Srikalahasteeswara Temple, located in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh is more than 1000 years old. It is situated just 20 km from Tirupati airport.
This magnificent temple which was successively developed by the Pallavas and Chola Kings and the Vijayanagara emperors is renowned for its architectural beauty. It is also well known for its Kaal Sarp Dosh puja also known as the Rahu – ketu puja. Performed everyday for thousand of devotees, the 45 minutes puja is done to remove the ill effects of planetary movements of Graha Dosha as is regarded in Hinduism. The temple has its own Goshala (holy cow shed) and ample facilities for accommodation and boarding facility. There is also Kund (reservoir) where Bharadwaja Maharshi sat on Tapas (meditation).
Rahu Kaal is the best time to visit Srikalahasteeswara Temple and perform Kaal Sarp Dosh puja, as the timings are considered to be very powerful. The puja are performed right from 6.30 am in the morning and continues till 6 pm in the evening. For details log into: http://gotirupati.com/sri-kalahasti-rahu-ketu-pooja.
Srikalahasteeswara Temple is also well known for its 10 days long Mahashivratri celebrations held during the months of February or March.
Located close to the temple just a one hour drive away, is the picturesque Pulicat Lake, which is renowned for its beautiful bird sanctuary where one can admire the migratory birds. On the other side of Kalahastee temple as about 40 km away, is the world famous Balaji shrine of Tirupati. These temples are well connected by air, road and rail to all parts of the country. |