Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja Guide: Procedure, Timings & Benefits
About the Temple & Significance of Rahu Ketu Pooja
The Srikalahasti Temple, located in Andhra Pradesh, is globally acclaimed for its Rahu Ketu Pooja. This temple is considered auspicious for neutralizing the malefic effects of Rahu and Ketu—shadow planets in Vedic astrology often blamed for delays, obstacles, and struggles in life. Performing this pooja is highly recommended for resolving:
- Career setbacks
- Delays in marriage or childbirth
- Health and financial troubles
- Kala Sarpa Dosha and other planetary afflictions
Step-by-Step Rahu Ketu Pooja Procedure
Arrival & Preparation
- Arrive early, preferably during Rahu Kalam for greater benefit.
- Take a head bath before coming.
- Wear traditional attire: dhoti for men and saree/salwar kameez for women. Avoid non-vegetarian food for three days before and after the pooja
Purchase Pooja Ticket
- Buy tickets at temple counters (pricing and seating options available).
- All required pooja materials are provided by the temple. No need to bring anything extra. Ticket costs range from ₹500 to ₹5,000, depending on the seating location
Join the Pooja Hall
- The pooja is conducted in batches at various mandapams.
- Priests guide devotees in Telugu, Sanskrit, Hindi, and English.
Pooja Rituals
- The priests begin with Sankalpam (oath/pledge).
- Rituals are performed using silver snake idols that represent Rahu and Ketu, along with offerings of flowers, turmeric, black gram, coconut, and other items
Completion
- After the rituals, devotees drop the silver idol in the temple well or the designated Hundi.
Visit Sri Kalahasteeswara for darshan.
After the pooja, devotees are advised to return home directly and avoid visiting other temples or relatives that day
Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja Timings
- Daily Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (all days)
- Most Effective: During Rahu Kalam, which varies each day. Tuesday and Sunday Rahu Ketu Pooja during Rahu Kalam hours are considered especially auspicious
- Auspicious Days: Full Moon, New Moon, Ashlesha Nakshatra, Solar/Lunar Eclipses, and festivals like Maha Shivratri
Ticket Costs & Pooja Halls
| Ticket Price | Pooja Location | Persons Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| ₹500 | Outside Temple | 1 person + companion |
| ₹1500 | Dwajasthambam Hall | 2 adults + 2 kids |
| ₹2500 | Inner Mandapam | 2 adults + 2 kids |
| ₹5000 | Near Sahasra Linga | 2 adults + 2 kids |
Major Benefits of Rahu Ketu Pooja
- Removes Rahu-Ketu and Kala Sarpa doshas
- Helps with career, marriage & childbirth issues
- Protects against health problems and financial blockage
- Brings peace, positivity, and growth
