Sri Mukhalingam Temple

 

                  Sri Mukhalingam Temple

Sri Mukhalingam Temple is famously known as Dakshina Kashi ( the Varanasi of South India). Sri Mukhalingam Temple is located in Mukhalingam village, Jalumuru Mandal, Srikakulam district, in the northeastern corner of Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of River Vamsadhara. It was the capital of Kalinga Ganga Kings for over 600 years and the Trinity of Mukhalingeswara or Madhukeswara, Aniyanka Bheemeswara, and Someswara temples are a testimony to the spectacular  Architectural skills of Kalinga Kings. It is one of the Archaeological Sites of India under the protection of ASI.

Undiscovered Hidden Gem of India: "Sri Mukhalingam Temple" is one of the "Least Known Treasures" of India. Srimukhalingam Temple is constructed in the Indo-Aryan architectural sculpture style. The temple's breathtaking natural surroundings, combined with its captivating architecture and carving, make it a must-see for all tourists and devotees.

History of Sri Mukhalingam Temple

The Mukhalingeswara or Madhukeswara temple was founded by Kāmārnava–II, who was the son of Dānārnava of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, in the 8th century AD. This Trinity of the Temple is considered a testimony of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, later known as the Cōdaganga dynasty after King Anantavarman Cōdaganga (c. 1077–1147). The carvings on Cōdaganga’s Korni Copper Plant Grant, which dates back to 1113 AD, show that Cōdaganga’s ancestor Kāmārnava built the Sri Mukhalingam temple. 

According to Lionel D. Barnett, Kāmārnava–II was the grandson of Virasingha (the founder of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty) and the son of Dānārnava (Virasingha’s second son). Virasingha’s five sons ruled from different places, while Dānārnava and Kāmārnava–II retained the center at Kalinganagara, which has been identified as present-day Srimukhalingam. The capital was moved to Mukhalingam from Dantapura, which was the capital for the early rulers of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.

Srimukhalingam, as the name suggests, is the temple of Lord Shiva, with the Shiva Lingam having the face (Sri Mukham) of the Lord. Secondly, the lingam is a fossil of the trunk of the Ippa (Madhuka) tree with a naturally carved face but not a combination of stone carvings.
As per scripting, this region is famously known for a unique type of tree, namely the Madhuka. According to the Sthala Puranam, Lord Shiva was manifested here in a Madhuka Tree, and his purpose was to relieve the Gandharvas born here as tribes (Sabaras) from Vamadeva Maharshi’s curse. Thus, Lord Shiva here is also hailed as Sri Madhukeswara Swamy.

These temples are a great attraction for pilgrims due to their architecture and sculptures. But they are also great places for aesthetes and people who love heritage. The magnificent stonework, as well as the sculptures, reliefs, and bas-reliefs adorning the various temple walls, will draw them in.

Story Behind Golem (Huge Mud Pot)

Behind the main deity is a Golem (a huge mud pot) bigger than the Sanctorum door. According to temple texts, once upon a time, there was a potter man named “Naganna.” He was a devotee of Lord Shiva and would offer puja every day, asking for a child as a blessing. One day, he decided to offer the golem of milk to Shiva, but because of its size and weight, he could not take it to Shiva. So, he left the golem at the entrance door and returned home sadly. The next morning, when the priest opened the temple door, to his utmost amazement, he found the golem just behind the deity. Everyone believed it was the god’s magical deed, and the potter man was also blessed with a child.

On the auspicious day of Shivaratri, lakhs of pilgrims visit the temple to take Chakratirtha snanam (holy bath) in the Vamsadhara River and take the blessings of Lord Shiva. Cultural events and cultural dramas were also held at the temple premises over a period of two days.

Attractions In & Around Sri Mukhalingam Temple

Arasavalli (Sun God Temple), Sri Kurmanatha Swamy Temple (Srikurmam), Kalingapatnam Beach, and Buddhist Stupas (Salihundam) are the major tourist attractions in and around this area.