Bhimeswara Temple, Mukhalingam, Andhra Pradesh

Bhimeswara Temple, Mukhalingam, Andhra Pradesh

Bhimeswara Temple is a Hindu Temple 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. The Temple is also called as Aniyaka Bhimeswara Temple. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). 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.

History

Mukhalingam was the erstwhile capital of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. 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). The Temple was called as Aniyaka Bhimeswara, named after the builder Vajrahastha II, as per the inscriptions available in this temple.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and situated close to Mukhalingeshwara Temple. Two Nandi Idols can be seen on a raised platform facing the sanctum. One Nandi belongs to Eastern Gangas and another Nandi belongs to Chola reign. The temple is situated over a raised platform. It is triratha on plan. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Maha Mandapa, Antrala and Sanctum. The Maha Mandapa has entrances from the east and south side similar to Mukhalingeshwara Temple. The Mandapa is completely devoid of ornamentation with plain walls.

Sculptures of incarnations of Lord Vishnu, forms of Lord Shiva, Nandis and architectural fragments can be found in the Maha Mandapa. Presiding Deity is called as Bhimeswara / Aniyaka Bhimeswara. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Linga. The Shikara over the sanctum is of Pidha Deul style. Dakshinamoorthy, Brahma and Narasimha are the niche images located around the sanctum walls. Ganesha and Mahisasuramardini can be seen on the exterior walls of the antarala. The temple houses several inscriptions from Gajapathi period and few from Eastern Gangas.

Festivals

Devotees visit this temple during Shivaratri and take Chakra Theertha Snanam in Vamsadhara River. 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. Cultural events and cultural dramas are also held at the temple premises for over a period of two days. Lakhs of pilgrims visit from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh on the auspicious day to take the holy bath and take blessings of Lord Shiva.

Contact

Bhimeswara Temple,

Mukhalingam, Srikakulam District

Andhra Pradesh – 532 428

Phone: +91 8945 283 604

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 50 metres from Mukhalingam Bus Stop, 22 Kms from Urlam Railway Station, 47 Kms from Srikakulam Railway Station, 48 Kms from Srikakulam and 158 Kms from Visakhapatnam Airport. Mukhalingam is located in the north eastern corner of the state of Andhra Pradesh, near Orissa.

Location | Photos