Telangana to Have First Integrated Godavari Temple Circuit

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will release a master plan for a 550-km Godavari temple circuit at Basara on April 6 to develop a river-linked pilgrimage and eco-tourism corridor ahead of the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu.

According to officials, the proposed Basara-Bhadrachalam circuit will connect major shrines, including Gnana Saraswati Temple and Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple, along with Kaleshwaram, Dharmapuri, Kotilingala, Soan, Gudem, and Sri Rama Giri. The officials said these sites, earlier functioning in isolation, will be integrated into a continuous pilgrimage route for devotees from Telangana, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.

The river bends at Soan, and Kaleshwaram will be developed as key nodes with eco-sensitive walkways and viewing points. The officials said the circuit is planned to begin at Kandakurthi near Basara, known as “Skanda Kudi” and “Triveni Sangamam,” where the Godavari, Manjeera, and Haridra rivers meet.

Vedic scholars said the locations hold religious significance due to river confluences and bends.

Vedic Pandit Raghunath Sharma highlighted Basara’s rarity: “It’s India’s only historic Saraswati temple after Kashmir’s Sharada Petha — a learning centre where lakhs of children do Aksharabhyasam yearly, with the Godavari waters carrying knowledge and speech energy.”

Senior Vedic pandit from Nirmal, Gunavanth Shastri, added that the “scriptures view rivers as living goddesses. Sacred river bends are special sthalas. Soan’s U-turn is known as `Vrudha Ganga’ and has immense significance in Shraddha and Pinda daan for ancestors.

Kaleshwaram’s Dakshina Triveni Sangamam washes sins instantly. It is unique for two Shiva Lingas (Shiva and Yama) on one pedestal, and a rare Brahma temple is also nearby. Developing ghats here aligns infrastructure with ancient beliefs.”

Officials said eco-tourism sites such as Bogatha Falls and Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary will be integrated with regulated activities, including boating and trekking. Basic amenities such as shaded rest areas, toilets, water facilities, and parking will be developed to manage crowds and limit unplanned construction.

Master plans for Basara, Kaleshwaram, Dharmapuri, and Bhadrachalam include infrastructure upgrades and aesthetic redevelopment. A `351-crore project is already underway at Bhadrachalam, with the state seeking additional central funds.

The government expects the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu to attract large pilgrim footfall while positioning the corridor as a combined religious and eco-tourism destination, officials said.