: This shrine is for Bhakta Kannappa and is on Kailasagiri. It is on the eastern side of the Srikalahasteeswara temple.
- Durgamma Temple: This is on the hillock northern direction of the temple.
- Sri Prasanna Varadaraja Swami Temple: This temple stands near to the Srikalahasteeswara Swamy temple as an epitome of religious harmony.
- Panchamukheswaram: This auspicious shrine is both significant and rare in its own right. This temple of Lord Siva is unique and of great importance next to that of Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Srikalahasti Temple
Yes, the Srikalahasti Temple is open all 365 days of the year.
The entry to the Srikalahasti Temple is free of cost.
No. There is no facility for online darshan available.
No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.
The summers in Chittoor starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 42 º C.
In Chittoor, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 30 º C. The weather during this time is warm and pleasant.
If you have any questions about The Srikalahasti Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.
Kalyan Roy says
Is there a place inside the temple to keep our luggage safe before Rahu Ketu Puja. What should be fasting before worship? After the puja, take a bath and wash all the clothes and bring them home. Or throw it away. Is there provision of prasad / food in the temple after the puja? Since we will return home by train, can we eat non-vegetarian food on the road? Please tell seventy.
Ganesh says
Is there any 4 guru shrine inside temple. It is said that these 4 gurus were instrumental in bringing this temple.
ವರುಣ .ಬಿ.ಎಸ್ says
ಕಾಲಸರ್ಪ ದೋಷ ಪೂಜೆಗೆ ಎಷ್ಟು ಜನರಿಗೇ {ಒಂದು ಕುಟುಂಬ 3ಜನ }ಅವಕಾಶ ವಿದೆ, ಮತ್ತು ಮುಂಚಿನ ಕಾದಿರಿಸಿದ ಅವಕಾಶ ವಿದೆಯೆ.ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ತಗುಲುವ ವೆಚ್ಚ.
ಅವಕಾಶ ನಿಗದಿತ ಸಮಯ, ಮತ್ತು ಸಮಯಾವಕಾಶ,
ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಉಳಿದು ಕೊಳುವ {ಪೂಜಾಸಮಯದಲಿ} ಅವಕಾಶ ತಿಳಿಸುವಿರಾ.? ಪೂಜಾ ಸಮಯ 21ರ ಶನಿವಾರ 2023
ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳೂಂದಿಗೇ ?
Deepak Sutar says
What clothes should wearing in temple
Puja shrii says
I have one small question what is the coast of Naga dosham pooja any large amount ya small and wich hour’s can doing that pooja
Srinivas T says
Hi Team,
Thanks for such detailed information that your maintaining!!
Could you clarify the below doubts:
1. What is the cost for performing Rahu Ketu pooja in the temple?
2. After performing the Rahu Ketu pooja in the temple, can we carry God’s vigrahas or photos/ any other things home from that place!?
3. Can we visit any other temple like Kanipakam after performing the Rahu Ketu pooja.
4. What is the minimum charges for accommodation near the temple.
Thank you.
Saurav Kumar says
Average time taking for darshanam in shreekalahasti temple
Selvarani says
Is there any corona restriction for Ragu Kethu Pooja in Srikalahasti Temple, dates from 02.09.2021 – 30.09.2021. Is the temple open above mentioned period.
Rage Kethu Pooja held or not in that period.
Ranjitha says
Namaste sir, after performing the rahu kethu pooja in temple, can we carry God’s vigrahas or photos to home from that place!?
Ranjitha says
Namaste sir, after rahu kethu pooja happened there in temple can we buy any things like vigrahas gods photos etc in the temple ground!
V.srinivasan says
Is there any kala bairavar sannithi in kalakasthi temple inside?
LAXMINARAYANA says
Kuja Dosha pooja is available or not??
Pavithra says
Sir, In sundays..is allowed for Sarbah Santhi Poojas.
Rukmini Nandi says
What is the ticket cost of kalyanotsavam?and when will it celebrated? I need full details along with time
Manivannan says
what is the temple Darsan timings on Saturday ?
Temple will be closed after 12 noon ?
Raju says
Gnana prasanabika amma abhishekam timings dates
Rukmini Nandi says
The abhishekam will held 3 times a day
Palabhishekam,rudrabhishekam,panchamrithabhishelam each abhishekam costs 500rupees per person and 1st abhishekam-5:am to 6:am,2nd abhishekam 10:am-11:am and 3rd abhishekam 6:pm-7:pm
Seetharamu Prakash says
Respected sir/madam.
I would like to donate on line for the temple pls lsend me the link or how do I donate.
Sasidhar Darla says
For any donations you must contact the temple administration directly