Hyderabad, May 21 (UNI) The sacred Saraswati Pushkaram has entered its seventh day in Kaleshwaram, a revered Trilinga Kshetra known for its spiritual, historical, and natural
significance.
Thousands of devotees are continuing to throng the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Godavari, Pranahita, and Saraswati rivers—to take holy dips and offer prayers, with the Saraswati Aarti emerging as a key attraction.
The government has also made the divine ritual accessible through live-streaming.
Kaleshwaram holds a unique place in Indian spiritual geography. Here, the Saraswati River—revered as Brahmapatni—joins the Godavari and Pranahita rivers.
According to mythology, this site witnessed the simultaneous manifestation of Yama and Shiva in the form of lingams on a single panavatta. The temple town thus symbolises both salvation and judgment, making it one of the most spiritually potent locations in the country.
The presence of Saraswati here is particularly significant. Although the river is believed to have disappeared due to geological shifts centuries ago, legends state that it still flows underground in Kaleshwaram. This has made the town the only location in southern India where Saraswati Pushkarams are officially observed.
It is also one of the few places in the country where Saraswati is worshipped in her form as Maha Saraswati, while her other forms, Gyana Saraswati and Bala Saraswati, are worshipped in Basara and Kashmir respectively.
Devotees, young and old, have been seen bathing in the sacred confluence with chants of "Hara Hara Mahadeva" echoing across the ghats. The atmosphere has been filled with devotional fervour, as conch shells are blown and prayers are offered to the river goddess and Lord Shiva.
On the seventh day of the festival, tradition holds that charity and good deeds carry special merit. Elders have long maintained that bathing alone does not bring spiritual benefits unless coupled with acts of kindness and giving.
History and local beliefs suggest that donating food, clothing, bedding, or even symbolic homes on this day brings immense blessings. While the ritual has evolved into a community sentiment over time, its original purpose—cultivating compassion and humanity—remains relevant.
The natural landscape of Kaleshwaram enhances the spiritual experience. Unlike the upper reaches of the Godavari, which receive limited inflows, the region sees a significant volume of water due to the confluence with the Pranahita River.
This ensures a consistent water supply for the Pushkaram festivities and reduces the risk of waterborne diseases. Though the river appears narrow due to wide sandbanks stretching over
two to three kilometres, the volume and purity of water make Kaleshwaram an ideal location
for such a holy event.
With the Telangana state government’s official organisation of the Pushkarams, Kaleshwaram’s spiritual legacy is now receiving broader recognition. As pilgrims continue to flock to the site, Saraswati Pushkaram in Kaleshwaram remains a profound expression of faith, tradition, and community spirit.
UNI VV BM