Sri Endala Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Raavivalasa Shivalayam Temple

Andhra Pradesh, Srikakulam, Amaravathi

Situated at Ravivalsa village of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, Sri Endala Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also known as Raavivalasa Shivalayam Temple. The Shiv Linga in this temple is self-manifested and is about 20 m high and 3 m wide.

Legend

According to the legends, Sthalapurana Sushena (doctor in lord Sri Rama Followers) stayed at sumancha parvatham to do penance for Lord Shiva. After some years, Lord Rama sent Hanuman to inquire about the whereabouts of Sushena. When Hanuman reached the place, he saw the dead remains (skeleton) of Sushena and thought that Sushena was dead. Therefore, Hanuman buried Sushenaâ€™s body and covered it with deer skin and jasmine flowers and gave the news to Lord Rama. Lord Rama along with Sita, Laxmana and Hanuma reached the spot and saw the body of Sushena turned to Shiva Linga. They all took a dip in the nearby pond started offering prayers to the Linga. To their astonishment, the Linga started to grow till they ended the pooja. It is also believed that the Pandavas visited this place during their exile. According to local belief, the Shivalingam has been slowly growing in size over the past thousands of years and has also become slightly tilted.

Architecture

The Endala Mallikarjuna Swami Temple has no concrete construction. The temple has no top, entrance, and the big Linga enshrined in it has no doors at all too. The Shiv Linga is about 20 m high and 3 m wide.

Darsan Info

6:30 AM To 7:30 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Wear clean clothes and avoid western outfits while visiting temple

Famous Festival

karthika masam &Shiva Ratri

Culture

Srikakulam is renowned for its indigenous arts and crafts brass products such as bells for temples, cooking utensils, flower pots, lamps and other household items. The place boasts of many notable contributions to cultural fields like film, music, art, and architecture.