September 2009, I had been to Kalahasthi temple near Thirupathi (AP). Kalahasthi is Shiva temple, which is famous for Raghu, Kethu Pooja. Pilgrims who visit Tirupathi, usually include Kalahasthi in their trip. It is about 30 Km East of Thirupathi.

Right from the entrance, till the sanctum we were misguided by temple admin staff.There were many private footwear counters where you leave your sandals. Though we are ready to pay only for slippers many private shops don’t agree for that. They insist us to buy some pooja stuff from them. Better first clearly (with loud voice) say that only slippers to be taken care. Rs.2 charged for a pair. Later we found government counter which is situated inside main entrance (Gopuram) of temple. Usually, Hindus do not walk wearing slippers inside main entrance. Not known why admin has slipper counter inside 100meters beyond main Gopuram.Entering temple, you can notice some guys keep following you. They are not guides. They are not temple employees too. They are private people who escort us by giving wrong information. They first ask what pooja to perform and then say they will arrange for quick dharshan. They also add that there is huge queue in normal lane, and it would take hours for dharshan, if we follow normal queue. The trick is that, they would not say anything in words, they just walk with us and open shortcut gates for us. Once you realize that you are routed through payment gates, you will be surprised.For Raghu,Kethu pooja all pooja items are giving at counter on paying 1000 or 1500 bugs. Right next to counter some strangers will stress you to buy lamp, flowers for Rs.80. They would say it is mandatory for pooja. When I asked counter men about it, he said 'your wish'. Anyway I did not buy as realized that might be fake play.It is written in board to collect free pooja flowers for 1000, 1500 tickets payees, next to counter. Many people do not notice the display board. Taking this as advantage, few strangers (temple admin knows who they are) will bring those flower packets and start following you inside temple. They would take you (forcefully) to pooja spot and expect some money from you. I gave Rs.10 after huge argument.Next, you will be seated in front of shiva sanctum for pooja. Two or Three men will be there (not Shastris) who instruct you to get ready for pooja. We need to just follow them on arranging our pooja items. You can see these guys garlanding statues and making pre arrangements for pooja.Usually only Shastris touch idols and do all rituals for god. But here administration guys dominate. They are with pant /shirt and not in traditional.Once pooja is over, shastri was expecting Rs.101 from each devotees. For one pooja schedule minimum 20 devotees participate. I was very upset looking the way (hurrying) the Shastri collecting money. I kept only Rs.10 in his hand and he refused to take. I got angry. He tried to avoid me and moved to next devotee. I got too tensed and asked him is it compulsory to give Rs. 100 ? He said 'YES'. and after a second as everyone around looked, he said 'AS YOU WISH'. But he is not ready to face me or give attention to me. I myself took back my pooja items back and left the place.

It was too disgusting when someone forces you to donate money. I wonder how temple admin allows this publicly.At every pillar, you can see instruction like 'Do not encourage money to anyone. Put your donations only on Hundi'. But what poor people would do when they are forced to gift money in front of god.Everyone comes to temple for peace of mind. But when you realize you are getting cheated inside temple, how much it pains. Temple admin should get rid of all these broker guys out. They should strictly tell Sharstris not to ask for money from public. Free dharshan line (queue) moves quickly in 1/2 hr. So special entrance dharshan can be avoided.All I want to tell Kalahasthi pilgrims is 'Do not listen to anyone. Try to get information by yourself by reading instruction boards ( Tamil, Telugu, English)'. Avoid paying attention to any guys distracting you.I have visited many temples in country and seen none with such a ‘Don’t care’ temple administration.Be cautious and enjoy Dharshan!