Sri Gnanaprasunambika sametha Srikalahasteeswara Temple Vayu Lingam Pancha Bhoota Sthalam – Dakshina Kailasam Srikalahasti, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
📅 Festival Date & Significance
Mahashivaratri 2026:
📆 Sunday, 15 February 2026 (according to Hindu panchangam)
Mahashivaratri — “The Great Night of Lord Shiva” — celebrates Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance and divine union with Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasting, night vigils (jagran), mantra chanting, and offer special worship to Lord Shiva.
At Srikalahasti, this festival is a major celebration with extended rituals and Brahmotsavams (13-day festival) around the main Shivaratri day, drawing lakhs of devotees.
🔱 Temple & Vayu Lingam (Spiritual Significance)
- Vayu Lingam: The temple houses the Vayu Lingam, representing the Air element, one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas.
- Self-manifested Lingam: Devotees believe worship here cleanses the soul, aids spiritual progress, and grants blessings for life peace and prosperity. Travellers Aura
- Holy Legends: Stories of devotee Kannappa and planetary worship (Rahu–Ketu) enrich temple tradition.
Typical Mahashivaratri Schedule at Srikalahasti:
| Time | Ritual / Activity |
|---|---|
| 2:00 AM – 4:30 AM | Mahanyasapurvaka Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam / Sacred Abhishekam (early morning) |
| 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Morning Abhishekam & Bhogiteru Rituals |
| Daytime | Continuous Darshan & Devotee Services |
| Night | Nishita Kaal Puja / All-Night Jagran (special ceremonies) |
| Next Morning | Concluding rituals & processions |
Note: Timings may be updated by the temple management and can vary slightly each year.
🛕 Darshan & Temple Timings
Mahashivaratri Special Hours
During Mahashivaratri, the temple may stay open longer with special all-night darshan and rituals. Devotees from distant places often arrive early.
General Temple Timings
- Opens: ~5:30 AM
- General Darshan: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (extended on festival days)
- Rahu–Ketu Pooja: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (daily)
Special adjustments are usually made during Mahashivaratri — expect 24-hour darshan and festive exits arranged.
🙏 Festival Rituals & Devotional Practices
🌙 Night Vigil (Jagran)
Staying awake and chanting Shiva mantras (Om Namah Shivaya) throughout the night is considered highly auspicious.
🌼 Abhishekam (Sacred Bathing)
Multiple special abhishekams are performed throughout the night and early morning, often involving milk, honey, water, and sacred offerings.
🪔 Offerings
- Bilva (Bel) leaves
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Bilva Mala • Prasad distributions
- Special poojas by temple priests
How It Works
- Choose ticket level (standard to VIP) — prices vary (₹500–₹5000+).
- Book offline at the temple counter prior to your pooja slot .
- Pooja lasts ~30–45 minutes with materials provided .
Tips for Rahu–Ketu Pooja
- Take a holy bath and wear traditional attire
- Come 1–2 hours early on festival days
- Bring an ID proof for ticket verification
👣 Darshan Options
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Darshan | Standard queue, possible long waiting time |
| Paid / Quick Entry | ₹50 / ₹100 / VIP entries for shorter waiting |
| Seva Darshan | Includes participation in rituals or abhishekam |
Note: Waiting times can be long on Mahashivaratri — early arrival is recommended.
🧭 Travel & Stay Guide
📍 How to Reach
- By Road: 36 km from Tirupati, frequent buses and taxis
- By Train: Sri Kalahasti Railway Station (~2 km)
- By Air: Tirupati Airport (~25–30 km)
🩶 Devotee Tips for Mahashivaratri at Srikalahasti
✅ Plan lodging early — nearly full during festival days
✅ Wear traditional attire — dhoti, saree, or salwar kameez
✅ Carry water & snacks — important for long lines
✅ Follow instructions from temple volunteers & police for crowd control
✅ Keep ID proof handy for seva tickets
skht
As a devoted Srikalahasti resident, I have a strong desire to showcase the growth, beauty, and culture of our community. My objective is to offer the people of Srikalahasti insightful knowledge and useful insights, with an emphasis on civic involvement, local governance, and community well-being. I want to use this platform to raise awareness of important topics, provide updates on social and political developments, and highlight our region's rich history. By working together, we can create growth and progress for everyone and work toward a better future for Srikalahasti.
నేను శ్రీకాళహస్తి నియోజకవర్గానికి చెందిన ఒక ప్రగాఢ ఆసక్తి కలిగిన స్థానిక వాసిని. మా ప్రాంత సౌందర్యం, సాంస్కృతిక విలువలు మరియు అభివృద్ధి పట్ల నాకున్న ప్రేమతో ఈ నియోజకవర్గం గురించి ప్రజలకు విలువైన సమాచారం అందించడమే నా లక్ష్యం. ఈ వేదిక ద్వారా, సమాజానికి సంబంధించిన ముఖ్యమైన సమస్యలు, రాజకీయ మరియు సామాజిక సంఘటనలపై తాజా సమాచారం మరియు మా నియోజకవర్గంలోని సాంప్రదాయ సంపదను ప్రజలతో పంచుకుంటాను. మనందరం కలిసి శ్రీకాళహస్తి యొక్క భవిష్యత్తును మరింత మెరుగుగా తీర్చిదిద్దేలా కృషి చేద్దాం.!