Mukhalingam Bhimeswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Mukhalingam Bhimeswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Bhimeswara Temple road, Mukhalingam,

Srikakulam District,

Andhra Pradesh – 532 428

Phone: +91 8945 283 604

Moolavar

Bhimeswara

Introduction

Bhimeswara Temple (Aniyaka Bhimeswara)is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mukhalingam in Srikakulam District in Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is situated on the left bank of Vamsadhara River. Mukhalingam is located at the northeastern corner of the state of Andhra Pradesh near Orissa. It houses three ancient temples namely Mukhalingeshwara, Bhimeshwara and Someshwara temples.

Puranic Significance

Mukhalingam was known as Kalinganagara during the rule of eastern Gangas (of Orissa). This temple was built slightly later than the Mukhalingeshwara temple during the period of King Vajrahastha II (Aniyaka Bhima) (979-1014 CE).

Special Features

This east-facing temple is situated in close proximity to the Mukhalingeshwara Temple. On a raised platform, there are two Nandi idols facing the sanctum. One Nandi belongs to the Eastern Gangas era, while the other Nandi belongs to the Chola period. The temple itself is built on an elevated platform and has a triratha (three-tiered) architectural plan.

The Sanctum Sanctorum comprises three parts: the Maha Mandapa (main hall), Antrala (vestibule), and the sanctum. Similar to the Mukhalingeshwara Temple, the Maha Mandapa has entrances on the east and south sides, but it lacks elaborate ornamentation, featuring plain walls instead.

Inside the Maha Mandapa, you can find sculptures depicting various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, different forms of Lord Shiva, Nandis, and architectural fragments. The presiding deity of the temple is known as Bhimeswara or Aniyaka Bhimeswara, and the deity is represented in the form of a Linga. The Shikara (tower) over the sanctum follows the Pidha Deul architectural style.

Around the walls of the sanctum, there are niche images of Dakshinamoorthy, Brahma, and Narasimha. On the exterior walls of the antarala, you can spot depictions of Ganesha and Mahisasuramardini. Additionally, the temple houses several inscriptions, some dating back to the Gajapathi period and others from the Eastern Gangas era, providing historical and cultural insights into the temple’s past.

Belief

It is believed that if one bathes in Ganga, does darshan at Kashi, Shikara Darshanam at Srisailam and Chakra Theertha Snanam at Mukhalingam, then all his sin will be forgiven and attain salvation.