Srikalahasti Temple is one of the most important Shiva temples in India, known for its powerful Rahu-Ketu Pooja. This temple is famous for removing doshas (planetary defects), especially those related to Rahu and Ketu, which cause delays, obstacles, and struggles in life. Devotees from across India and beyond visit Srikalahasti to perform this special pooja and seek divine blessings.
What is Rahu-Ketu Pooja
In Vedic astrology, Rahu and Ketu are considered shadow planets that do not have a physical presence but influence the lives of people based on their positioning in one’s birth chart. These planets are believed to cause:
- Obstacles in career
- Marital issues
- Financial struggles
- Health problems
- Delay in childbirth
When these planets are negatively placed, they can cause a dosha (flaw) in one’s life, leading to several challenges. The Rahu-Ketu Pooja at Srikalahasti Temple is believed to neutralize the harmful effects of these planets and bring relief, success, and prosperity.
The Significance of Rahu and Ketu in Srikalahasti Temple
Srikalahasti is one of the few temples where the Rahu-Ketu Pooja is performed with great devotion and importance. Here’s why it is significant:
Power of Lord Shiva
Srikalahasti Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Vayu Lingam (Air element). Lord Shiva’s blessings are considered highly powerful in this temple, and performing the pooja here is believed to be highly effective in mitigating the negative effects of Rahu and Ketu.
The Unique Energy of Vayu Lingam
The temple is considered one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing the five elements, and Vayu (Air) is associated with the planetary influence of Rahu and Ketu. The air element is believed to help balance the energies caused by these shadow planets.
Connection with the Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Rahu and Ketu are linked with eclipses. The temple is especially revered during times of eclipses when the sun and moon are aligned with the Rahu and Ketu axes. During this time, performing the pooja is believed to offer powerful results.
Rahu-Ketu Pooja Procedure at Srikalahasti Temple
The Rahu-Ketu Pooja is conducted in a systematic and sacred manner. Here’s how it is performed:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Buy a Pooja Ticket
- Tickets are available inside the temple. (Price details are below)
- Sit in the Pooja Mandapam
- The temple has a dedicated hall where pooja is performed in batches.
- Pooja Begins with Sankalpam (Oath)
- Priests guide devotees to take a sankalpam (pledge) for the ritual.
- Rituals with Special Idols
- Silver idols of Rahu and Ketu are used for the pooja.
- Priests chant powerful Vedic mantras to invoke blessings.
- Offerings to Rahu and Ketu
- Flowers, turmeric, kumkum, and black gram are used in the ritual.
- Final Prayers & Disposal of Idols
- After the pooja, the silver Rahu-Ketu idols are dropped in the temple well as per tradition.
- Shiva Darshan
- After the pooja, devotees must visit Lord Shiva’s sanctum and pray.
- Avoid visiting any other temple on the same day for better results.
Also Read: Experience Mangalagiri Temple A Blend of Faith and Culture
Best Time to Perform Rahu-Ketu Pooja
The pooja can be performed any day, but the most effective days are:
📅 Tuesdays, Sundays, and Saturdays – Considered powerful for overcoming Rahu-Ketu effects.
📅 During Rahu Kalam – The best time slot for the pooja. Rahu Kalam timings:
| Day | Rahu Kalam Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Tuesday | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Thursday | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Sunday | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM |
Rahu-Ketu Pooja Ticket Price at Srikalahasti Temple
The temple offers different ticket categories based on seating and facilities.
| Ticket Price | Facilities |
|---|---|
| ₹500 | Common seating |
| ₹750 | Near the main mandapam |
| ₹1,500 | Closer to the priest |
| ₹2,500 | Special pooja with additional rituals |
| ₹5,000 | VIP Pooja with personalized attention |
💡 Pro Tip: It is recommended to choose ₹750 or ₹1,500 tickets for a peaceful experience.
Benefits of Rahu-Ketu Pooja
The Rahu-Ketu Pooja at Srikalahasti Temple is believed to provide several benefits, such as:
- Relief from Doshas – Clears Rahu-Ketu doshas and removes obstacles caused by the planets.
- Positive Influence – Creates positive energies and restores balance in one’s life.
- Health Benefits – Offers spiritual healing and improves overall well-being.
- Career Growth – Helps in career progress and removes obstacles related to job or business.
- Marital Harmony – Provides relief from delays in marriage or issues in marital life.
- Childbirth – Increases the chances of conceiving a child for couples facing difficulties.
Things to Remember Before Performing Rahu-Ketu Pooja
- Fasting is NOT required, but eat light food before the pooja.
- No need to bring any items – Everything is provided by the temple.
- Wear traditional clothes (Men: Dhoti/Kurta; Women: Saree/Salwar).
- Pregnant women should avoid performing this pooja.
- Do not visit other temples after the pooja for best results.
How to Reach Srikalahasti Temple?
📍 Location: Srikalahasti, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India
✈️ By Air:
- The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport (40 km away).
- From Tirupati, buses and taxis are available.
🚆 By Train:
- Srikalahasti Railway Station is 2 km from the temple.
- Trains from Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Tirupati stop here.
🚌 By Road:
- Tirupati to Srikalahasti: 40 km (1-hour journey)
- Chennai to Srikalahasti: 120 km (3-hour journey)
- Bangalore to Srikalahasti: 210 km (5-hour journey)
Conclusion
Performing Rahu-Ketu Pooja at Srikalahasti Temple is a powerful way to remove planetary doshas and bring peace, prosperity, and success. Whether you are facing career delays, financial troubles, or personal struggles, this pooja can help you overcome them. Plan your visit, follow the correct rituals, and experience the divine blessings of Lord Shiva!
🙏 May Lord Shiva bless you with happiness and success! 🙏
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
A: No, tickets are available at the temple counters.
A: The entire ritual takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
A: Effects vary for each person, but most devotees see positive changes within a few months.
A: Yes, you can perform it for family members if they cannot visit.
A: It is a ritual performed to alleviate the negative effects of the planets Rahu and Ketu in one’s horoscope.
