Sri Mukhalingam Temple is famously known as Dakshina Kashi ( the Varanasi of South India). Sri Mukhalingam Temple is located in Mukhalingam village, Jalumuru Mandal, 50 KM from Srikakulam, 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. Constructed between 9th and 11th centuries it is one of the Archaeological Sites of India under the protection of ASI.
Sivalinga at Srimukhalingam
Sri Mukha Lingam, as the very name suggests, is famous for the Temple of Lord Shiva with the Shiva Lingam having the face (Sri Mukham) of the Lord. Generally Shiva Lingams do not have the Facial carving and hence the Temple at Sri Mukhalingam is different from the other Shiva Temples. It is also known as Dakshina Kaasi. Sri Mukha Lingam, built on the banks of River Vamsadhara was a Glorious place during the Eastern Ganga Chola era and served as their Capital City for over Six centuries.
According to the Sthala Puranam, Lord Shiva manifested here in a Madhuka Tree (Which are plenty in this area) to relieve the Gandharvas who were born here as Tribals (Sabaras). Hence the Lord here is called Sri Madhukeswara swamy.
The entire temple is full of beautiful artistic carvings.
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.
Two great ancient temples to visit nearby:
Arasavalli Sun temple in Srikakulam( https://www.astrojyoti.com/arasavalli-sun-temple-in-srikakulam.htm)
Srikurmam Kurma temple near Srikakulam ( https://astrojyoti.com/srikurmam-kurmanathaswamy-temple.htm )
