Srikalahasti temple kept open during eclipse

Srikalahasti Temple Srikalahasti Temple

Posted by AI on 2025-01-09 22:13:48 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-07-13 16:53:14

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 12

---

Tirupati: While all temples across the country were closed on Wednesday for the lunar eclipse, the renowned Sri Kalahasti temple remained open. On the same day, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams closed its temple for 10 hours, and several other temples in the state were also closed for the day. During the eclipse, the temple conducted Abhishekam to Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy and continued Rahu Kethu pujas for devotees. Many people refrain from performing puja during an eclipse, but at this temple, those with doshas in their 'Jataka' visit during the eclipse and worship Lord Shiva and Gnana Prasunamba Ammavaru after performing the Rahu Kethu Puja. The belief is rooted in mythology, which states that the idol of Lord Shiva at this temple contains all 27 Nakshatras (stars) and 9 Rashis in its kavacham, thus controlling the entire solar system.

Speaking to The Hans India, temple priest Ardhagiri Durga Sharma explained, “Sri Kalahasti temple is known as the Rahu Kethu kshethram. Both Rahu and Kethu are associated with Swamy and Ammavaru. According to mythology, a five-headed serpent called Kethu adorns Lord Shiva's head, while a single-headed serpent called Rahu is part of the waist belt (Vaddanam) of Ammavaru. Therefore, the ill effects of the eclipse are not felt here.” It is believed that eclipses occur when Rahu and Kethu swallow the sun and moon, causing solar or lunar eclipses. However, since both Rahu and Kethu are worshipped at this temple, there are no evil effects during the eclipse, it is said. People with doshas prefer to perform Rahu Kethu puja here, especially during an eclipse, to remove the negative effects. Devotees from neighboring states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu visit the temple during this time. While other temples are closed, the people of Sri Kalahasti continue to visit the temple. Some pilgrims believe they can only visit after performing a head bath once the eclipse ends, while others avoid visiting until after the eclipse has passed.

On Wednesday evening, 'Grahana kala abhishekham' was performed to Lord Shiva, and the temple remained open for devotees as usual. By V Pradeep Kumar.

Go!