KALESWARAM - MUKTEESWARALAYAM

Of the three Saiva kshetras forming the boundaries of the Trilingadesa that blessed its people with rich Telugu language, Kaleswaram is one, the others being Draksharamam and Sri Kalahasti. It is a famous thirtha kshetra abounding in many holy temples dedicated to both Vaishnavates and Saivate gods, like Venkateswara Aalayam, Bindu Madhavaswamy Aalayam, Chandrasekhara Aalayam, Someswara Aalayam, Saraswati Aalayam, Adi Muktiswara Aalayam; Annapurna Aalayam and Balarajeswara Aalayam.

It lies on the southern bank of Godavari and moreover Pranahita, a tributary joins Godavari here and hence deemed very sacred and called Dakshina Kasi. Another plus point it claims is - it is at the confluence of three states - Andhra, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Its legendary importance too is exceedingly great. Skanda purana eulogises its glory elaborately. Sri Rama is said to have visited this place. There are certain oddities in this Aalayam.

One, two Sivalingas - Kaleswaralinga and Mukteeswaralinga are installed on one and the same Panavatta; it is a rare feature; two, there are two holes on the Mukteeswaralinga that could never be filled with whatever quantity of water poured into them; three, there are some signs of Buddhist traditions in this Sivalaya and finally it is believed that there is an underground passage that takes the water to Godavari. Kaleeswaralinga receives agrapuja always. Above all, this temple houses many rare images, like Surya, Matsya and Brahma. Saivagama puja is offered regularly.

Enshrining such unique features, this ancient kshetra is luring a steady stream of devotees throughout the year.

It lies about 30 km off Manthana in Karimnagar district of Andhra Pradesh commanding all transport facilities.

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