Srimukhalingam Temple, also called Srimukhalingeswara Swamy Temple, is a Shaivite temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district that is both historically and spiritually significant. A beautiful and revered pilgrimage site, the temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is located on the banks of the Vamsadhara River. It is well-known for its exquisite sculptures, inscriptions that capture the illustrious past of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, and old Kalinga-style architecture.
History of Srimukhalingam Temple
Legend has it that Srimukhalingeswara, or “the Lord with a sacred and radiant face,” is the manifestation of Lord Shiva, who came here to bless a devotee. Praying here is thought to atone for sins and bring about moksha. The Eastern Ganga Dynasty, which ruled over portions of Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh, constructed the temple in the tenth century AD. It serves as evidence of the Kalinga architectural style and the Shaivites’ impact on the area.
Like the temples of Bhubaneswar and Konark, Srimukhalingam Temple is well known for its Kalinga-style architecture. Stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata are portrayed in intricate carvings on the temple walls. Highlights of the architecture are the Jagamohana (assembly hall) and the Vimana (tower) over the sanctum.
Srisailam Temple Darshan Booking Online
Srimukhalingam Temple Timings
| Darshan / Seva | Timing | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Opening Time | 5:30 AM | Temple doors open for devotees |
| Suprabhata Seva | 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM | Early morning rituals to wake the deity |
| Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | General darshan for devotees |
| Archana & Poojas | 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Special offerings and individual poojas |
| Temple Break / Naivedyam | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Temple closed for rest and food offering |
| Temple Reopens | 4:00 PM | Evening session begins |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Devotees can visit and offer prayers |
| Maha Harathi | 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Grand evening aarti before closing |
| Temple Closing Time | 8:00 PM | Temple doors closed for the day |
Notes:
- Timings may vary slightly during festivals or special occasions.
- It is advisable to arrive early during weekends and festival days due to crowds.
Darshan Timings
| Day | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
Note: Special darshan and poojas happen during festivals and Mondays.
Sevas and Poojas at Srimukhalingam Temple
- Rudrabhishekam – Daily ritual to appease Lord Shiva.
- Panchamrita Abhishekam – Performed with milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar.
- Archana and Kumkuma Pooja – For devotees to offer personal prayers.
- Maha Shivaratri Special Sevas – Includes night-long abhishekam and cultural events.
Seva tickets are available at the temple counter. Online booking is not currently available.
Festivals Celebrated
Many grand festivals are celebrated at Srimukhalingam Temple:
- Maha Shivaratri – The biggest festival here with thousands of devotees.
- Karthika Masam – Lamps and prayers in the month of Karthik.
- Ugadi and Sankranti – Telugu New Year and harvest festival.
- Mondays – Especially important for Lord Shiva.
Temple Architecture
- The temple has 3 main shrines – Mukhalingeswara, Bhimeswara, and Someswara.
- You can see beautiful carvings of gods, animals, and flowers on the walls.
- The pillars and towers (gopurams) are also filled with fine art.
- The main Shiva Linga is unique with a visible face on it – very rare and powerful.
Location and How to Reach
Location:
Srimukhalingam Temple,
Srimukhalingam Village,
Etcherla Mandal,
Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh – 532428
How to Reach:
- By Road: Buses and autos available from Srikakulam (45 km away).
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Srikakulam Road (Amadalavalasa).
- By Air: Nearest airport is Visakhapatnam Airport, about 120 km away.
Temple Contact Details
Email: Not officially listed
Help Desk: Available at temple for pooja bookings and guidance
Tips for Visitors
- Wear traditional and decent clothes.
- No footwear allowed inside the temple.
- The temple is in a village area, so carry water and snacks.
- Best time to visit is early morning or during festivals.
- River Vamsadhara nearby is clean and good for holy bath.
FAQs about Srimukhalingam Temple
Q1. Who built the Srimukhalingam Temple?
Ans: It was built by the Eastern Ganga kings in the 10th century.
Q2. What is special about this Shiva Linga?
Ans: The Linga has a visible face of Lord Shiva, which is very rare.
Q3. Is photography allowed in the temple?
Ans: Outside photography is allowed, but not in the sanctum.
Q4. When is the best time to visit the temple?
Ans: During Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Masam, or in cooler months (Nov–Feb).