Kethaki Sangameshwara Swamy Temple – History, Rituals & Travel Guide

September 24, 2025 , , ,

 

Location

  • Village: Jharasangam
  • District: Sangareddy, Telangana
  • Nearby Towns: Zahirabad (well-connected by road and rail)

Deities & Subshrines

  • Main Deity: Lord Shiva as Kethaki Sangameshwara Swamy
  • Consort: Goddess Parvati Devi
  • Subshrines & Sacred Features:
    • Pushkarini: Known as Dakshina Kasi, this sacred tank contains Astha Theertha Amrutha Gundam (eight holy springs)
    • Kethaki Vanam: Forest where the temple legend begins
    • Unique Offering: Kethaki flowers (normally prohibited in Shiva worship) are specially offered here

Temple Significance

  • Mythological Origins:
    • Dates back to Krutha Yuga and the legend of King Kupendra of Surya Vamsha
    • The king was cured of a skin disease after bathing in the forest stream here
    • Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and instructed him to build the temple
    • The Shiva Lingam is believed to be Swayambhu and consecrated by Lord Brahma
  • Spiritual Importance:
    • The temple is located at the sangamam (confluence) of two sacred rivers: Manjeera and Singur
    • Considered a powerful healing and meditative site
    • Devotees from Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra visit especially on Amavasya, Mahashivaratri, Karthika Masam, and Shravana Masam
  • Architectural Style:
    • Blend of Chalukyan and Kakatiyan styles
    • Features include a grand Mahadwara, intricate carvings, and mythological murals

History

  • The temple dates back to the Krutha Yuga, with references in ancient lore and oral traditions.
  • It was built under the patronage of King Kupendra of the Surya Vamsha, who is said to have discovered the sacred site during his forest retreat.
  • Over centuries, the temple has been maintained and expanded by local rulers and devotees, becoming a major Shaivite pilgrimage center in Telangana.

Legend

  • King Kupendra, afflicted by a severe skin disease, bathed in a forest stream near Jharasangam and was miraculously cured.
  • That night, Lord Shiva appeared in his dream, instructing him to build a temple at the site.
  • The Shiva Lingam here is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested) and consecrated by Lord Brahma himself.
  • Uniquely, Kethaki flowers, which are normally forbidden in Shiva worship, are accepted here—making this temple spiritually exceptional.

Architecture

  • The temple showcases a blend of Chalukyan and early Kakatiyan styles, with stone carvings and a traditional South Indian layout.
  • Key features include:
    • A grand Mahadwara (main entrance) with intricate sculptures
    • A sacred Pushkarini (tank) known as Dakshina Kasi, fed by eight holy springs (Astha Theertha Amrutha Gundam)
    • A serene Kethaki Vanam (forest grove) surrounding the temple, enhancing its meditative ambiance
  • The temple complex is modest yet spiritually potent, drawing devotees from Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Rituals

  • Abhishekam: Daily Rudrabhishekam performed to the Swayambhu Shiva Lingam using water from the sacred Pushkarini.
  • Kethaki Flower Offering: Unique to this temple, Kethaki flowers—normally forbidden in Shiva worship—are offered here, symbolizing divine acceptance and healing.
  • Astha Theertha Snanam: Devotees bathe in the eight sacred springs (Amrutha Gundam) of the Pushkarini before darshan, believed to purify body and soul.
  • Special Poojas: Conducted on Amavasya, Pournami, Pradosham, and Mondays, with heightened spiritual energy during Karthika Masam and Shravana Masam.

Festivals

  • Mahashivaratri: Celebrated with grandeur—includes Jagaran, Annadanam, and Lingarchana throughout the night.
  • Karthika Deepotsavam: Devotees light thousands of lamps around the temple and Pushkarini, creating a divine spectacle.
  • Shravana Somavaram: Mondays in the month of Shravana are marked by mass abhishekams and special alankaras.
  • Amavasya Poojas: Considered highly auspicious here, drawing devotees from Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Beliefs

  • Bathing in the Pushkarini cures skin diseases and chronic ailments—linked to the legend of King Kupendra.
  • Offering Kethaki flowers here is believed to remove karmic obstacles and attract divine blessings.
  • The temple is considered a Siddha Kshetram—a place where prayers manifest quickly.
  • Couples seeking harmony and devotees praying for health, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment frequent this temple.

Temple Hours

  • Daily Opening: 6:00 AM
  • Closing Time: 8:00 PM
  • Special Days: Extended hours on Mahashivaratri, Amavasya, and Karthika Pournami
  • Best Time for Darshan: Early morning (before 8:00 AM) or evening (after 5:00 PM) for peaceful experience

Getting Here

  • By Road:
    • Located in Jharasangam village, Sangareddy district
    • Well-connected via Zahirabad town (~10 km away)
    • Accessible from Hyderabad via NH65 (~99 km)
  • By Rail:
    • Nearest station: Zahirabad Railway Station
    • Regular trains from Hyderabad, Bidar, and Secunderabad
  • By Air:
    • Nearest airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (~2.5 hours by road)

Tips

  • Footwear: Leave shoes at designated counters; temple floors can be hot in summer
  • Pushkarini Bath: Carry a towel and change of clothes if you plan to bathe in the sacred tank
  • Flower Offering: Kethaki flowers are sold locally—ask vendors for temple-approved bundles
  • Language: Telugu and Kannada are widely spoken; basic Hindi and English understood
  • Photography: Restricted inside sanctum; permitted in outer areas—check signage

Accommodation

  • Temple Guesthouses: Basic rooms available for pilgrims—book on arrival or via local contact

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