Srimukhalingam Temple Srikakulam

Mukhalingam is a quiet village, situated 56 km from Srikakulam in the Jalumuru Mandal. This village, on the banks of river Vamsadhara is the keeper of our illustrious past. Mukhalingam used to be the capital of the then Kalinga Kingdom and boasts of hosting the three temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Madhukeswara, Someswara, Bheemeswara. Three of the temples stand testimony to the extraordinary finesse of architectural skills.

Local history narrates that once Chitasena tried to chop a madhuka tree which was worshipped as a linga and over which his two wives were fighting. While cutting down the tree, the face of Shiva showed up on the trunk.

Srimukhalingam Temple Srikakulam:

The Mukhalingeswar Temple is more elaborate in comparison to the other two temples of the trinity. The construction continued for two generations. Kamarnava II started building the temple in 9th century AD and it was completed by his grandson Immadi Vajrahasta.

The lingam has been carved out of a tree trunk and not a stone. Since the trunk of Madhuka(palm) tree is used, it is called Madhukaswara temple. The tree bears a carved structure that resembles a face and therefore the name, Mukhalingeswara.(mukha means face) .

Both sides of the gateway are gorgeously designed by carvings of Gods and Goddesses, mythological allusions and other structures. Two exquisite rock-cut lions are placed on both sides of the gateway. It is an epitome of the Indo-Aryan style of architecture and is recognised and protected  by the archaeological survey of India as a ‘monument of national importance.’

Idols Inside Srimukhalingam Temple Srikakulam:

The Bheemeswara temple is located proximal to the Mukhalingeswara temple. It was constructed by Aninayaka Bheeshwara. This temple is not as intricately carved as the Madhukeswara Temple. However, one of the most striking features is the two Nandi statues belonging to two different periods, housed in the temple. One belongs to the Ganga dynasty while the other to the Chola dynasty. Theportrayal of two different archeological styles is of much interest to the connoisseurs.

The Someswara Temple is also beautifully carved. On either side of the doorway are the sculptures of the river goddesses Ganga and Yamua. The gopuram or the gateway is resplendent with sculptures of Gods and Goddesses.

Shivaratri in Srimukhalingam Temple Srikakulam:

Shivaratri is celebrated at Mukhalingam with pomp and show for over three days.Pilgrims come here for Chkara teertha Snanam which they believe holds an important place in granting them salvation.Whether you believe it or not, a visit to Mukhalingam will etch a magnificent memory in your mind. The calm village, the spiritual overtones and the elegant artistry will surely bewitch you.

Srimukhalingam Temple Timings:

Monday 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM

How To Reach Srimukhalingam Temple Srikakulam:

Travel Guide:

Sri Mukhalingam Temple is easily accessible by all three major modes of transport, roadways, railways, and airways. Which will come as a source of relief to the many travel enthusiasts ready to visit Sri Mukhalingam Temple in Srikakulam!

By Road:

Hiramandalam APSRTC bus station and Lakshminarasupeta APSRTC bus stations are the nearby bus stations to Sri Mukhalingam Temple. APSRTC runs a number of busses from major cities to this temple.

By Rail:

Rails in India are the most affordable and most preferred modes of transportation. Srikakulam Road railway station and Tilaru railway station are the very nearby railway stations to Sri Mukhalingam Temple.

By Flight:

The two nearest airports to this town are Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam Airport at a distance of 314 kms and 155 kms from the temple, respectively.

Srikurmam Temple @ Srikakulam

History Of Srikurmam Temple:

Lord Vishnu, one among the divine trinity worshipped by Hindus is known to have undergone 10 incarnations in different periods to accomplish certain significant tasks, slaying the devil rampaging the earth and establishing peace and harmony. The incarnations or avataras have metamorphosed from complete animals to half human-half animals to complete humans.

The chronology of the incarnation is a wonderful metaphor of the ideal and expected procedure of shedding anger and ego to gain composure and civility. The 2nd incarnation of Lord Vishnu was Kurma avatara(tortoise incarnation) after matsya(fish) incarnation. The Kumaranathaswamy Temple, situated in the Gara Mandal of Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh is the only temple in the world that worships Lord Vishnu in the Kurma Avatara.

This temple which is also regarded as Srikurmam temple is known to have an interesting history. It is believed that initially it was a Shaivite temple , that is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and was christened as Kurmeswara temple.

Later, in the 11th Century AD, Ramanuja converted the temple into a vaishnavite temple and named it as Kurmanathaswamy Temple. Even today, both Vaishnavite and Shaivite traditions co-exist inside the temple premises and this makes it stand out.

Glory Of Srikurmam Temple:

The Srikurmam temple is believed to have been established by the king Sweta Chakravarti. The legend goes as, once Shweta Chakravarti approached his wife Vishnu Priya, a devotee of Lord Visnu with the intention of making love. But his wife denied since it was Ekadashi and she was observing a fast. On being turned down he became furious and compelled his wife. Vishnu Priya worshipped Lord Vishnu to save her. Lord Visnu in response created a stream that severed the couple and resulted in flood.

The sage Narada advised the king to pray to Lord Vishnu but by the time he arrived, the health of the king had deteriorated. Lord Vishnu, using his Sudarshan Chakra, dug a lake and a plunge into  it helped the king restore his health. The lake today is known as Shweta Pushkarini. On the request of the King, the Lord manifested in the tortoise. Brahma completed the rituals with Gopala Yantra , rendering the idol worthy to be worshipped. Inside the temple, Lakshmi, the consort of the Lord is also worshipped as Kurmanayaki.

Interesting Facts About Srikurmam Temple:

The Kurmanathaswamy temple has a number of interesting features. It hosts two Dhvajasthambas whis is quite rare for any Vaishnavite temple. Besides, there are 108 ekasila (single stones) which are unique and do not resemble each other at all. They bear inscriptions related to the ancient rulers of the region. People often visit the temple for ancestor worship since they believe that if offered prayer in that temple, their ancestors’ souls will gain salvation.

A park has been built around the temple to preserve the tortoise. It is a good recreation area with a noble purpose for ecological benefit. Do not miss a visit to the Srikurmam temple . The gorgeous architecture, glorious stories of the past and the tranquil surrounding will not disappoint you at all.

Srikurmam Temple Timings:

Monday 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

How To Reach Srikurmam Temple:

Travel Guide:

Sri Kurmam Temple is easily accessible by all three major modes of transport, roadways, railways, and airways. Which will come as a source of relief to the many travel enthusiasts ready to visit Sri Kurmam Temple in Srikakulam!

By Road:

Srikakulam APSRTC bus station and Gara APSRTC bus station are the nearby bus stations to Sri Kurmam Temple. APSRTC runs a number of busses from major cities to Sri Kurmam Temple.

By Rail:

Rails in India are the most affordable and most preferred modes of transportation. Srikakulam Road railway station, Tilaru railway station are the very nearby railway stations to Sri Kurmam Temple.

By Flight:

The place does not have its own airport. The two nearest airports to this town are Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam Airport at a distance of 330 kms and 120 kms from the temple, respectively.

Secrets Of Arasavalli Suryanarayana Temple

Arasavalli Suryanarayana Temple:

The Sun is the primary source of energy and the sole reason for sustenance and continuation of life on earth. To eulogise this supreme power the Sun is believed to have divine and spiritual capabilities and is worshipped extensively in cultures scattered all over the world. Arasavalli Sun Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh is one such temple that worships the Sun God.

History Of Arasavalli Suryanarayana Temple:

According to folk tales, Devendra, the king of Gods, once tried to break into the abode of Lord Shiva when he was with his wife Parvati. Lord Shiva’s gatekeeper, Nandi however objected and Devendra on being adamant was hit by Nandi on the chest and fell unconscious. He had a dream that if he builds a temple dedicated to the Sun Lord, he will be free from the pain. On regaining Consciousness he did the same.

Arasavalli Suryanarayana Temple Construction:

However, inscriptions on the temple reveal that it was constructed by the Kalinga ruler, Devendra Verma in the 7th century. The Kalinga style of architecture used in the temple backs the claim of the archaeological experts.

Idols Inside Arasavalli Suryanarayana Temple:

The main idol of the deity is made from a single shining graphite with elaborate carvings. The base of the idol has the sculptures of the dwarapalas or the gatekeepers, Mathara and Pingala. On top of the idol are Sanaka and Sanada, the enlightened saints, holding the umbrellas(chhatram). Anura, the charioteer is also portrayed and the three consorts of the deity, Usha, Chaya and Padmini are also depicted on one side.

Sunray Phenomenon Of The Arasavalli Sun Temple:

One of the most distinguishing features of the Arasavalli Suryanarayana Temple is that it has been constructed in such a way that twice a year, in March and September, the rays of the Sun fall at the feet of the deity. This is an exhilarating sight. The Indra Pushkarini, believed to have been dug by Indra, using his Vajrayudha . People attach great value to it and believe that a dip in the lake before worshipping will attract the blessings and grace of the Sun God.

Arasavalli Temple Timings:

Monday 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM

How To Reach Arasavalli Sun Temple:

Travel Guide:

Arasavalli Suryanarayana Temple is easily accessible by all three major modes of transport, roadways, railways, and airways. Which will come as a source of relief to the many travel enthusiasts ready to visit Arasavalli Sun Temple!

By Road:

Amdalavalasa APSRTC bus station and Tekkali APSRTC bus station are the nearby bus stations toArasavalli Suryanarayana Temple. APSRTC runs a number of busses from major cities to Arasavalli Suryanarayana Temple.

By Rail:

Rails in India are the most affordable and most preferred modes of transportation. Srikakulam railway station and Tilaru railway station are the very nearby railway stations to Arasavalli Suryanarayana Temple.

By Flight:

The place does not have its own airport. The two nearest airports to this town are Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam Airport at a distance of 326 kms and 110 kms from the temple, respectively.

Salihundam | Salihundam Srikakulam

Salihundam:

Atop a hill, on the southern bank of river Vamsadhara is situated Salihundam that fosters in its lap the rich culture of Buddhism. Salihundam is a part of Gara Mandal of Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh and is 9 miles away from it. It is a famous tourist destination for hosting a number of Buddhist stupas. Gidugu Rama Murty, a prominent figure of Telugu literature is bestowed with the credit of discovering these relics in 1919. 

Salihundam Srikakulam:

Salihundam was earlier known as Salivatika, which means rice Emporium. At present it is regarded by some as Salyapetika, meaning box of bones or relics. The stupas represent the entire evolution of Buddhism from Theravada to Mahayana and Vajrayana.

The Buddhist excavations stand testimony to the fact that Buddhism was prevalent in the locality during the 2nd and 3rd centuries. In fact it becomes evident that Buddhism spread to Sumatra and other eastern countries from Salihundam. River Vamsadhara and the Kalingapatnam port have been primary conduits for cultural transport.

Salihundam Stupa:

The state authorities had conducted digging activities and discovered four stupas, architectural shrines and relics as a result. Besides, statues of Buddhist deities like Tara and Marichee have been preserved since their discovery. The stupas are scattered all over the hill, looking like oblong erections in a sprawling green ground. Several rocks with the stories of ancient travellers inscribed on them emanate a sense of nostalgia.

The top of the hill view is a pure bliss. Amidst the green surrounding, immersed in the contagious silence with the gentle breeze brushing past your face, the Vamsadhara gracefully meandering and commingling with the Bay of Bengal with utter docility, you will feel ecstatic, absorbing the spirituality hanging low in the air and get transported to the reposeful days of the past.

How To Reach Salihundam:

Travel Guide:

Salihundam is easily accessible by all three major modes of transport, roadways, railways, and airways. Which will come as a source of relief to the many travel enthusiasts ready to visit Salihundam Srikakulam!

By Road:

Narasannapeta APSRTC Bus Station, Srikakulam APSRTC Bus Station, Tekkali APSRTC Bus Station are the nearby bus stations to Salihundam. APSRTC runs a number of busses from major cities to Salihundam.

By Rail:

Rails in India are the most affordable and most preferred modes of transportation. Naupada railway station, Kotabommali railway station are the very nearby railway stations to Salihundam.

By Flight:

The place does not have its own airport. The two nearest airports to this town are Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam Airport at a distance of 320 km and 130 km from the temple, respectively.