Interesting Things You Must Know About Kaleshwara Mukteeshwara Swamy Temple, Telangana

Kaleshwaram, situated on the border of Telangana and Maharashtra, is a renowned place in Telangana. It is home to the revered Lord Shiva temple, "Kaleswara Muktheswara Swamy," which is considered one of the best and most famous temples in the state. Tourists and devotees flock to the Kaleshwaram project and the village of Kaleshwaram in Mahadevpur Mandal, Bhoopalpally district, Telangana.

This sacred site holds special significance as it marks the confluence of two rivers, the Pranahita (a tributary of the Godavari) and the Godavari River.

The Kaleshwara Muktheshwara Swamy Temple in Telangana is a highly spiritual place and hosts grand celebrations during the festival of Maha Shiva Ratri. It stands as one of the oldest and most revered temples in the region.

Recognizing its importance, the Telangana state government has declared both the Chaya Someshwara temple and the Kaleshwaram temple as the two most famous Lord Shiva temples in Telangana.

# The specialty of Shiva Temple in Karimnagar

The Kaleshwara Shiva Temple boasts a unique and iconic feature - two Lingams placed on a single pedestal, known as the Panavattam. This special aspect gives the temple its name, Kaleshwara Mukteswara Swamy Mandiram. One of the Lingams is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Mukteswara, and the other to Lord Yama, known as Kaleshwara.

The clear and distinct view of these side-by-side Lingams adds to the temple's uniqueness. It is believed that Kaleswaram is one of the three significant Shiva temples in Trilinga Desham, along with Darksharama and Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. The temple's connection to a story is also noteworthy.

Kaleswaram is often referred to as Dakshina Triveni Sangamam, as it is the meeting point of two rivers, along with an illusionary flow called Antarvaahini. According to historical accounts, long ago, a Vaishya performed a grand abhisheka to Kaleswara Mukteswara with hundreds of milk pots, and the milk miraculously blended at the confluence of the Godavari and Pranahita rivers. This unique occurrence led to the name Dakshina Gangotri.

# Kaleshwaram Temple History:

The Kaleshwaram Temple in Telangana holds great historical and ancient significance. It was established and constructed by Rajaiah and Satyavati Devi Daram. One of the temple's most notable features is the presence of two Lingas on a single pedestal. One Linga represents Lord Shiva, while the other represents Lord Yama, the deity associated with mortality and time. This unique characteristic gives rise to the names Kaleshwara (referring to Lord Yama) and Muktheshwara (referring to Lord Shiva).

# Legend:

Lord Shiva holds the responsibility of determining the end of our life cycle and instructs Lord Yama to carry out the process of mortal life's conclusion, following the natural life cycle. However, an issue arose when people started attaining salvation prematurely, causing an imbalance in nature. In order to address this, Lord Yama decided to worship Lord Shiva, seeking a solution to maintain the proper life cycle.

Pleased with Lord Yama's prayers and devotion, Lord Shiva granted his request and instructed the installation of the Muktheshwara Linga alongside the Kaleshwara Linga on a single pedestal. It is believed that devotees who pray to Lord Shiva at this sacred place will attain moksha, liberating them from the cycle of birth and death.

Upon learning of Lord Yama's wish, Lord Shiva declared that those who visit Kaleshwaram and have darshan of the Kaleshwara Linga (representing Lord Yama) will attain salvation.

# Importance:

The Linga in the temple contains a mysterious hole that never fills up, no matter how many liters of water are poured into it. It is speculated that an underground passage connected to the Godavari River prevents the hole from reaching its full capacity. This enigmatic phenomenon has made the temple a subject of spiritual legends and discussions.

# Architecture:

The Kings of Kakatiya were instrumental in constructing numerous temples, and in recent years, the Telangana state government has invested significant funds for extensive architectural renovations. The government has allocated substantial resources for beautification and accommodation services. However, to preserve the original architecture of the Kaleshwaram Temple, some of the renovated sections have been left untouched.

Upon observing the temple, one can notice the grand entrance with a massive staircase. The temple walls bear signs of ancient Buddhist rituals and traditions that were once followed here. Several inscriptions and sculptures on the walls depict deities like Surya, Matsya, and Brahma. Furthermore, traces of Kakatiya architecture can also be found on various parts of the temple.

Despite the modern enhancements, efforts have been made to maintain the historical essence of the Kaleshwaram Temple, allowing visitors to witness its ancient and diverse cultural heritage.

# Godavari Pushkaralu Festival

Pushkaralu is an Indian festival dedicated to worshiping the holy rivers across the country. It occurs once every 12 years and is celebrated alongside 12 different rivers. During this auspicious occasion, people from various regions in India gather to visit these sacred rivers and take a ritual bath. Alongside the riverbanks, devotees also perform poojas and other religious ceremonies. Among these rivers, the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram attracts a massive crowd during the Pushkaralu festival.

How to reach Kaleshwaram Temple:

Karimnagar Kaleshwara Temple is very near to place, devotees can reach by Bus, Train and Cab private vehicles. telangana state government TSRTC runs regular bus services from Warangal, Karimnagar and Manthani. Nearest busstandFrequent buses are available from Hanamkonda for every 30 minutes. Nearest train Karimnagar,Warangal Junctions.