Millions suffer from planetary doshas. Most never find the cure. You might be one of them.
Deep in Andhra Pradesh lies a temple so powerful that astrologers across India send their most desperate clients here. Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti is not just a ritual. It is a life-changing spiritual intervention performed at the sacred Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple, one of India’s five Pancha Bootha Sthalam shrines.
Whether you face career blocks, delayed marriage, or unexplained health issues, Rahu Ketu Pooja in Srikalahasti is the remedy that Vedic astrology prescribes most. This guide covers everything: Srikalahasti temple timings for Rahu Ketu Pooja, Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja cost and timings, and how to complete your Kalahasti Pooja booking without confusion or delay.
What Is Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti
Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti is one of the most powerful Graha Dosha Nivarana rituals in South India. It is performed at the Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple in Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh, dedicated to the Vayu Lingam, one of the five Pancha Bootha Sthalam shrines. Pilgrims from across India visit this sacred temple to seek relief from planetary afflictions caused by shadow planets Rahu and Ketu.
The temple houses a Swayambhu Lingam and is believed to be the only place where Rahu-Ketu Puja Srikalahasti rituals have maximum astrological potency. Performing the pooja here neutralises the Kalasarpa, Rahu, and Ketu Doshas at the source.
Kala Sarpa Dosha vs Rahu Ketu Pooja
Many pilgrims confuse these two rituals. Here is a clear comparison:
| Feature | Kala Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Puja | Rahu Ketu Pooja |
| Purpose | All planets between Rahu and Ketu | Individual Rahu or Ketu affliction |
| Who needs it | Horoscope with all planets in the Rahu-Ketu axis | Those with specific Rahu Dosha or Ketu Dosha |
| Duration | 2 to 3 hours | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Ideal timing | Amavasya, Purnima, eclipses | Any day, especially Saturday and Wednesday |
| Cost range | Higher ticket slabs | Starts from ₹300 |
Both are performed at the Mandapam inside the temple and require advance Pratyaksha Seva Tickets.
Who Should Perform Rahu Ketu Pooja
You should perform this pooja if your horoscope shows:
- Rahu or Ketu in the 1st, 7th, or 12th house
- Repeated career obstacles or financial instability
- Delayed marriage or relationship problems
- Health issues without a clear medical cause
- Negative Janma Nakshatra or Janma Rashi planetary positions
This ritual is suitable for individuals, couples, and families seeking planetary dosha relief.
Rahu Ketu Pooja Benefits at Kalahasti Temple
The Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti benefits extend across multiple life areas. Devotees report visible changes in career growth, marriage prospects, and mental peace after performing the ritual. The temple’s divine energy, combined with Vedic chanting, amplifies the effect of each seva.
Key benefits include:
- Marriage dosha remedy and removal of relationship blocks
- Career obstacles removal and professional stability
- Financial stability puja results within weeks to months
- Health dosha nivarana for unexplained chronic issues
- Protection from malefic effects during Rahu Kalam periods
- Relief from the repercussions of the solar and lunar eclipse puja
Rahu Ketu Pooja Timings in Kalahasti 2026
The Srikalahasti Temple opens early and conducts sevas throughout the day. The Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti timings are fixed by the temple administration and vary slightly on festival days like Maha Shivaratri Puja and Amavasya Puja. Always confirm current timings on the AP Temples portal before travel.
Daily Rahu Ketu Pooja Timings 2026
| Session | Timings |
| Morning Session 1 | 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM |
| Morning Session 2 | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
| Afternoon Session | 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM |
| Evening Session | 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Night Session | 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM |
Pooja typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours per session. Arrive 30 minutes early with your printed ticket and ID proof.
Best Days for Rahu Ketu Pooja Kalahasti
The best day for Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti depends on your birth chart, but general auspicious days are:
- Saturday: Most powerful for Rahu Dosha remedy
- Wednesday: Ideal for Ketu Dosha removal
- Amavasya (New Moon): Peak energy for Kalasarpa Dosha Nivarana Puja
- Purnima (Full Moon): Beneficial for overall Graha Dosha Nivarana
- Solar and lunar eclipses: Rare but extremely potent dates
- Maha Shivaratri: Highest footfall and divine significance
Avoid performing the pooja on auspicious Hindu marriage dates if you want shorter wait times.
Rahu Kalam Timings: Day-Wise Table
Rahu Kalam is the most auspicious window for performing this pooja each day.
| Day | Rahu Kalam |
| Sunday | 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Monday | 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM |
| Tuesday | 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM |
| Thursday | 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM |
Note: Times are approximate for Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh and vary by 10 to 15 minutes seasonally.
Rahu Ketu Pooja Ticket Price Kalahasti 2026
The Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti price is officially fixed by the AP Endowments Department. Tickets are available both online via the AP Temples portal and at the counter near Gate No. 4, Srikalahasti. Booking in advance is strongly recommended for weekends and auspicious days.
All Ticket Tiers and Mandapam Comparison
| Ticket Type | Price | Facility |
| General Seva (Single) | ₹300 | Open Mandapam |
| Couple Ticket Puja | ₹600 | Open Mandapam |
| Special Seva | ₹1,116 | Covered Mandapam |
| VIP Seva | ₹2,500 | AC Hall Puja Kalahasti |
| Premium Seva | ₹5,000 | Private AC Hall, priest assistance |
Srikalahasti temple ticket price varies based on Mandapam type and number of devotees. The AC hall puja Kalahasti option provides a calm, air-conditioned environment with personalised attention from the priest.
What Pooja Samagri Is Included in the Ticket
Each ticket includes the following items provided by the temple:
- Silver idol of Rahu and Ketu (used during pooja)
- Flowers, turmeric, and kumkum
- Coconut and banana (naivedyam)
- Dhoop and camphor
- Sacred ash (vibhuti) and prasadam
Pilgrims do not need to bring any samagri from outside. The temple provides everything required for the complete Kalahasti temple puja procedure.
Dress Code Rules Inside Kalahasti Temple
The Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti dress code is strictly enforced. Follow these rules to avoid entry denial:
- Men must wear a dhoti (veshti) or a mundu. Lungis and shorts are not allowed.
- Women must wear a saree or a salwar kameez. Jeans and sleeveless tops are prohibited.
- Rental dhotis are available near Gate No. 4, Srikalahasti, for ₹20 to ₹50.
- Remove footwear before entering the temple premises.
- Mobile phones must be in silent mode inside the sanctum.
Dakshina and Donation Tips
Dakshina is a voluntary offering given to the priest after the pooja. A reasonable amount is ₹100 to ₹500, depending on the seva type. Do not feel pressured to give more than you are comfortable with. Donations to the temple hundi (donation box) are separate and entirely optional.
Scams to Avoid at Kalahasti Temple
Be alert to these common issues reported by pilgrims:
- Unauthorised priests outside the temple offering discounted poojas
- Fake ticket sellers near the bus stand and main road
- Overcharging for prasadam or samagri near the temple entrance
- Touts promising faster darshan for cash payments
Always book Pratyaksha Seva Tickets only through the official AP Temples portal or the temple’s own counter.
How Rahu Ketu Pooja Is Performed
The Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti follows a traditional Vedic procedure supervised by temple priests. Understanding the ritual helps you participate with full devotion. Each step is designed to invoke planetary grace and neutralise Rahu Dosha and Ketu Dosha systematically.
Step-by-Step Pooja Procedure at Mandapam
- Report to the designated Mandapam with your printed ticket and ID
- Collect pooja samagri from the temple counter
- The priest begins with Ganapathi Homam (invocation)
- Rahu and Ketu silver idols are placed on a sacred platform
- Nakshatra-based chanting using your Janma Nakshatra and Janma Rashi details
- Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the silver idols with milk, honey, and turmeric
- Archana with flowers and dhoop
- A priest ties a sacred thread (raksha) on your wrist
- Prasadam is distributed, and pooja concludes
The entire process takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on crowd size.
Silver Idol Placement and Hundi After Pooja
After the pooja, the silver Rahu and Ketu idols are not taken home by the devotee. The priest places them in the temple hundi (donation box) as part of the ritual. This is a standard procedure and not an error. Some pilgrims mistakenly try to carry the idols home, which is against temple rules.
Dos and Don’ts Before Rahu Ketu Pooja
Dos:
- Take a bath before visiting the temple (yes, you should take a bath after Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti too, as a cleansing ritual)
- Fast partially or fully on the day of pooja
- Carry your horoscope or birth details for the priest
- Reach the Mandapam at least 20 minutes before your slot
Don’ts:
- Do not consume non-vegetarian food or alcohol 24 hours before the pooja
- Do not wear black or white clothing (prefer yellow, orange, or red)
- Do not carry leather items inside the temple
How to Book Rahu Ketu Pooja Online 2026
Srikalahasti temple Rahu Ketu Pooja online booking is available 24/7 through the official AP Temples portal. Online booking is strongly recommended to avoid long queues, especially on auspicious days. The Srikalahasti temple sevas online booking system is straightforward and takes less than 10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Online Booking Guide
- Visit the official AP Temples portal: [aptemples.ap.gov.in]
- Click on “Srikalahasti Temple” under featured temples
- Select “Pratyaksha Seva Tickets” from the seva menu
- Choose “Rahu Ketu Puja” from the seva list
- Select your preferred date, session, and ticket tier
- Enter devotee details, including Janma Rashi and Janma Nakshatra
- Pay online via UPI, debit card, or net banking
- Download and print your confirmation slip
Srikalahasti temple Rahu Ketu Pooja tickets online booking confirms your slot instantly. Cancellation is available up to 48 hours before the scheduled date.
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What Details Do You Need for Booking
Keep the following ready before starting your booking:
- Full name as per Aadhaar card
- Mobile number and email ID
- Birth date, Janma Nakshatra, and Janma Rashi
- Number of devotees (individual or couple ticket puja)
- Preferred date and session timing
- Valid photo ID for verification at the temple
After Pooja: Darshan and Goddess Visit
After completing the Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti, devotees proceed for the main deity darshan of Sri Kalahasteeswara and then visit the Goddess shrine inside the temple complex. This, after the Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti visit, is considered an essential part of the pilgrimage. The divine sequence of rituals completes the spiritual journey.
Annadanam and Temple Food at Kalahasti
The temple offers free Annadanam (community meal) to all pilgrims on most days. The meal typically includes rice, sambar, rasam, and sweets. Annadanam timings are usually from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Pilgrims are requested to maintain cleanliness and not waste food. Temple accommodation is also available for devotees who wish to stay overnight near the shrine.
How to Reach Srikalahasti Temple
Srikalahasti Temple, Andhra Pradesh, is well connected by road, rail, and air. The temple is located about 36 km from Tirupati, making it an easy day trip or combo pilgrimage for most visitors. The town of Srikalahasti has good infrastructure for pilgrims arriving from across India.
Nearest Railway Station and Airport
| Mode | Details | Distance |
| Railway Station | Srikalahasti Railway Station (KLH) | 2 km from the temple |
| Nearest Airport | Tirupati Airport (TIR) | 38 km |
| Major City Airport | Chennai International Airport | 130 km |
Trains from Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore stop at Srikalahasti Railway Station regularly. The Tirupati Airport has direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
Bus, Cab, and Auto Options from Tirupati
- APSRTC Bus: Regular service from Tirupati Bus Stand every 30 minutes (₹40 to ₹60)
- Shared Cab: Available from Tirupati Railway Station (₹80 to ₹120 per seat)
- Private Cab: ₹800 to ₹1,200 for round trip from Tirupati
- Auto Rickshaw: Available for local travel within Srikalahasti town (₹50 to ₹150)
Budget Breakdown for Kalahasti Pooja Trip
Planning your budget helps you avoid surprises. Here is a typical cost estimate for a 1-night, 2-day Kalahasti pooja trip from Tirupati:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
| Rahu Ketu Puja ticket (couple) | ₹600 to ₹5,000 |
| Transport (round trip from Tirupati) | ₹160 to ₹1,200 |
| Budget hotel (1 night) | ₹600 to ₹1,500 |
| Meals (2 days) | ₹300 to ₹800 |
| Dakshina and donations | ₹100 to ₹500 |
| Miscellaneous (dhoti rental, prasadam) | ₹100 to ₹300 |
| Total Estimate | ₹1,860 to ₹9,300 |
Accommodation Near Srikalahasti Temple
Several hotel and guesthouse options are available within 1 km of the temple. Temple accommodation is also provided by the Endowments Department for pilgrims at subsidised rates.
Budget vs Premium Hotel Options
| Category | Options | Price per Night |
| Budget | Guesthouses near Gate No. 4, Srikalahasti | ₹400 to ₹900 |
| Mid-Range | Sri Residency, Hotel Kalahasti Inn | ₹900 to ₹2,000 |
| Premium | Hotels with AC, attached bath, breakfast | ₹2,000 to ₹4,500 |
| Temple Accommodation | Endowments Department rooms | ₹150 to ₹500 |
Book accommodation at least 2 to 3 days in advance for weekends and auspicious days.
Nearby Temples to Visit with Kalahasti
Srikalahasti is located near several major pilgrimage sites. Combine your trip for a complete spiritual itinerary:
- Tirupati (Tirumala): 36 km. One of the richest and most visited temples in the world.
- Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple: 48 km. Famous Ganesha temple with a growing Swayambhu idol.
- Vedagirishwara Temple (Pakala): 30 km. Ancient Shiva temple on a hilltop.
- Kalyana Venkateswara Temple (Srinivasa Mangapuram): 35 km. Unique marriage form of Lord Vishnu.
A two-day itinerary covering Srikalahasti and Tirupati is the most popular combo trip in Andhra Pradesh.
Srikalahasti Temple Timings and Daily Rituals
| Ritual | Timing |
| Temple Opening | 5:30 AM |
| Thiruvanandal (Morning Ritual) | 6:00 AM |
| Abhishekam | 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM |
| Noon Seva | 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
| Evening Alankaram | 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Night Seva | 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM |
| Temple Closing | 9:00 PM |
The temple remains open all 7 days, including public holidays. On Maha Shivaratri puja and Amavasya puja days, the temple operates extended hours from 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which day is good for Rahu Ketu pooja in Kalahasti?
Saturday is the best day for Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti for Rahu Dosha. Wednesday suits Ketu Dosha. Amavasya and Purnima offer peak astrological benefits.
How much does Rahu Ketu pooja cost in Srikalahasti?
Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti costs between ₹300 for general seva and ₹5,000 for a premium AC hall. Couple ticket puja starts at ₹600.
Which temple is famous for Rahu Ketu pooja?
Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple in Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh, is India’s most famous temple for Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti and Kalasarpa Dosha Nivarana rituals.
What is the process of Rahu Ketu pooja in Srikalahasti?
Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti involves silver idol placement, Nakshatra-based chanting, abhishekam, archana, and raksha thread tying, completing in 60 to 90 minutes.
Which colour to wear for Rahu Ketu pooja?
For Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti, wear yellow, orange, or red clothing. Avoid black and white. Temple dress code requires a dhoti for men and a saree for women.
Do we need to take a bath after Rahu Ketu pooja in Sri Kalahasti?
Yes, taking a bath after Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti is recommended as a cleansing ritual to complete the spiritual purification process properly.
Conclusion
Rahu Ketu Pooja in Kalahasti is one of the most effective Graha Dosha remedies in India. Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple performs this powerful ritual daily, with srikalahasti temple timings for Rahu Ketu Pooja starting from 6:00 AM across five sessions. Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja cost ranges from ₹300 to ₹5,000 depending on your chosen Mandapam.
Saturday and Amavasya are the most auspicious days for maximum planetary relief. Complete your Kalahasti Pooja booking in advance through the official AP Temples portal to secure your preferred slot. Wear yellow or orange, carry your birth details, and arrive 30 minutes early. This pilgrimage delivers real spiritual and astrological transformation when performed with sincerity.