Srikalahasti
Discover Srikalahasti
Srikalahasti is located near the pilgrimage town of Tirupati and is visited by thousands of pilgrims. This temple is also associated with Rahu and Ketu of the nine grahams or celestial bodies in the Indian astrological scheme, also known as the moon's nodes in astronomical terms. Srikalahasti is a temple town. It's about 38 km from Tirupati, The ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Sri Kalahastheeswara) and his consort Parvathi (as Gnanaprasunambika) is one of the Panchabootha Sthalams meaning the temple celebrates Lord Shiva as the embodiment of the primary elements (Fire, Space, Water, Earth, Air), Air being the element here. The temple is also associated with Rahu and Ketu. According to the legend, Lord Brahma was asked by the Lord to create the beautiful and enticing hills of Kailasa. As Brahma was struggling with the task, a piece fell on earth and in the south, and thus was called Dakshina Kailasam.
What to Experience in Srikalahasti
Taste of Srikalahasti...
There are a number of private and government guest houses. All these accommodations have limited amenities. Preference should be given to hygiene stay rather than luxury, as the later is not available around the temple. Generally, you will not be staying here for a long time. A day's visit with an overnight stay should be sufficient.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Srikalahasti into what it is today.
The temple dates back to over 2000 years ago. The structure of the temple was built by the Cholas and improvements were made by other Chola kings and rulers of the Vijayanagara kings. The Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara rulers have made several endowments to this temple. The temple is built adjoining the Durgamma hill to the north, Kannappa hill to the south and Kumaraswamy hill to the east. The closest airport to the city is Tirupati Airport, which is just 25 km away. There are daily flights from Hyderabad, Delhi and Bangalore. Tirupati is perhaps the most convenient base for visiting Kalahasti as it is endowed with several modern lodging facilities. There is a railway station at Sri Kalahasthi. There are trains from Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Kolkata. The closest railway junction is Renigunta and all trains plying between Chennai and Mumbai stop at Renigunta. Renigunta is just 25 km away from Srikalahasthi. It takes about 5 hours by road to get to Tirupati from Bangalore. Both KSRTC and APSRTC operate buses during the day and night. It's about 3 hours by road from Chennai. Both TNSRTC and APSRTC operate buses during the day and night....
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe closest airport to the city is Tirupati Airport, which is just 25 km away. There are daily flights from Hyderabad, Delhi and Bangalore. Tirupati is perhaps the most convenient base for visiting Kalahasti as it is endowed with several modern lodging facilities. There is a railway station at Sri Kalahasthi. There are trains from Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Kolkata. The closest railway junction is Renigunta and all trains plying between Chennai and Mumbai stop at Renigunta. Renigunta is just 25 km away from Srikalahasthi. It takes about 5 hours by road to get to Tirupati from Bangalore. Both KSRTC and APSRTC operate buses during the day and night. It's about 3 hours by road from Chennai. Both TNSRTC and APSRTC operate buses during the day and night....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
This temple is famous for the Rahu Ketu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana pooja. Though there are other minor poojas also, the Sarpa Dosha Nivarana pooja is classified as a combination of all the other poojas(rituals). So there is no need to buy separate tickets for each pooja if you are buying the Nivarana pooja ticket. Astrology regards Rahu and Ketu as the only two "planets" which has varying degrees of malefic ( some benefic effect is also present) effects on ALL human beings. Which means that the Nivarana pooja at Kalahasti (for removing the bad effects of Rahu and Ketu) is good for ALL human beings. The ₹1000/- ticket is highly recommended since they give you "5 star" service (like holding the pooja right within the temple). It takes around 25 minutes to perform the pooja. No advance booking by telephone or money order is allowed. You can book the pooja only if you are physically present at the temple. And your pooja ticket must be used up on that day itself.
Where to Stay
There are a number of private and government guest houses. All these accommodations have limited amenities. Preference should be given to hygiene stay rather than luxury, as the later is not available around the temple. Generally, you will not be staying here for a long time. A day's visit with an overnight stay should be sufficient.
Money & Budget
There are a number of private and government guest houses. All these accommodations have limited amenities. Preference should be given to hygiene stay rather than luxury, as the later is not available around the temple. Generally, you will not be staying here for a long time. A day's visit with an overnight stay should be sufficient.