Andhra Pradesh is the land of many divine destinations. However, most of us remain unaware of these beautiful locations. The Sri Mukhalingeswara Temple comes to under this category.
Sri Mukhalingeswara Temple is located in Sri Mukhalingam Village of Jalumuru Mandal in Srikakulam District. Sri Mukhalingeswara Temple was built in the 8th Century AD. Main deity of the temple “Mukhalingeswara Swamy” is also known as Madhukeswara by devotees since the Idol is said to have self manifested from the Madhuka Tree.
History : The history of this ancient Shiva Temple starts from the era of Eastern Ganga Dynasty. This ancient temple was believed to be constructed by Kamamava II, king of Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 8th Century AD. This temple was built on the banks of River Vamsadhara. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and built in the Orissa style of architecture. The village, “Mukhalingam” was known as Kalinganagara in the ancient times. The village Mukhalingam was the capital of the early Eastern Ganga dynasty of Orissa region.
The temple is also known as Dakshina Kaasi. The temple has references even in the Skandha Puranam. According to the Skandha Puranam, Lord Shiva appeared here in a Madhuka Tree to salvage the Gandharvas who were born here as Tribals. Hence the Lord here is also known as Sri Madhukeswara swamy.
Inside The Temple: At the entrance of the temple, there is a vast arched gate,in which there are two lions on both sides of the gates. The primary gate leads to the outer prakara where the idol of the Nandhi is installed in a mandapam. The inscriptions of the Gods and Goddess leads to the inner prakara, which is the temple of the Mukhalingeswara. At each corner of the inner prakara, there are several little temples, some dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Someshwara and Bhimeswara) and Lord Ganesha. At the center, stands the finely incised temple, the walls of which have pictures of Gods and Goddesses in their various avatars (forms). Each image depicts a story from the Shiva Purana. This is a gaggle of 3 temples designed by the eastern Ganga kings in the 8th century. This Sri Mukhalinga temple shows the province type of design. The Mukhalinga could be a virtual gallery. The entrances measure a marvel in themselves. There is an enrichment of sculptural work and perforated windows. The Bhimeswara temple lacks its grand splendor; however Someswara temple is additionally wealthy in sculptural work.
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