Planning a pilgrimage to Tirupati and Srikalahasti? Learn whether to visit Kalahasti Temple before or after Tirumala for the most meaningful and convenient darshan.
Brief Summary
- No strict rule for visiting order
- Best order depends on purpose of visit
- Special poojas at Srikalahasti may require returning home afterward
- Convenient travel planning from Tirupati base
- Sample itineraries provided
Contents
- 1 Visiting Kalahasti Temple Before or After Tirupati? A Complete Devotee’s Guide
- 1.1 Understanding the Spiritual Importance of Both Temples
- 1.2 Is There a Strict Rule?
- 1.3 When the Order Matters: Special Pooja Considerations
- 1.4 Practical Travel Guidance for Devotees
- 1.5 📌 Best Scenarios: Which Should You Visit First?
- 1.6 🗓 Sample Itineraries (Easy to Follow)
- 1.7 Tips for a Smooth Pilgrimage
- 1.8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 1.9 Final Recommendation
- 1.10 References & Helpful Links
- 1.11 Related Articles
Visiting Kalahasti Temple Before or After Tirupati? A Complete Devotee’s Guide
The holy temples of Tirumala Tirupati and Srikalahasti are two of the most powerful pilgrimage destinations in South India. Devotees often wonder: Should I visit Srikalahasti before or after Tirupati/Tirumala?
The spiritual order matters to many pilgrims, especially when they are performing specific poojas, dosha nivarana rituals or planning an efficient travel route.
This guide explains the best sequence for your journey—based on tradition, practical travel advice, and the purpose of your visit.
Understanding the Spiritual Importance of Both Temples
Why Tirumala Tirupati is Visited
- Home to Lord Venkateswara, one of the richest and most revered temples in the world
- Known for moksha, prosperity, blessings, and fulfilment of vows
- Devotees often take darshan after completing vratas, fasts, or vows
Why Srikalahasti is Visited
- Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Sri Kalahasteeswara
- Renowned for Rahu-Ketu Pooja, Kalasarpadosha Nivarana, and other dosha-removal rituals
- Known as a powerful temple for cleansing energy, removing karmic blockages, and granting spiritual clarity
Both temples offer unique blessings—but the order can influence the experience depending on your purpose.
Is There a Strict Rule?
No.
There are no traditional or temple-imposed restrictions on visiting Tirupati or Srikalahasti in a particular sequence. For regular darshan, you may visit in any order based on convenience.
This applies to:
- General darshan
- Sightseeing
- Family trips
- Group pilgrimages
However, things change if you are performing specific poojas.
When the Order Matters: Special Pooja Considerations
Many devotees visit Srikalahasti specifically for the following:
- Rahu-Ketu Pooja
- Kalasarpadosha Nivarana
- Sarpa Samskara
- Nakshatra-related pujas
Traditional Guidance After Dosha Poojas
After completing these rituals, devotees are traditionally advised to:
- Avoid visiting any other temples afterward
- Return home or to their accommodation directly
- Maintain silence and calm for a few hours
- Let their spiritual energy settle
- Because of this, if you are performing a dosha parihara pooja, it is recommended to:
- ✔ Visit Tirupati/Tirumala first,
- ✔ Then perform pooja at Srikalahasti as your final temple visit.
Practical Travel Guidance for Devotees
Distance Insights
- Tirupati → Srikalahasti: ~40 km
- Tirupati → Tirumala: 20–24 km uphill
- Travel time between all points is manageable in a day
- Tirupati acts as the ideal base camp, making it easy to travel to both temples smoothly.
📌 Best Scenarios: Which Should You Visit First?
1. If Your Purpose Is General Darshan
You can choose either order based on time and convenience.
Pro Tip: Visit Srikalahasti first if you want a peaceful darshan before tackling the larger crowds at Tirumala.
2. If You Are Doing Rahu-Ketu or Dosha Nivarana Pooja
Make Srikalahasti the final temple of your trip.
This follows traditional guidelines and gives your pooja its intended spiritual effect.
3. If You Are Short on Time
-
Do Tirumala early morning
-
Visit Srikalahasti on the return trip or toward evening
4. If Travelling with Elderly or Children
Choose the less crowded temple first—usually Srikalahasti.
This helps conserve energy before heading to Tirumala queues.
🗓 Sample Itineraries (Easy to Follow)
📍 Option A: Visit Srikalahasti First (Best for Simple Darshan)
Morning: Tirupati → Srikalahasti darshan
Afternoon: Lunch + rest at Tirupati
Evening / Next Day: Tirumala darshan
Why choose this:
- Less crowded start
- Flexible timing
- Great for family groups
📍 Option B: Visit Tirumala First (Best for Special Poojas at Kalahasti)
Early Morning: Tirumala darshan
Afternoon: Return to Tirupati
Evening: Visit Srikalahasti for Rahu-Ketu / dosha nivarana pooja
Why choose this:
- Honors traditional advice
- Keeps Srikalahasti as final spiritual step
Tips for a Smooth Pilgrimage
- Book Tirumala darshan tickets early for a comfortable experience
- Reach Srikalahasti 1 hour before your preferred pooja timing
- Carry minimal luggage for hill travel to Tirumala
- Dress modestly according to temple guidelines
- Hydrate well, especially during day trips
- Use official temple websites for ticket bookings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit both temples on the same day?
Absolutely. Many pilgrims complete both darshans comfortably in one day.
Is it compulsory to visit Srikalahasti after Tirupati?
Not compulsory—only recommended after dosha parihara poojas.
Should I take a head bath before visiting Srikalahasti?
Yes, especially for Rahu-Ketu pooja. Temple guidelines recommend it.
Can children participate in poojas?
Children can join general darshan; some poojas have age guidelines—check before planning.
Final Recommendation
If you are visiting for general darshan, feel free to choose any order that fits your schedule.
If you are performing Rahu-Ketu or dosha nivarana rituals, the traditional and spiritually preferred order is:
Tirupati/Tirumala → Srikalahasti (final temple visit)
This ensures you follow tradition while experiencing the complete spiritual benefits of both sacred temples.
Author: Vijaya Durga Pemmasani
References & Helpful Links
- https://srikalahasti.org
- https://tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in
- https://gotirupati.com/sri-kalahasti-rahu-ketu-pooja/
- https://tirumalatirupationline.com