Saraswati Pushkaralu: Kaleshwaram reverberates with spiritual vivacity
Nestled on the banks of Triveni Sangamam, Kaleshwaram, the ancient Shaiva Kshetra, echoed with a wave of devotion as pilgrims thronged the pilgrimage centre in hordes, as part of the spiritual sojourn, on the second day of Saraswati Pushkaralu on Friday.
The Saraswati Ghat, where the subterranean 'Antarvahini Saraswati' river joins the Godavari and Pranahita rivers, was swarmed by pilgrims who took a holy dip at the sacred confluence point of the three rivers.
Anticipating a surge in pilgrim footfall on Saturday and Sunday, the authorities have stepped up crowd management, sanitation and safety measures in Kaleshwaram.
Meanwhile, 'Sankashta Hara Ganapati Homam' was performed at Sri Kaleshwara Mukteswara Swamy temple on Friday.
The 12-day event will conclude on May 26.
Historical significance: The sanctum sanctorum of the ancient temple in Kaleshwaram houses two Shiva lingas known as Lord Kaleshwara (Yama) and Lord Mukteeswara (Shiva) on a single pedestal bearing profound religious significance. The holy temple complex houses other temples dedicated to Goddesses Saraswati Devi and Shubhananda Devi, among other deities.
Well-connected by road: Kaleshwaram is well-connected with major cities or towns such as Hyderabad (268 km), Warangal (120 km) Karimnagar (133 km), Mancherial (68 km), Khammam (225 km), Sironcha of Maharashtra (10 km), Bhopalpatnam of Chhattisgarh (69 km). NH353C passes through Kaleshwaram linking the holy pilgrimage site with neighbouring Maharashtra.
The nearest railway stations are Mancherial (68 km), Ramagundam (71 km) and Warangal (120 km). The RGIA in Shamshabad is the nearest airport from Kaleshwaram.
Tourist attractions: Wadadham Fossil Park in Gadchiroli district of neighbouring Maharashtra is about 27 km from Kaleshwaram.
Another major tourist attraction is the historic Ramappa temple, dating back to the 13th century, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Mulugu district. The Kakatiya-era temple is located about 80 km from Kaleshwaram.
The TGSRTC is operating direct buses between Kaleshwaram-Hyderabad, Kaleshwaram-Warangal, Kaleshwaram-Karimnagar, Kaleshwaram-Manthani and on various other routes spanning most parts of the State apart from the inter-State bus services between Kaleshwaram-Sironcha and several other destinations.
The Endowments Department's toll-free helpline is 9484950056.
Further details about accommodation, ghats, events, parking and medical facilities at Kaleshwaram, are available on the official website at https://saraswatipushkaralu.com/
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
World Environment Day 2025: 5 stunning natural marvels you must visit once in your lifetime
World Environment Day 2025: Every year, World Environment Day 2025 is observed on June 5. In 2025, the Republic of Korea will host World Environment Day 2025 with a focus on ending plastic pollution globally. As we gear up to mark the day, here are 5 stunning destinations you must visit at least once in your lifetime to appreciate the natural marvels around us. The living root bridges are one of Meghalaya's most beautiful heritage sites, which have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. They are made of intertwined roots, which have been built for centuries by the indigenous people of the land. They are proof of the marvellous coexistence between nature and humans. The most famous of these bridges is the double-decker root bridge in Cherrapunji. Nestled high in the Western Himalayas in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park recently opened for tourists on June 1 and will remain open till October, if the weather permits. There are over 600 species of flora, verdant trails, and gorgeous Himalayan views, making it perfect for trekkers, nature lovers, and photography buffs. A post shared by Veronika Silvia (@golden_heart) The Arashiyama bamboo grove on the outskirts of Kyoto is an experience that is worth witnessing for every traveller. In 1996, the Ministry of the Environmentin Japan listed the sounds here, the wood creaking and the rustling of the leaves, as one of the top 100 Soundscapes of Japan. A tidal island that literally rises out of the bay, Mont Saint-Michel, is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims. The island is surrounded by thick walls, inside which is the iconic village with an abbey and a church looming over the fortress. When the high tides roll in, Mont-Saint-Michel becomes an island again for a few hours and the phenomenon is worth watching at least once in a lifetime. A post shared by Pavel Gincu | CONTENT CREATION (@razom_razom) Situated off the coast of Lisbon, the Azores are a Portuguese archipelago which offers tourists verdant valleys, steep cliffs situated by the ocean, turquoise waters, stunning waterfalls, and mesmerising blue hydrangeas. It is a destination worth exploring at least once in your lifetime.
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
10 Oldest Cities In The World: THIS Indian City Boasts Of Ancient Heritage
photoDetails english 2911094 Discover the 10 oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, including Damascus, Aleppo, Byblos, and Varanasi. These ancient cities have survived for thousands of years, preserving rich cultural heritage and historical significance. From the Middle East to India, explore timeless urban centres that continue to thrive through centuries of civilisation. Updated:Jun 04, 2025, 04:58 PM IST Damascus 1 / 10 Damascus is widely regarded as the world's oldest continuously inhabited city. It dates back to the late 7th millennium B.C. and is renowned for its rich cultural legacy. Aleppo 2 / 10 Aleppo has seen uninterrupted habitation for over 8,000 years. Historically, it was a major trade centre situated between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean. Byblos 3 / 10 Byblos, located 42 kilometres north of Beirut, was first settled between 8800 and 7000 B.C. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is famous for its ancient ruins. Argos 4 / 10 Argos, among the oldest cities in Greece, is known for its long-standing neutrality, which helped preserve its many historic structures. Athens 5 / 10 Athens has been continuously inhabited since the 11th–7th millennium B.C. Often called the cradle of Western civilisation, it remains the oldest capital city in Europe. Susa 6 / 10 The ancient city of Susa is now located within the modern city of Shush in Iran. Its ruins, situated along the banks of the Tigris River, stand as a testament to its rich historical legacy. Erbil 7 / 10 Erbil has hosted various civilisations including the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Mongols, and Ottomans. Its centerpiece, the Erbil Citadel—dating to around 2000 B.C.—is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key historical landmark. Sidon 8 / 10 Sidon, a major Phoenician city, played a crucial role in ancient glassmaking and shipbuilding and is known today for its historical significance Plovdiv 9 / 10 Plovdiv boasts a history spanning more than 6,000 years. Once home to Persians, Thracians, Macedonians, and Ottomans, it stands out as a cultural hub in the region. Varanasi 10 / 10 Varanasi, the oldest city in India, is a revered Hindu pilgrimage destination located on the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh.
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
Visa-Free Travel For Indians: Why The Philippines Deserves A Spot On Your Radar
Sometimes, the best travel stories come from places you never quite had on your list. The Philippines is one of those. This island nation has always had the stuff of daydreams - emerald rice terraces, powdery beaches and Spanish-era streets that still echo with stories. But for Indian travellers, it stayed just that: a daydream. Complicated visa processes and limited direct flights meant it often lost out to easier options. That has changed. Thanks to a recent move by the Embassy of the Philippines in India, Indian passport holders can now enjoy visa-free access for short-term stays, which means that island trip you have been putting off? It just got a lot more doable. Here Are 5 Things To Do In The Philippines That Belong On Your Travel List: 1. Soak Up The Sun In El Nido, Palawan El Nido feels like it belongs in a postcard your cousin sends and never stops talking about. Jagged limestone cliffs. Hidden lagoons. Water so clear it could be a mirror. Take a traditional banca boat to explore the Bacuit Archipelago, snorkel with schools of neon fish, or do absolutely nothing on Nacpan Beach. El Nido does not need selling—it sells itself. 2. Walk Through History In Intramuros, Manila History gets a serious glow-up in Intramuros, the walled city in central Manila. Built during the Spanish colonial era, it is a maze of cobbled alleys, 16th-century churches, and stone forts that have seen everything. Walk around San Agustin Church, stop by Fort Santiago, or try a bamboo bike tour if you are up for mixing heritage with a little cardio. 3. Feel The Pulse Of Cebu City Cebu City is where history and hustle shake hands. Visit the Basilica del Santo Niño, wander through local markets, and join a street food crawl that ends with grilled everything. From centuries-old churches to vibrant nightlife, Cebu proves that heritage and high energy do not have to be opposites. 4. Hike Through Living History At The Banaue Rice Terraces The Banaue Rice Terraces are not just scenic—they are ancient engineering marvels carved over 2,000 years ago and still used today. A trek through this UNESCO World Heritage site means jaw-dropping views and genuine encounters with local communities. Fuel up with a plate of pinikpikan and soak in a side of the Philippines that is quiet, earthy, and grounded. 5. Island Hop Through The Visayas Photo: Pexels The Visayas are not one island. They are a mood. From the postcard-perfect sands of Boracay to the underwater playgrounds of Bohol and the mystical stillness of Siquijor, there is no shortage of detours. Whether you are into diving, history, hammocks, or all of the above, this is your build-your-own-adventure territory. What Indian Travellers Should Know Before Visiting The Philippines: 1. When Is The Best Time To Visit The Philippines? Plan your trip between November and April. This is the dry season, perfect for island hopping, beach lounging, and avoiding sudden monsoon surprises. 2. What Should I Eat In The Philippines? Start with Adobo (a slow-cooked meat stew), then work your way through Sinigang (tangy tamarind broth), Lechon (roast pig), Pancit (stir-fried noodles), and Kare-Kare (a peanutty pork and ox tripe number). If you are feeling brave, say yes to Balut. Just once. 3. What Are The New Visa Rules For Indian Citizens? Indian nationals can now enjoy visa-free stays for 14 or 30 days, depending on which criteria they meet. If you do not qualify for visa-free access, the e-visa option is still available. Either way, travelling to the Philippines has never been easier. 4. What Should I Pack For The Philippines? Stick to breathable, light clothing - it is tropical, after all. Throw in a pair of walking shoes, something casual for evenings out, and swimwear - lots of it. So yes, you now have fewer excuses and more reasons to go. Whether you are into island life, culture, food, or history with a side of sea breeze, the Philippines is finally not just worth the hype—it is ready for you.
