16-05-2025
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
