Warangal: It is the only temple to have two lingas on a single panavattam (pedestal). It is only the second situated near the convulsion point of three rivers. The Kaleshwara Mukteswara swamy temple in Mahadevpur Mandal of Jayashankar Bhupalpally district is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has several iconic aspects drawing devotees from all across. The belief is that prosperity beckons those visiting the shrine.
What attracts the devotees is the presence of two lingas on a single panavattam as against the popular representation of a Shivalinga. While one linga represents Mukteswara Swamy or Lord Shiva the other represents Kaleshwara Swamy or Lord Yama. The Linga has two holes like nostrils. The water used for abhishekam enters these holes and is believed to join river Godavari and Pranahita as Goddess Saraswati. This convulsion point is called the triveni sangamam. Devotees consider that taking a holy dip in this river washes off all their sins. The temple attracts lakhs during the festivities.
Temple Executive Officer A Maruthi said that they are geared up for festivities that begin on Thursday with special rituals, including Ganapathi puja and procession.
On Friday, on the occasion of Mahashivaratri, the celestial wedding of lord Shiva would be conducted and maha abhishekam will be conducted in the night. It will end with rudrabhishekam and pavalimpu seva on Saturday.
“Arrangements including facilities at bathing ghats, drinking water, lights, rescue teams, toilets, medical camps, 150 policemen for security and cultural activities during night are all ready. We expect about two lakh devotees during the three days. The
RTC is also providing special bus services from across the state,” Mr Maruthi said.
