Hans News Service Jayashankar Bhupalpally

Thehistoric Sri Kaleshwara Mukteshwara Swamy Temple at Kaleshwaram in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district is set to undergo a massive transformation with a Rs 198-crore redevelopment project sanctioned by the Telangana government. The ambitious initiative aims to enhance the temple’s infrastructure and accommodate the growing number of devotees visiting the shrine from across India and abroad.

Recognised as one of the rarest temples in the world with centuries of spiritual heritage, Kaleshwaram has witnessed a significant increase in pilgrim footfall over the years. Improved connectivity, including bridges across the Godavari River and better transport facilities, has further elevated its prominence as a major religious destination.

The redevelopment project has been taken up under the guidance of Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu and Endowments Principal Secretary Shailaja Ramayya. Authorities have planned extensive works to enable nearly 25,000 devotees to be accommodated comfortably within the temple complex.

As part of the reconstruction, the surroundings of the main sanctum will be renovated, while smaller gopurams, prakaram walls and subsidiary shrines will also be restored. The redesign of associated temples will be undertaken in consultation with the Sringeri Peetham.

A major component of the project includes the development of Pushkara ghats along the Godavari River. Sacred bathing ghats such as Pakshi Tirtha, Vyasa Tirtha and Jnana Tirtha will be constructed with an allocation of Rs 60 crore.

The long-neglected Adi Mukteshwara Temple, regarded as an ancient shrine of great religious significance, will also be revived. Daily rituals will be resumed and improved access will be provided for devotees.

The master plan includes the construction of permanent structures along the Godavari riverbank, new roads connecting important ghats and several modern amenities for pilgrims. The first phase of the project, focusing on the southern side of the temple complex and subsidiary shrines, is expected to be completed by May 2027. Temple authorities stated that darshan of Sri Kaleshwara Mukteshwara Swamy will continue uninterrupted during the reconstruction period. Devotees will be able to offer prayers at the Balalayam established at the Adi Mukteshwara Temple. Special officers have also been appointed to ensure smooth management and prevent inconvenience to pilgrims during the redevelopment works.