Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple stands in Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh, is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kalahasteeswara, with Gnana Prasunambika Devi; the lingam here represents the element of air (Vayu). It is also known as Srikalahasti Temple, Dakshina Kailasam, Rahu-Ketu Kshetra.
One of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams and the most important Rahu-Ketu Kshetra in India, drawing devotees from across the country for the Rahu-Ketu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Puja. Also revered as Dakshina Kailasam, the Kailash of the south. Srikalahasti takes its name from three devotees said to have worshipped the lingam here: Sri the spider, Kala the serpent and Hasti the elephant.
Andhra Pradesh carries a distinct temple identity of its own: Home to Tirumala, the world's most-visited pilgrimage centre, alongside ancient hill shrines and Shakti Peethas along the Krishna and the Eastern Ghats.
Darshan hours and daily worship
| Session | Timing (as published) |
|---|---|
| Morning | 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM |
| Evening | 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
The published darshanam window is 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, applying to Seeghra Darshanam, Special Entrance and Antaralaya Darshanam alike. Rahu-Ketu Puja is conducted 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Antaralaya Darshanam requires traditional dress.
Poojas and daily rituals
Rahu-Ketu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Puja through the day, 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Akhanda Deeparadhana at 6:00 AM, Nithyotsavam at 8:30 AM and Rudra Homam around 10:30 AM. Abhishekams, Sahasra Nama Archana and Sarpa Dosha pujas are bookable at the temple and online.
Festivals and special-day timings
Regular darshan hours are usually extended, or set aside entirely, on these dates.
| Festival | Period | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam | February/March | A multi-day festival, the temple's largest, with processions and night-long worship. |
| Sri Gnana Prasunambika Devi Kalyanotsavam | Varies | The ceremonial wedding of the goddess, a major annual event. |
History and architecture
Architecture
Dravidian temple built against a hillside on the Swarnamukhi river, with a towering rajagopuram, carved mandapams and a sanctum whose inner lamp flickers constantly, taken as the presence of the air element
History
Srikalahasti takes its name from three devotees said to have worshipped the lingam here: Sri the spider, Kala the serpent and Hasti the elephant. It is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, the five temples representing the elements, and the Vayu Sthalam among them. The temple is also the principal centre in India for Rahu-Ketu propitiation.
Planning your visit
How to reach
Srikalahasti, Tirupati district, about 36 km from Tirupati and 20 km from Renigunta. Srikalahasti has its own railway station; Tirupati Airport (Renigunta) is roughly 20 km. Frequent buses run from Tirupati.
Where this information comes from
Confidence: High. Darshan windows and ticket prices taken from the temple's own darshanam page, which publishes the same 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM window for every darshan class.