Someswara Temple, Mukhalingam,
Andhra Pradesh
Someswara 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. This temple is located in the outskirts of Mukhalingam. 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). It is believed that this temple might have been built during the second half of 9th century CE or early 10th century CE by Eastern Gangas based on architectural style and iconography.
The Temple
This Temple is facing towards west. The temple is built over a raised platform. Nandi can be found facing the sanctum. The Temple consists of only sanctum without any mandapa. The lintel of the sanctum doorway has Gajalakshmi motif with Navagraha panel above. River goddesses Ganga and Yamuna can be seen on the door jambs. Presiding Deity is called as Someswara and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Linga. The Shikara over the sanctum follows rekha deula style of early Odishan style.
The bhadra projection of the wall has larger niches on the facets. Each niche is flanked by two smaller niches. The larger niches houses Ganesha, Kartikeya and Mahishasura Mardini and the smaller niches houses Lakulisa and Ardhanarisvara. These niches are highly decorated and carved with intricate designs. Panels of Surya, Shiva and Lakulisa are carved above the Mula Manjari on the cardinal directions.
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
Someswara Temple,
Mukhalingam, Srikakulam District
Andhra Pradesh – 532 428
Phone: +91 8945 283 604
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about
500 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.
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