Telangana Launches Rs 198-Crore Renovation of Kaleshwaram Temple
HYDERABAD: The Telangana government has launched a Rs 198-crore renovation of the Sri Kaleshwara Mukteshwara Swamy Temple at Kaleshwaram in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, making the historic pilgrimage centre a key part of the state's preparations for the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy performed the bhoomi puja and laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment on April 20, 2026, according to the Telangana government's official portal. The government said the project is intended to provide comprehensive development of the temple and prepare Kaleshwaram for the major Godavari festival.
The project forms part of a broader state initiative to develop important temples along the Godavari corridor, stretching from Basara to Bhadrachalam, ahead of the Pushkaralu.
Kaleshwaram is one of Telangana's major Shaivite pilgrimage centres. The Sri Kaleshwara Mukteshwara Swamy Temple is located in Mahadevpur mandal of Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, near the confluence associated with the Godavari and Pranahita rivers.
The temple is particularly known for its unusual religious tradition involving Kaleshwara and Mukteshwara, represented by two Shiva lingas on a single pedestal.
The government's official account says the Rs 198 crore works are intended as a permanent development program rather than temporary festival arrangements. The objective is to have major temple improvements in place for the Godavari Pushkaralu while strengthening Kaleshwaram as a pilgrimage destination beyond the festival itself.
According to Telangana's 2026-27 state budget, Godavari Pushkaralu will be observed in the state from June 26 to July 7, 2027. The budget specifically identifies Kaleshwaram, Bhadrachalam, Dharmapuri and Vemulawada among temples receiving special attention.
For Telugu families in the United States planning visits to Telangana during the 2027 festival period, the Kaleshwaram project is particularly relevant because it combines restoration of a major temple with transport and pilgrim-infrastructure improvements.
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