Located at Sri Mukhalingam, Sri Mukhalingeswara Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the famous pilgrimage centers in Andhra Pradesh. The temple was built by Kamarnava II in 8th century AD of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple has four subsidiary shrines at the corners enshrining the lingas dedicated to Indresvara, Agneswara and Yamesvara.

location Andhra Pradesh, Srikakulam, Amaravathi

Legend

According to the legends, Lord Shiva manifested here in a Madhuka Tree to relieve the Gandharvas from the curse of Vamadeva Maharshi. Hence the Lord here is called Sri Madhukeswara swamy.

Architecture

The temple is built in Orissa style of architecture. There is a massive gateway flanked by lions at the entrance to the outer prakara of the Mukhalingeswara temple. At the entrance of the temple, there is a vast arched gate which has two lions on both sides of the gates. The primary gate leads to the outer prakara where the idol of the Nandhi is installed. 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 shape of Someshwara and Bhimeswara) and Lord Ganesha.  In the inner compound of the temple, there are 2 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, with idols of the Someshwara and Bhimeswara. The outer wall of the temple has the images of perforated windows sculpted beautifully.

Darsan Info

Temple timings : 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM & 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Clean and conservative clothing preferred : avoid shorts.

Famous Festival

Maha Shivarathri

Special Rituals

Every year famous Chakratirtha snanam(holy bath) is taken by pilgrims. Lakhs of pilgrims visit from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh on the auspicious day to take the holy bath and take blessings of Lord Shiva.

Additional Info

 

There are no restaurants available around temple area,one can get lots of small tiffen centres and dhaba's on the way to temple.