Font size:
Print
Saraswati Pushkaralu 2025
When rivers meet and faith overflows
Context: Before sunrise, thousands of barefoot pilgrims, guided not by maps but by unshakable faith, converge at Kaleshwaram, Telangana’s sacred temple town located at the confluence of three rivers — Godavari, Pranahita, and the mystical Saraswati.
More on News
- From devotees in SUVs to farmers arriving in bullock carts, all are drawn to this ancient Shaiva kshetram for the once-in-12-years celestial event — Saraswati Pushkaralu 2025.
- Situated in the Jayashankar-Bhupalpally district, close to the Telangana-Maharashtra border, Kaleshwaram holds deep spiritual significance as the site of the Triveni Sangamam — where the visible Godavari and Pranahita rivers merge with the invisible subterranean Saraswati.
- The sacred confluence has become the centre of religious tourism in southern India during the 12-day Pushkaralu festival, which began on May 15, 2025.
Why Kaleshwaram Is Spiritually Unique
- Kaleshwaram is the only place in South India where three Pushkaralu — Saraswati, Godavari, and Pranahita — are celebrated at a single location.
- The belief that a holy dip in the Triveni Sangamam during this time cleanses sins and grants spiritual liberation brings millions to this hallowed ground.
Twin Lingas of Kaleshwaram Temple
- The Sri Kaleshwara Mukteshwara Swamy Temple is the spiritual heart of the town.
- Unique for housing two Shivalingas — Lord Kaleshwara (Yama) and Lord Mukteshwara (Shiva) — on a single pedestal, the temple attracts pilgrims seeking both freedom from karmic bonds and salvation.
- Rituals such as Kalasarpadosha Nivarajana Puja and Navagraha Puja are deeply significant, believed to pacify planetary influences and remove life’s obstacles.
- A striking feature of the Mukteshwara lingam is its dual nostrils — absorbing every drop of abhishekam water, symbolising the underground flow of the Saraswati river.
Mythology Meets Modern Infrastructure
- Despite its ancient roots, Kaleshwaram is rapidly evolving as a major spiritual tourism destination.
- Aided by National Highway 353C, pilgrims now arrive from across Telangana, Maharashtra (Gadchiroli, Chandrapur) and Chhattisgarh (Bijapur, Jagdalpur).
- The Telangana government has allocated ₹40 crore for the ongoing festival and pledged ₹200 crore to develop Kaleshwaram ahead of the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu.
- A newly installed 17-foot monolithic Saraswati statue, a 100-room pilgrim choultry, improved signage, and drone surveillance are just some of the measures taken to streamline the pilgrim experience.
Culture, Security and Devotion in Harmony
- More than 3,500 police personnel, supported by drones, CCTV cameras, and emergency teams including NDRF and Singareni Collieries rescue squads, ensure safe and smooth celebrations — particularly important given the region’s past links with Maoist activity.
- As dusk falls, Saraswati Ghat transforms into a cultural stage, hosting devotional music, dance performances, and the Maha Harathi, reminiscent of Varanasi’s iconic Ganga aarti.
- The spiritual aura is matched only by the natural beauty of the river confluence, now accessible through helicopter joyrides offering panoramic views of the sacred geography.
Final Day on May 26: Maha Harathi and Chandi Homam Await
- Pilgrims like N. Ramana from Karimnagar plan to return on May 26, the final day of Saraswati Pushkaralu, to witness the grand Maha Harathi and the Sri Chandi Homam at the Kaleshwaram temple.
- Though infrastructure gaps remain, devotees agree that Kaleshwaram more than compensates with its spirit, sanctity, and spiritual grandeur. As faith and tradition converge with planning and progress, Kaleshwaram continues to etch itself not only in the hearts of pilgrims but also on the spiritual map of India.
