PNS|Hyderabad
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will inaugurate the Saraswati Pushkar Ghat at the sacred Triveni Sangam in Kaleshwaram on May 15, marking the formal commencement of the rare Saraswati Pushkaralu. The Chief Minister will also take a holy dip at the confluence of the Godavari, Pranahita, and the invisible Saraswati river after inaugurating the ghat. Several ministers are also expected to accompany him for the spiritual event.
This unique celestial event, which occurs once every 12 years, has prompted the Endowments Department to make elaborate arrangements. According to temple priests, the Pushkaralu commence following Jupiter’s entry into Gemini — a transit that will occur at 10.35 PM on May 14. Pilgrims will begin taking the ceremonial dip at sunrise the next day.
The Pushkaralu will continue for 12 days till May 26, with rituals including daily yagnas between 8.30 AM and 11 AM and a special Navaratna Malahaarathi to Goddess Saraswati conducted at the ghat every evening from 6.45 PM to 7.35 PM. The opening ceremony of the Pushkar Snanam will be led by Toguta Ashram Peethadhipathi Madhavananda Saraswati Swamiji on May 15 at 5.44 AM.
Temporary tent cities have been constructed to accommodate the influx of pilgrims, while a cultural calendar has also been lined up for every evening to reflect the spiritual and artistic heritage of the state.
Saraswati is believed to be an antarvahini or subterranean river at Kaleshwaram, joining Godavari and Pranahita at the Triveni Sangam. With Jupiter — known as the planet of wisdom, learning, and spirituality — entering Gemini, the Saraswati Pushkaralu gain deep astrological and devotional significance. Priests note that Jupiter changes zodiac signs only once every year, and takes 12 years to revisit the same sign, making this year’s Pushkaralu especially auspicious.
Kaleshwaram is already witnessing preparations in full swing, with the district administration coordinating sanitation, water, food, safety, and crowd management. Thousands of devotees are expected to converge at the site to take part in the holy bath and seek blessings.
