A view of the full moon at the top of the Srikalahastheeswara Swamy Gopuram after Tuesday’s lunar eclipse. One can also see idols of Siva-Parvati on Kailasagiri hills. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
The famous Srikalahastheeswara Swamy Devasthanam in Srikalahasti town of Tirupati district was kept open during the lunar eclipse on Tuesday (March 3, 2026) and devotees were allowed to have darshan of the deity as was the ancient practice.
All major temples in the state remained closed during the eclipse period and reopened after mandatory purification ceremonies.
Srikalahastheeswara shrine is considered as ‘Rahu Ketu Kshetram’ and hence the famous ‘Rahu Ketu Puja’ is performed here every day. According to the legends of the temple, Lord Shiva (Srikalahastheeswara) has taken control of the two mythological villainous snakes that cause eclipses of the Sun and the Moon, and hence it is believed that they do not cast any evil effect on this temple.
Since no purification or expiation (Prayaschitha) is required, this particular temple always remains open during solar/lunar eclipses. However, the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum was given a special ‘Abhishekam’ (heavenly bath) during the eclipse period.
Published – 03 March 2026 21:10 IST
