Om tryambakam yajamahe sugandhim pustivardhanam
urva rukamiva bandhanan mrtyor muksiya māmrtāt
Kaleshwaram Mukteswara Swamy Temple is famous in Karimnagar District of Telanagana.
This ancient temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. The most unique aspect in this temple is the presence of two Shiva Lingams that can be seen on a single pedestal or Panavattam. One belongs to Lord Shiva (Mukteshwara) and the other belongs to Lord Yama (Kaleshwar). As a result of this dual presence the temple has been named Kaleshwara Mukteswara Swamy Temple.
It is believed that this temple of Lord Shiva is of the three Lord Shiva Temples of Trilinga Desham (also called as Land of Three Lingas which is the land of Telugu speaking people). All the three temples are Jyotirlingas that adorn the three corners of Telugu Land. The other two it is said can be seen at Draksharamam and Srishailam.
The ancient temple is replete with several unique features which instills reverence in the hearts of devotees. Mukteshwara linga comprises a hole which can never be filled with water no matter how much is poured into it. Science has failed to provide any explanation. However, there are indications of an underground passage which travels all the way to the Godavari river which could be a logical explanation. Nevertheless, the temple allures devotees with its mystic charm.
The temple continues to trigger curiosity about its history. There are indications of Buddhist traditions and rituals being followed within its sacred walls. The presence of these signs generates new ingredients for research.The walls of this ancient temple are replete with rare sculptures like those of Surya, Matsya and Brahma. The intricate detailing of these engravings is truly a pleasure to behold.
Skanda Purana, the text which is considered to be one of the largest of the Mahapuranas devotes verses and chants describing the Lilas or activities of Karthikeya, the son of Shiva and Parvati. In the process it also describes several legends on Shiva. One of the most famous narratives is about the Jyotirlingas or the holy shrines associated with Lord Shiva. The Kaleshwara Mukteshwara Swamy temple therefore finds vivid reference in the narratives of the Skanda Purana.
Near by this temple several holy temples dedicated to Shaivites as well as Vaishnavites. Some of the well-known ones include Venkateswara Aalayam, Bindu Madhavaswamy Aalayam, Chandrasekhara Aalayam, and Someswara Aalayam.
Specialty of Sri Kaleshwara Mukteswara Swamy Temple Kaleshwaram(Telangana) : The presence of the Dual lingams on a single pedestal is the principal crowd puller. The Lingams are dedicated to Lord Yama and Lord Shiva. These lingams have contributed in naming the temple Kaleshwara Mukteshwara Swamy Temple.
Other Attractions of Kaleshwaram:
– Triveni Sangham of Telangana is located near the Kaleshwaram Temple. Triveni Sangham is based on the intersection of 3 rivers – Godaravi, Pranahita and Saraswathi.
– Bathing Ghats are provided for the devotees to take in the Godavari river.
– Pranahita River flows from the other direction of the River Godavari. Boating facilities are available for the devotees to go to the Ghat where both the rivers intersect.
– Once in 12 years, the holy bath at Godavari-Prnahita-Sarasthwathi triveni sangham or Pushkara snanam happens at Kaleshwaram.
– It is believed that the Lord Shiva Lingams abhishekam water or milk appears at the Triveni Sangham of Kaleshwaram.
Distance to Kaleshwaram:
– Distance from Hyderabad to Kaleshwaram is 277 Kms
– Distance from Karimnagar to Kaleshwaram Temple is 125 kms
– Distance from Warangal to Kaleshwaram Temple is 110 Kms.
How to reach Sri Kaleshwara Mukteswara Swamy Temple Kaleshwaram:
– TSRTC runs regular bus services from Warangal, Karimnagar and Manthani.
– Buses also ply from Hanamkonda and vice versa, the frequency being once in 30 minutes.
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