Home > Indian History > Temples of India > Mukhalingam Temple
Mukhalingam Temple
A group of three temples built by the Eastern Ganga kings in the 10th century, displaying the Orissa style architecture.

Share this Article:

Mukhalingam Temple,  Mukhalingam near Srikakulam, Andhra PradeshLocation: Mukhalingam near Srikakulam
Deity: Lord Shiva This is a group of three temples built by the Eastern Ganga kings in the 10th century. The deities here are Mukhalingeswara, Bhimeswara and Someswara. All these temples display the Orissa style of architecture. The Mukhalinga is a virtual art gallery. The entrances are a marvel in themselves. There is a plethora of sculptural work and perforated windows. The Bhimeswara temple lacks its grand splendour, but Someswara temple is also rich in sculptural work.

Mukhalingam:It is also known as the Kalinganagara, which was the capital of the early eastern Ganga rulers. They ruled over Andhra in the second half of the 1st millennium CE.

Someswara: Simple in architecture, it is regarded as the earliest of the Mukhalingam temples. It is located on the outskirts of the village of Mukhalingam. The images in the niches have exquisite sculptures. Two smaller niches flank each niche. The doorway of the temple bears the images of the Ganga and the Yamuna on either side.

Aniyanka Bhimeswara: was built later than the Mukhalingeswara temple. It is plain compared to the grandeur of the Mukhalingeswara temple. The devakoshtas bear the images of Brahma, Narasimha and Dakshinamurthy.

Architecture: A massive gateway is flanked by two lions at the entrance of the outer prakara of the temple. A Nandi mandapa is situated in front of the sanctum. The entrance to the inner prakara contains beautiful friezes. There are eleven shrines in the inner prakara, each a complete temple. The entrance to the main temple is from the south and east. The niches in the outer wall contain beautiful sculpted images and perforated windows all create beautiful works of art. It was built during the period of the King Kamarnava (941-976 CE).


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Temples of India


Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples are known the world over for their beauty and architectural construction. This group of temples is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Temples In Hampi
Temples in Hampi are the manifestations of rich religious beliefs and architectural and sculptural abundance.
Dilwara Temples
Dilwara Temples located at Mount Abu date back from the 11th to 13th century and rank among the popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan.
Chola Temples
Chola Temples of South India comprises of the three great temples that were constructed in the 11th and 12th century and is declared as a World Heritage Site.
Badami Cave Temples
The Badami Cave Temples, an exemplary production of Indian architecture, are situated in the town of Badami.
Temples in Guwahati
Known to be the temple town of Assam, the temples in Guwahati are a reflection of the Assamese style of culture and architecture.
West India Temples
West India Temples are worth a visit for their beautifully designed masterpieces on stone.
North Indian Temples
India has a rich cultural and historical heritage because of its temples and pilgrimage sites. The North Indian Temples are in plenty and cater to people of all religion.
South Indian Temples
South Indian Temples lavishly built and aesthetically designed, in true sense are the symbol of architectural brilliance.
East India Temples
East India temples are really fascinating and enthralling and visit to these places can mesmerize a person very easily.
Northeastern Temples of India
Religious fervor and spiritual passion enlaces the northeastern temples of India.
Central India Temples
Central Indian temples amidst their religious fervour reverberates the true spirit of Hinduism.