Kaleshwaram is the site of the famous Shiva temple called "Kaleswara muktheswara swamy", which is on the border of theIndian states of Telangana and Maharashtra. Kaleswaram is located exactly at the merging point of the River Pranahita (tributary of Godavari) and the Godavari River. The Mukteshwara Swamy Temple is uniquely significant because of the two Shiva Lingas that are found on a single pedestal. They are named Lord Shiva and Lord Yama, collectively known as Kaleswara Mukteswara Swamy. Kaleswaram is one of the locations of the three Shiva temples mentioned in Trilinga Desham (Land of Three Lingams)and is another name for the Telugu-speaking region of Andhra Pradesh. (The other two locations mentioned are Draksharamam and Srishailam.)
Kaleswaram is also called Dakshina Triveni Sangamam, as two rivers meet here along with a third, the illusionary flow of Antarvaahini. It is said that a long time ago one of the Vaishyas had performed an abhisheka to Kaleswara Mukteswara with hundreds of milk pots, and the milk evolved at the sangamam of Godavari and Pranahita, hence the name Dakshina Gangotri (the other being Allahabad, or Prayaga). A large number of tourists arrive during the Karthika Month of the Indian Calendar (16 November – 15 December) and Maha Shiva Ratri. Karimnagar tourism gains from the historical significance of this 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 Karimnagar 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 Karimnagar 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. Another interesting sculpture is the fish idol that is seen here. Though the origin of this sculpture is unknown it is remarkable for its structure and style.
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. One can also find Kakatiyas architecture in Kaleshwaram Temple. The big Shiva Linga in the Temple premises is similar to the structure of Shiva Linga in Ramappa Temple. Karimnagar Tourism includes Kaleshwaram in its map as a revered Tirtha Khetra or spot for pilgrimage. This is attributed primarily to the presence of 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
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.
Contact Details
Sri Kaleshwara Muktheeshwara Swamy Devasthanam,
Kaleshwaram Village, Mahadevpur Mandal,
Karimnagar District, 505504.
Land line : 08720-201055
Website: kaleshwaramtemple(dot)in
Email : KaleshwaramTemple(at)gmail.com