Srimukhalingeswara Temple

It's an ancient Lord Shiva temple with good architecture and carvings in the stones.

The roads are under development ( they are constructing broad road) , previously there is a narrow road which made the journey slow and tiresome.

The priests are absolutely commercial and they won't allow you to have a peaceful dharshan. They start telling something and ask for money or tell to do this & that for others etc.

There are many small temples inside the premises with various forms of lingas, lord Ganesh, Lord Kumara swami and others.

The aesthetic of the place is absolutely spoiled by the electrical wires hanging all around and the blue dust bins placed inside the premises.

The faces of most idols are damaged by the Mughals in the past. No one repaired them whatsoever.

For occasions they started digging holes in the stone floor to place the rods. They are damaging the centuries old flooring.
Imagine the damage caused in long run.

The temple management should improve.

Priests if you are reading this- Devotees come from far places to get peaceful darshan, please don't force them to give money.

Srimukhalingam temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Sri Mukha Lingeswara Swamy, actually houses 3 Ancient Temples in close vicinity - Madhukeswara, Someswara and Bheemeswara Temples. The temples bear testimony to the magnificent architectural tastes of Kalinga Kings of the Eastern Ganga dynasty or later known as Chodaganga dynasty after Anantavarman Chodaganga (c. 1077–1147). Chodaganga’s Korni Copper Plant Grant (1112 AD) mentions that Madhukeswara temple was built by his ancestor Kamarnava.

This dynasty flourished mostly during the period 11th century to the early 15th century, but had beginning before with Indravarman (496 – 535). There is difference in opinion regarding the period of rule of different rulers of the dynasty. The Srimukhalingeswara Madhukeswara temple was built by Kamarnava–II in 8th century AD [i]. Two other opinions place Kamarnava–II at 803-853 AD, or 1015 AD. Alternative opinion is: the construction began during rule of Kamarnava I (941-976 CE). But 8th century AD is the most accepted date because of new found inscriptions and resemblance of sculptures with early Chalukyan sculptures of 8th century AD.

According to Lionel D. Barnett, Kamarnava–II was grandson of Virasingha (the founder of eastern Ganga dynasty) and son of Danarnava, Virasingha’s second son. Virasingha’s five sons ruled from different places, while Danarnava and Kamarnava–II retained the centre at Kalinganagara which has been identified with Mukhalingam. The early rulers of the dynasty ruled from Dantapura; the capital was thus moved to Mukhalingam, and even later by later rulers to Kataka (modern Cuttack).

At their zenith, the eastern Ganga dynasty had sway over the whole of the modern-day Indian state of Odisha as well as parts of West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Today, they are most remembered as the builders of the Konark Sun Temple, Odisha. But Srimukhalingam temples are the Less Known "Hidden Treasures" Of India (from tourist perspective, of course, because local pilgrims abound from Andhra and Orissa).

The uniqueness of Sri Mukhalingam is that, in the main temple, the Shiva Lingam has the face (Sri Mukham) of the Lord. Secondly, the Lingam is not of stone formation but is a Fossil of the trunk of Ippa (Madhuca) tree with a naturally carved face. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the Sanctum Sanctorum; so, I could not take shot.

Madhuka trees are plenty in this region. According to the Sthala Puranam, Lord Shiva manifested here in a Madhuka Tree. His purpose was to relieve the Gandharvas born here as Tribals (Sabaras) by Vamadeva Maharshi’s curse. Thus Shiva here is also hailed as Sri Madhukeswara Swamy.

The temples are great attraction for the religious minded and pilgrims. But they are great places for lovers of art, architecture and heritage. What would attract the latter are marvelous Stone works – the sculptures, reliefs and bas-reliefs adorning the temple walls.

The East-facing Madhukeshvara temple rises to a height of about 65 feet. It took us one hour and half to reach the temple. Our auto parked on the opposite side of the road in front of the temple.

After Lingaraj temple (bhubaneswar) i can say this best temple to show the the best example for UTKALA architecture ❤️❤️❤️..

What a designs yaar.. mind blowing, govt should concentrate more for this temple.. I spent 2 hours to see the arts but still missing that... Each and art giving some information...

Specially that arts and designs are osm guys...

I tried my best to capture that art.. hope u guys like it..

One of the popular Shiva temples, Sri Mukhalingeswara is located at Sri Mukhalingam village in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple of Sri Mukhalingeswara was constructed by Kamarnava II in 8th century AD of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It is located on the banks of River Vamsadhara. Main deity “Mukhalingeswara Swamy” is also known as Madhukeswara since the Idol is said to have self manifested from the Madhuka Tree.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

One of the oldest temples of India, constructed by Hindu king in 8th Century. This is the only temple of Shiva Bhagvan, who can be seen with face.

Most visited place. Historically it is famous, Very old temple, You can see the kalinga architecture.There are three temples at Sri Mukhalingam. These temples are architectural marvels of India. These are marvelous stone works and a feast to the Connoisseurs of Archaeology & Heritage.
Sri Mukhalingam Temple is famously known as Dakshina Kashi (Varanasi of South India). Sri Mukhalingam Temple is pinpointed to the town of Mukhalingam village, Jalumuru Mandal, Srikakulam district northeastern corner of the state 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.

Behind the main deity is a Golem (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 the bigger size and weight of the golem, he could not take it to Shiva. So, left the Golem at the entrance door and returned home sadly. The next day morning, when the priest opened the temple door, to his utmost astonishment, he found the Golem just behind the deity. Everyone believed that it was the magical deed of the god and the potter man was also blessed with a child.

What an architecture. Lovely art. Ancient. #vibes
U can take bus from srikakulam complex to srimukhalingam directly.

Vry nice temple with Amazing sculpture every where but sad n unfortunate thing is it was destroyed by Mughals.Almost every Idol was got destroyed
The preists are highly commercial and keep asking for Poojas n money in tht name