Plans afoot to accommodate 50k to 1 lakh pilgrims daily over the 12-day festival

■  Saraswati Pushkaralu at Kaleshwaram faces water scarcity due to peak summer and evaporation

■  Lakhs of devotees expected; 3-4 TMC water needed for holy dips

■  Telangana exploring water release from Maharashtra and local reservoirs

■  Massive devotee turnout anticipated at Kaleshwara Mukteswara  Swamy Temple post-bath

Mahesh Avadhutha I hyderabad

The Telangana government is bracing itself for a significant influx of devotees as the auspicious Saraswati Pushkaralu is set to commence from May 15 to 26, 2025, at the sacred Triveni Sangam in Kaleshwaram, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. This holy confluence of the Godavari, Pranahita, and the mythical Saraswati rivers will witness the arrival of an estimated 50,000 to one lakh pilgrims daily over the 12-day festival, marking the return of the Saraswati Pushkaralu to the state after a 12-year hiatus.

However, the peak summer season presents a considerable challenge for the administration. While the current water flow at the Triveni Sangam is adequate, concerns are mounting that the levels may recede further by mid-May, potentially requiring devotees to traverse significant distances from the riverbank for a holy dip. To ensure the smooth conduct of the Pushkaralu and meet the sacred bathing needs of the vast number of pilgrims, irrigation officials estimate a requirement of 3 to 4 TMC of water, approximately 0.25 TMC per day.

The Telangana government is actively exploring viable solutions to address this potential water scarcity. Collaborative efforts with the Maharashtra government to request the release of water are underway. Simultaneously, authorities are considering the option of releasing water from the Sripada Yellampalli reservoir, located about 60 km away, and the Sriram Sagar Project, situated at a distance of approximately 170 km from the Triveni Sangam. Given the prevailing dry conditions, sourcing the required volume of water from these reservoirs or Maharashtra poses a logistical challenge, and the government may need to strategically combine releases from multiple sources.

Minister D Sridhar Babu, a native of the region, is expected to play a pivotal role in coordinating discussions with the Chief Minister and cabinet colleagues to formulate a comprehensive plan for the successful conduct of the Pushkaralu, which holds special significance as it is the first to be held in Kaleshwaram since the formation of Telangana.

Kaleshwara Mukteswara  Swamy temple poised for devotee surge

Adjacent to the sacred Triveni Sangam lies the revered Kaleshwara Mukteswara  Swamy Temple, a prominent landmark in Kaleshwaram. Following their holy dip in the rivers, a significant majority of the pilgrims are expected to visit this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is uniquely characterised by the presence of two Lingams on a single pedestal, representing Lord Mukteshwara (Shiva) and Lord Kaleshwara (Yama).

The Kaleshwara Mukteswara  Swamy Temple holds immense religious significance as one of the three temples forming the Trilinga Desham, believed to be Jyotirlingas marking the corners of the Telugu land, with the other two located at Draksharamam and Srisailam.

Temple Executive Officer S Mahesh stated that the temple administration is well-versed in managing large crowds, particularly during Karthika Masam and Maha Shivarathri, which witness footfalls of up to one lakh devotees. Anticipating a similar surge during the Pushkaralu, comprehensive arrangements are being made, including dedicated queue lines, ample drinking water facilities, cooling pavilions to provide respite from the summer heat, and provisions for Anna Prasadam (free meals) and Laddu distribution. Several NGOs and trusts are also collaborating to establish additional Anna Prasadam distribution centers in the temple vicinity.

The Telangana government is committed to ensuring a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for all devotees participating in the historic Saraswati Pushkaralu at Kaleshwaram. Efforts are underway on multiple fronts to address the water challenge and provide necessary amenities for the anticipated large gathering.