Sri Mukhalingam, Srikakulam: A Divine Place of Worship
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Dakshina Kashi, or the Varanasi of South India, is famously known as the Sri Mukhalingam Temple.
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The Sri Mukhalingam Temple is situated in the village of Mukhalingam, in the Jalumuru Mandal district of Srikakulam, in the northeastern corner of the state of Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the River Vamsadhara.
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In the 8th century AD, Kāmārnava–II, who was the son of Dānārnava of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, founded the Mukhalingeswara or Madhukeswara temple.
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This Trinity of the Temple is a testimony of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, later known as the Cōdaganga dynasty after King Anantavarman Cōdaganga.
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The Srimukhalingam temple, as the name suggests, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shiva Lingam in the temple has the face (Sri Mukham) of the Lord.
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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.
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The Sthala Puranam says that Lord Shiva was born from a Madhuka Tree in order to relieve the Gandharvas, who were born here as tribes (Sabaras), from Vamadeva Maharshi's curse.
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Thus, Sri Madhukeswara Swamy is also hailed as Lord Shiva here.
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The architecture and sculptures of these temples make them great attractions for pilgrims.
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Aesthetes and people who love heritage also love this place.