Rahu-ketu Puja is performed at Srikalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh of India. This temple is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalam, representing the element of air (Vayu). The temple is opened on all the day from Morning 6 am to Night 9 pm Rahu Ketu Puja is available on each day from **Morning 6 am to Evening 6 pm.
The Rahu Ketu Puja is performed to neutralise the ill impact of Rahu and Ketu in personal horoscope. Casta temple for the puja has different prices of tickets which start from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5000. The importance of this type of puja is to neutralise Kala Sarpa Dosha, wherein all the planets, involved in the horoscope, are located between Rahu and Ketu.
It is preferred that devotees dress up traditionally especially for the puja. The temple is architectural brilliance in itself, the inner temple going back as far as the 5th century while the outer temple is a Chola-Vijayanagara construction of the 12th century.
The Rahu Ketu Puja practiced at Srikalahasti Temple is said to be charged with **spiritual benefits and negation of all hurdles in one’s life. A number of people use it when they want to enhance their luck according to the zodiac sign.
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Overview of the Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Puja
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Srikalahasti Temple, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Significance | Dedicated to Rahu and Ketu, part of Pancha Bootha Sthalam |
| Purpose | Nullify negative effects of Rahu and Ketu, remove Kala Sarpa Dosha |
| Temple Timings | 6 AM to 9 PM daily |
| Puja Timings | 6 AM to 6 PM |
| Ticket Prices | Rs. 500 to Rs. 5000 |
| Rituals | Chanting mantras, offering prayers |
| Attire | Traditional attire recommended |
| Architecture | Inner temple: 5th century, Outer temple: 12th century |
| Benefits | Removal of negative influences and spiritual blessings |
What are the prices of the Location of puja performance.
| Ticket Price (INR) | Location of Puja Performance |
|---|---|
| 500 | Hall outside temple premises |
| 750 | A/C hall within temple premises |
| 1500 | Inside the temple |
| 2500 | Inside the temple |
| 5000 | Special location for VIPs |
How Hindus Perform The Rahu Ketu
Steps to Perform Rahu Ketu Puja:
- Arrive Early: Get to the temple site early in the morning; the puja can take place from 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Purchase a Ticket: Buy a ticket for the puja. From Rs 500 to Rs 5000 is the tariff displayed for the puja of different types along the services which the temple provokes.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear traditional attire. Both males and female can wear dhoti while female can wear sari or salwar kameez.
- Enter the Temple: Go to the area of the temple set aside for the Rahu Ketu Puja.
- Receive Instructions: Obey what the temple priests have to say. The they will help you get through it.
- Perform the Rituals: In this way, it is necessary to follow the priest’s indications to execute the rituals. This includes:
Rahu and Ketu mantras that are chanted in a particular way;
Bowing, lighting of lamps, catcing flowers, coconuts etc. - Complete the Puja: As much as you can touch and manipulate items during the rituals, the priest will then bless you as well as the offerings. You can then make a small contribution if you like so.
- Exit the Temple: Again, once the puja is over and you are ready to come out of the temple, you are filled with at least the two – spiritual satisfaction and hope.
Rituals: Daily rituals in Temple
| S.No | Seva | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suprabatham | 5:30 AM |
| 2 | Sarvadarsanam | 6:00 AM |
| 3 | Pradhama Kala Abhishekam | 7:30 AM |
| 4 | Dwthiya Kala Abhishekam | 9:00 AM |
| 5 | Ucchi kala Abhishekam | 10:30 AM |
| 6 | Rudhra Homam | 11:00 AM |
| 7 | Chandhi Homam | 11:00 AM |
| 8 | Nityothsavam | 11:00 AM |
| 9 | Nithya Kalyanam | 11:30 AM |
| 10 | Prodhosha Kala Abhishekam | 5:30 PM |
| 11 | Nirajana Manthra Pushpam | 7:00 PM |
| 12 | Ekantha Seva | 9:00 PM |
| 13 | Temple Closing Time | 9:00 PM (daily), 9:30 PM (Sat to Mon) |
Sevas: The following Arjitha Sevas and Saswatha Sevas are performed in the Temple
| S.No | Name of Seva | Rate (Rupees) | Saswatha Seva Fund Amount (Rupees) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Free Darshanam | – | – |
| 2 | Special Entrance | 50-00 | – |
| 3 | Astothra Archana | 25-00 | 300-00 |
| 4 | Sahasranamarchana | 200-00 | 2400-00 |
| 5 | Thrisathri Archana | 125-00 | 1350-00 |
| 6 | Milk Abhishekam (Two Liters) | 100-00 | 1200-00 |
| 7 | Patchakarapurabhishekam | 100-00 | 1200-00 |
| 8 | Kasi Gangabhishekam | 25-00 | – |
| 9 | Rudrabhishekam to Sri Swamy and Ammavaru | 600-00 | 6000-00 |
| 10 | Nitya Ditta Abhishekam | 100-00 | 1000-00 |
| 11 | Sri Saneeswara Swamy Abhishekam | 150-00 | 1500-00 |
| 12 | Sri Ammavari Vunjali Seva (Friday only) | 58-00 | 600-00 |
| 13 | Marriage Fee (Vivaha Katnam) (Devotees) | 200-00 | – |
| 14 | Panchamurthabhishekam | 300-00 | 3600-00 |
| 15 | Akhanda Deeparadhana Katnam | 100-00 | 550-00 |
| 16 | Nityoatsavam (Morning) | 58-00 | 1500-00 |
| 17 | Pradosha Nandi Seva | 120-00 | 1300-00 |
| 18 | Ekantha Seva | 100-00 | 1050-00 |
| 19 | Vahana Puja (Heavy) | 100-00 | – |
| 20 | Vahana Puja (Light) | 20-00 | – |
| 21 | Suprabhatha Seva (per Head) | 50-00 | 225-00 |
| 22 | Thaliga Katnam | 10-00 | – |
| 23 | Sarpa Dosha (Rahu – Keethu) Poja (Including all necessaries) | 300-00 | – |
Important Instructions
- Getting to temple before 6 AM shall enable the devotee do the puja at anytime from 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Wear traditional attire. Men should wear dhoti while women should either wear saree or salwar kameez.
- Buy a ticket for the puja. The tickets vary from 500 Rupees to 5000 Rupees.
- Do not speak and adhere to the etiquette of the place. Photography is prohibited area of the temple complex, do not make picture inside it.
- Listen to the priests, that’s the word. They will help you to navigate the ceremonies.
- usually sing chants to recite mantras and present offering to god such as flowers, coconut, and incense, as directed by the priest.
- Do not show signs of anger or rudeness during the puja. Remember the prayers and the intentions for which you have stood for.
- You may want to offer a token amount of money to the temple after the puja is over.
- Finally, come out of the temple quietly and take the blessings along with them.
Therefore, the following instructions will be useful in order to make the ritual the Rahu Ketu Puja at Srikalahasti Temple as comfortable and polite as possible. Please, if you have any other questions, or require more information.
How to reach Srikalahasti
- By train: The station is about 2 km from the temple. Early morning (from around 4:00 AM) free buses run from the railway station to the temple via the temple administration. If you don’t find a bus, autos are available outside the station (roughly ₹20).
- By bus: Buses stop at the Srikalahasti bus stand; some buses stop right in front of the temple. APSRTC and private vehicles can park in the large temple parking area.
- From nearby routes: If you come via the Visakhapatnam–Vijayawada–Ongole–Nellore side, Srikalahasti often comes before Tirupati (it’s around a 43 km distance from Renigunta, about a one-hour drive). Many pilgrims visit Srikalahasti before going on to Tirupati.
Where to get ready / facilities
The best place to be dropped off is at the railway station’s Gate No. 4 (near the south gopuram). Near Gate 4 you’ll find:
- Bathrooms and washrooms (separate for men and women)
- Places to bathe and change
- Lockers
- PR/ERO counters, annadanam counters
- Accommodation blocks run by the administration
Don’t follow touts or auto drivers who insist on taking you to private hotels or shops that claim no facilities are available — this is a common scam. Always ask to be dropped at Gate 4 (south gopuram side) and use the temple administration’s facilities.
Temple opening times and daily rituals
- The temple opens at 5:00 AM daily.
- Suprabhatam / early morning rituals start around 5:30 AM.
- Rahu–Ketu pujas are performed every day from about 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Goat/animal-related rituals (go puja) and ticket counters for such services are available near Gate 4; these ticket sales generally begin around 5:30 AM.
Rahu–Ketu and other pujas: what to expect
- Srikalahasti performs roughly ten types of pujas in the temple complex, many related to Rahu–Ketu and sarpa dosha remedies. Devotees come for remedies connected to delay in marriage, childlessness, career issues, higher education, business, or political advancement.
- The Rahu–Ketu puja session itself typically lasts about 30 minutes; the whole process (including preparations) may take up to an hour.
- You do not need to bring puja items. After purchasing a puja ticket you will receive a kit that contains everything required: black and red garments, coconut, flowers, turmeric, kumkum, grains, and the small metal idols associated with Rahu and Ketu. The priests will guide you through the ritual.
- The priests explain the procedure clearly — often in four languages (Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, English) so people from different states can follow.
- After the puja you will be given the two small metal idols (one each for Rahu and Ketu) and some grains. Carry the idols close to your chest and go for darshan without looking back, as per the custom.
Tickets, mandaps (pavilions), and pricing
- Inside the temple there is a counters area (usually on the left) where puja tickets are sold in multiple categories. Typical ticket rates you will see include ₹500, ₹750, ₹1,500, ₹2,500, and up to ₹5,000 — different mandaps correspond to different ticket levels, but the puja procedure is effectively the same for everyone.
- Each ticket may allow two participants (for example, husband and wife). Small children may often be included without extra tickets, but check the counter if needed.
- Always buy tickets directly from the temple counter. Do not buy from middlemen or touts who charge higher amounts claiming tickets have sold out.
Important details to give when booking puja
When you book for Rahu–Ketu or similar pujas, the priests will ask for three key details:
- Your Janma Nakshatra (birth star)
- Your Janma Rashi (zodiac sign)
- Your Gotra
If you don’t know these, find out before attending or ask local family/priests to help — these details are needed for correct ritual performance.
Dress code and conduct during puja
- Wear traditional, clean temple attire. The puja participants should wear traditional clothing only.
- Don’t leave your clothes or valuables unattended anywhere in the temple; there are cases of fraud where people are asked to leave worn clothes and change into new ones and later are cheated. Keep your belongings with you or in official lockers.
- If you have doubts during the puja about how to hold items (when to break the coconut, where to place the white cloth, etc.), ask the priests — they will explain everything in simple terms and assist you.
Money, dakshina, and offerings
- Keep small change (coins) like ₹11, ₹21, ₹54, ₹108 for dakshina if you wish. Giving dakshina is voluntary.
- After puja, you may wish to offer something to the priests; that is your choice.
- Be aware of touts who say tickets are unavailable and offer to sell you “reserved” tickets — always go to the official counter.
Common scams and safety tips
- Touts/dalals: Some people pretend to help and then charge extra for tickets or services. Avoid them. Buy tickets yourself at the counter.
- Auto drivers / guides: Some drivers arrange with local hotels or lodges and take pilgrims to those places, then charge much more. Tell the auto to drop you at Gate No. 4 (south gopuram). If you must hire nearby, confirm the fare (approx. ₹20 from the station).
- Changing clothes: Don’t leave your clothes to strangers. If someone asks you to leave your clothing behind, refuse. Use official washrooms/lockers.
- If anyone pressures you with misleading stories or claims, ignore them and speak with temple staff.
After the puja — darshan and goddess visit
- After the puja, take the small silver idols and keep them on your chest (do not look back) when proceeding for darshan of the Lord.
- After darshan of Srikalahasteeswara, you can also visit the goddess Gnana Prasanna Devi and receive prasadam or blessings.
- There is also a Bhakta Ganapathi on the hill that devotees often visit after darshan.
Annadanam (free meals)
- Daily annadanam (free food) is usually served near Gate No. 4 starting around 11:30 AM. You can receive prasadam there.
Accommodation and bookings
- The temple administration has rooms and accommodation blocks; offline rooms are issued at the counter, and online bookings are also available.
- You can pre-book pujas and accommodation online via the official AP temples portal or the Srikalahasti temple page (search for AP Temples on Google and find the Srikalahasti page).
- For better convenience, book in advance online if you can.
Ritual restrictions (food / return journey)
- Opinions vary about whether to eat non-vegetarian food before/after the puja or whether to visit other temples after Srikalahasti. Some devotees prefer to return home directly, while others proceed to Tirupati or other holy places. If you have doubts, ask the priests at the temple; they will advise you according to the ritual you performed.
Languages and priestly guidance
- Priests explain the ritual in Telugu first and then in Tamil, Hindi, and English as needed so everyone understands. They are available to guide you through the process.
Final requests and reminders
- Don’t trust middlemen or touts. Purchase your ticket at the official counters: ₹500, ₹750, ₹1,500, ₹2,500, or ₹5,000 as applicable.
- If you have any doubts about the puja procedure (when to break the coconut, where to wear certain cloth, what to do with the idols or grains), ask the priests — they will clarify everything.
- Keep the temple premises clean and don’t leave used or wet clothes inside the temple.
- Follow the instructions of temple staff and priests so you can perform the puja correctly and peacefully.