Srikalahasti Temple (Srikalahasteeswara): Dress Code & Temple Rules

• Dress code is relatively relaxed compared with Tirumala: any decent, modest outfit is accepted, but traditional wear (dhoti/kurta for men, saree or salwar for women) is recommended for the sanctum.
• For Rahu-Ketu puja pilgrims traditionally bathe that morning; some observe sleeping on the floor the night before (optional, not mandatory).
• All puja material for Rahu-Ketu is supplied at the ticket counter, so you need not buy extra samagri; ignore touts pushing lotus and cloth outside.
• After the mandapam puja you carry the silver Rahu-Ketu idols and drop them in the hundi inside, after Shiva darshan.
• Photography is restricted inside the inner sanctum; leave footwear and leather items outside, and expect queue and security checks on festival days.

Compared with the strict traditional-wear enforcement at Tirumala, Srikalahasti is relatively relaxed: any decent, modest outfit is generally accepted for darshan. That said, for entering the sanctum and for sevas, traditional attire is recommended, dhoti or pyjama-kurta for men and saree or salwar-kameez for women, and it simply fits the setting better. Footwear and leather items are left outside, and photography is restricted around the inner sanctum.

The temple's real ritual etiquette centres on the Rahu-Ketu puja rather than a rigid dress rule. Devotees traditionally bathe that morning before the puja, and some observe sleeping on the floor the night before, though this is optional. Importantly, all the required puja material is provided at the ticket counter once you buy your ticket, so there is no need to buy extra lotus flowers or cloth from vendors outside. Staff help first-timers place the idols in the right directions and arrange the red and black cloths; after the mandapam ritual you deposit the silver idols in the hundi inside the temple.

Compiled from public sources including Wikipedia: Srikalahasteeswara temple · Wikipedia: Srikalahasti (town) · GoTirupati: Srikalahasti Rahu Ketu Pooja timings and cost · GoTirupati: Srikalahasti temple timings, abhishekam, seva. Timings and seasonal closures change; confirm with the temple trust before travelling.