Sri Mukhalingeswara Swamy Temple

About

The Srimukhalingeswara Temple, Known as Dhaskhina Kasi ... one of the popular Shiva temples, is located at Sri Mukhalingam. Srimukhalingam is a village panchayat in Jalumuru mandal of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Mukhalingam is located at 18°36′00″N 83°58′00″E / 18.6000°N 83.9667°E / 18.6000; 83.9667. It has an average elevataion of 28 meters (95 feet).

            Sri Mukhalingam is one of the famous Hindu piligrimage centers in Andhra Pradesh. Sri Mukhalingam was also capital of Eastern Ganga kings of Kalinga(ancient Orissa). The temple of Srimukhalingam was built by Kamarnava II in 8th century AD of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It is beautiful place , it boasts of supremely elegant and precise sculptures along with the remarkable symmetry in the ground plan as well as the elevation. It is considered to be amongst the finest examples of Kalinga style of architecture. Legend has it that a dip in the river and a visit to the shrine relieves one from the cycle of rebirth.

            It is located on the left bank of River Vamsadhara. 48 Kms from Srikakulam town , this is the site of the ornate Lord Srimukhalingeswara (Shiva) temple. Nearest Railway station to Sri Mukhalingam is Urlam.
The Mahasivarathri festival celebrated every year is attended about 35,000 piligrims.

Endala Malleswara Swamy Temple

          Rayavalasa Temple is situated in a village "Ravivalsa " in Tekkali Mandalam of Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh state, India. Ravivalasa is famous for its Sri Endala Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. There is a belief that people will get rid of their skin diseases like scabies, ring worm, impetigo and other fungal skin infections after seeing this god.

History

 In the Tretayuga on his return way, after Ravana death, to Ayodhya, Rama took rest on SUMANTHA hills of this forest area of Ravivalasa along with his army and followers. Sushenudu who was a divine doctor in the Rama followers felt happy and wondered on seeing the Medicinal plants and barks around in this forest but the people were unhealthy,and suffering . He wants to do something good to the people. He expressed his desire to stay on this hill and do TAPASSU for Lord Shiva. Rama granted permission and left for Ayodhya leaving Sushena here. Sushena worshipped Shiva years and years and used to serve the people around with the Medicinal plants. As he was not able to bear the separation of Rama, chanting Rama nama, he died on the Sumantha parvatham.

                     After some years, Rama sent Hunuma to inquire the whereabouts of SUSHENA. Hanuma(Anjaneya) came to Ravivalasa hills SUMANCHA and found skeleton/dead body of SUSHENA, thought that SUSHENA was died and buried the skeleton, put some jasmine flowers (Malle pulu), covered with deer skin, returned to Ayodhya and told every thing he done. Rama after hearing the sad news came to this SUMANCHA HILLS along with Sita, Laxmana, Hanuma. Hunma lifted the deer-skin to show the skeleton to Rama and Rama tried to insert his hands to uncover the buried body of Sushena under the Jasmine flowers, but found the body of Sushena converted to Shiva Linga on his contact in side heap of Malle-pulu (jasmine flowers), instead of body of the SUSHENA. All are astonished and shocked, took a bath in the near by pond and started worshiping the Shiva-linga. As they started doing the pooja the Linga began to grow till the end of the pooja. Air flowing down-warda the ling with breeze from the medicinal plants, giving good health to the people. As it is growing Rama was not built any temple there. The name from Jasmin = Malle, deer skin = Aajinamu, so a linga worshiped with MallePoolu and covered with deer skin = Mallekajina Swami and it was modified to MALLIKAJINA Swami. The pond Named as SEETHA KUNDAMU.

                            The history of the temple can be traced to the Mahabarata period. Legend has it that Pandavas while in exile visited this temple and met Markandeya Maharshi, who appraised them of the importance of the Ravivalasa shrine. Later, Arjuna did thapassu (worship) to this linga. Lord Shiva gave dharshan and asked about his desire. Arjuna requested Shiva to keep his name along with Lord name. Later on Mallikajina swamy became Mallikarjuna Swamy.

            On Maha Sivaratri and Kartika Mondays, large gatherings of devotees worship this temple's deity.Tarla's family used to worship for over hundred years to this lord (vamsha parampara dharma karthalu) before it is taken over by the State Government's Endowments department. It is strongly believed that the lord will bless with people and fulfill all their desires, promote health and wealth in their lives and remove sins. Lord is worshipped by people from West Bengal, Orissa and coastal Andhra Pradesh

Koteswara swamy Alayam

out of the five shivalingas condecrated by Balarama along the bank of river Nagavali , this is the fourth one . Iscriptions on the Utsava idols tell the tale that this temple was found during Salivahana era.

From the great Puranas of Dwaparayuga, the following information is gathered. Balarama the brother of Srikrishna who is supposed to be the very incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Balarama in Dwapariyuga was said to be disturbed due to the on coming Kourava versus Pandava Battle - the "kurukshetra Battle" and started on going for a pilgrimage tour towards eastern of kurukshetra ... on his way when he reached the are of Srikakulam he observed that the people are facing lot of trouble due to lack of water for irrigation and even for drinking . Due drought there were many antisocial activities like robbing , theafting , killings , for food & daily maintainence . . . and at the request of local people started " tapassu" (Praying God) for Lord Shiva. Soon he was Booned with water(ganga) from Shiva . From the place (Kalahandi in orissa) where he prayed , brought the river Nagavali along with the furrow of his tiller (plough). . and the river reaches the Bay of Bengal at Kallepalli Moga near MapasuBandaru village in Srikakulam dist .

Balarama Consecrated a temple on the shores of the river Nagavali , that is the temple of Uma and Rudra Koteswara. All the Gods angels and their minions arrived on the shores of Nagavali and paid their obeisance to Lord Rudra . Indra, the Lord of Paradise was, some how late. By the time he arrived, it was late in the night, he tried to gatecrash his entry. At the time, Nandiswara, the great Vahana of Rudra was keeping vigil at the gate. He did not allow Indra to go in, as it was time for Lord Rudra to rest with Mata Parvathi. Indra was adamant in his demand to enter the temple, infuriated by his perverse persistence, Nandiswara kicked him violently and sent him flowing in the air towards the eastern side. Indra fell unconscious in a painful state. Then it is said, he offered his prayer to the Sun God for relief of his body pains and exhaustion. The Sun God took pity on him, touched Lord Indra with his innumerable rays, and got back his strength and relief from pain. He was grateful to the Sun God who gave him back his strength and relief from pain. He begged the Sun God to allow him to stay there forever and spend his time serving the relief giving Sun God , then The Lord Surya directed indra to find out his idol in the ground where Indra fell down for worship . It was the Indra dug deep in the ground with Vajraayudam ... which later formed as Indrapuskarini , got the Surya idol , constructed a temple there in Harsavalli .(later called as Arasavilli) in srikakulam town.

Uma Rudra Koteswara Swamy is a famous Shivalayam in this area . In Karteeka masam , the moth after deepavali this temple is busy with many devotees . On Mondays much more . On Mahasivaraatri it of great important .

Suryanarayana Swamy Alayam (Arasavilli)

About :

Sri SuryaNarayana Swamy (Sun God)Temple at Arasavalli is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun god Surya, located near the Srikakulam town of Andhra Pradesh, India. The original name Harshavalli means abode of joy. It has SuryaNarayana Swamy (Sun God) as the presiding deity. Ratha Saptami is the most important festival which is celebrated in this temple. People suffering with eye and skin diseases are believed to be cured by the god at this temple. The temple is believed to have been built in the 7th Century AD by the Kalinga rulers Devendra Varma of Orissa.

            This temple is a testimonial for the architectural skills of Vishwakarma Brahmin sculptors. It is believed that the Orissa Vishwakarma Brahmin sculptors also called as Maharanas in Orissa have planned the architecture and sculpted this engineering master piece. The temple is built in such a way that the Sun rays fall on the feet of the God twice a year in the months of February and June during the early hours of the day. The rays fall on the feet of idol for a few minutes through the five entrance gates of the temple remin closed. the five idols installed in one place in the temple viz., 1.Aditya 2.Ambica, 3.Vishnu, 4.Ganesha, 5.Maheswara are worshiped by different devotees.The Sun God is depicted as riding on a Chariot drawn by seven horses driven by Aruna. All these figures are exquisitely carved out of a single black granite stone. Sundays during the five months from Magha masam are considered sacred. Every Sunday people from different places from Andhra & Orissa come here for worshiping the Sun God. This temple was build in the Orissa style of temple architecture.  

Sthalapuranam

The ' Sthalapuranam ' of the temple narrates that lord Devendra had founded this temple and installed the existing idol of the sun God commonly known as Lord suryanarayana Swamy Varu under the following circumstances .

                Once Lord Devendra , Ignoring the words of Dwarapalaka Nandi , attempted to force his entry for Darshan of Sri Rudrakoteswara Swamy varu at an untimely hour when Lord siva was along with his consort . The Dwarapalaka Nandi in the discharge of his duties kicked the intruder . Thus kicked and injured by the Devine attendent, Indra fell down senceless . And in his unconscious state Indra dreamt that he would be relieved of his pain of injury in his chest caused by Nandi if he built a temple and installed an Idol of the Sun God . After regaining his consciousness , he remembered what he dreamt .

                Following his dream he pickedup handfulls of earth three times at a place where he lay ,and there he found this beautiful idol of sun God with his three consorts Usha , Chaya and Padmini . At the base of the idols are the figures of Mathara and Pingala the Dwarapalakas and high up are the two divine saints , sanaka and sanadana holding 'Chatrams'(An Umbrella ). The Sun God is depicted as riding over a chariot drawn by Anura, the Radhasaradhy . All these figures are exquisitely carved out of a single black finely polished grenite stone.

HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF THE TEMPLE

Archeological experts say that the stone inscriptions available in the temple throw some light to the effect that Devendra Varma, the Ruler of the Kalinga Kingdom, must have build this temple and installed the image of the Sun God in it in the later half of the 7th Century . The translation of the stone inscriptions reveals the donation of some lands made to the Sun God for perpectual lamps to be installed in the temple , to run a school or a Hostel for the pupils learning Sastras and vedas . These donations are stated to have been made by the successors of the Calinga King Devendra Varma prior to 11th Century A.D. The temple is buildt in such a way as to make the Sun Rays focus on the feet of the God twice in the year in the months of March and September in the early hours of the day . The rays so focused on the feet of the Idol through the five entrance gates of the temple , remain for a few minutes.

This temple has the unique feature of attracting crouds of the people of different sects , cults end creeds together and making them believe the God is one and there is no difference between Siva and Kesava. The Five idols ( Panchayatana installed in a particular place in the temple) namely : - 1. Aditya 2. Ambika 3. Vishnu 4. Ganesha 5. Maheswara, represent all the faiths. Finally the devotees visiting this temple , go and worship the presiding diety the Sun God about whom the puranas speak as the embodiment of Trimurthies , Brahama ,Vishnu and Maheswara . The Lord who sees physically everything in the course of his daily round over the universe and who fully understands the truth behind all things , is not only regarded as Pratyaksha Daivam ( Visible God ) but also the source and sustainer of all life . The people who perform ' Suryanamaskara ' resite Maha Soura and Aruna Manthras containing Powerful beejaksharas of Rigveda and Yazurvada for giving good health, so that it is said that "Arogyam Bhaskaradhischet " . The mantra or Hymn is a spiritual formula hormonating sound which always protects the register in every way . This is the secrecy of the Sun God Worship. Sunday is considered as most auspicious day to Sun God worship.

Indrapuskarini

The Sun God said granted his wish and vanished. Indra dug with his ‘Vajrayudha’ and formed a pond, which is known as Indrapushkarini. Even today Devotees feel that they can attain the Grace of Lord Surya if they offer their prayers after taking a dip in the pushkarini. After taking a holy dip in the pushkarni, they turn towards the temple and open their eyes and do what to they see! Lord Surya’s idol before then in all its great splendor-and clad in golden colored angavastra.

THE MAHATMYAM OF ARASAVALLI

The holy Temple of Bhagavan Suryanarayna Swami is located at Arasavalli in Srikakulam of Andhra Pradesh. This is perhaps the only Sun Temple in the entire Coramandal Coast since the Konark Temple on the Orissa Coast always remained an incomplete and unfinished project. People who are unfortunate enough to suffer from eye and skin, diseases visit the Temple and offer their prayers to the Sun God. They believe that the Sun God is essentially a God of Health and Prayers offered to Him would heal their sickness. From the great Puranas of Dwaparayuga, the following information is gathered. Balarama is supposed to be the very incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Balarama in Dwarparayuga bought the river Nagavali along the furrow of his tiller and consecrated a temple on the shores of the river Nagavali. That is the temple of Uma and Rudra Koteswara. All the Gods angels and their minions arrived on the shores of Nagavali and paid their obeisance to Lord Rudra, Indra, the Lord of Paradise was, some how, late. By the time he arrived, it was late in the night; he tried to gatecrash his entry. At the time Nandiswara, the great Vahana of Rudra was keeping vigil at the gate. He did not allow Indra to go in, as it was time for Lord Rudra to rest with Mata Parvathi. Indra was adamant in his demand to enter the temple, Infuriated by his perverse persistence, Nandiswara kicked him violently and sent him flowing in the air towards the eastern side. Indra fell unconscious in a painful state. Then, it is said, he offered his prayer to the Sun God for relief of his body pains and exhaustion. The Sun God took pity on him and touched Lord Indra with his in numerable rays and Indra got back his strength and relief from pain. He was all grateful to the Sun God who gave him back his strength and relief from pain. He begged the sun god to allow him to stay there forever and spend his time

1. Ratha saptami -> Sun God's birth day

This is the main festival of lord surya narayana swamy . , . celebrated in the month of February of march every year . it is a belief that our country goes into light from darkeness from this day onwards every year. . . winter season ceases & spring season starts . our bodies will have a chemical reaction with the sun rays & we become healthy . Mythologically it is said to be Sun God's birth day. Special rays & vibrations are supposed to be present in the timple premises & it is also said that devotees taking 'teerdha(sacred water) Prasadams(sweet kept at God's feet) will be blessed with wealth & health . Lord Suryanarayana Swamy has a chariot with one wheel and seven horses representing seven colors of light that VIBGYOR . Lord Rama worshiped Surya before killing Ravana . on this radhasaptami day people will be allowed to have " nijaroopa darshanam"

2. Kalyanotsavam(Marriage Aniversary)

kalyanotsavam will be celebrated from " chaitra suddha Aekadashi" to " Bahula Padyami(6 days) . Generally it comes in the month of March & April . Lord Surya has 3 consorts ... they are named as " Usha " , "Chaya " (daughter of Devasilpi(mason)Viswakarma, "Padmini"

3.Mahasivaratri

As the temple's Kshetrapalaka(Mayor) happened to be " Bhuvaneswari " with "Ramalingeswara Swamy "... (Lord shiva ) hence Mahasiva raatri will be celebrate to please and pacify that (shiva) god and it comes in the month of Feb. & March every year. Abhisekaas like ' Rudrabhishekam , and Ekavara Abhishekam are performed during nights only to keep the devotees awake (Jagaranam , or Jagaramu)

4.Dolotsavam 

•    This ritual is otherwise known as Holika Poornima or Holi . this comes usually in March ie. Phalguna  Suddha Tryodashi , Chaturdashi & Poornima ,
•  On 1st day (tryodashi) Kamadahanam festival is celebrated .. dry grass (straw) is burnt as a sign of victory over evil-desires .
• On 2nd day(chaturdashi)- the Lord Surya along with his wives taken to a procession in the Holy garden and in the streets . This reflects the joy of Health .
• On third day (Poornima): Lord will be cradled in the holy garden at the outskirts . people gather to see the function in the evening . This cradle is known ad DOLA .

5.Maha Vaisakhi 

In the month of Vaisakhi devotees give their offering(Presentations) to the Lord for health & wealth . This is one of the holiest months for Sun worshippers.

6 . Rakhi Pournami

This comes on Sravana Suddha Pournami . Vishesha Archana is performed on this day . A new Sacred Thread is worn by Lord Surya . People will come to worship Lord Sun God on this day

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6 . Rakhi Pournami

This comes on Sravana Suddha Pournami . Vishesha Archana is performed on this day . A new Sacred Thread is worn by Lord Surya . People will come to worship Lord Sun God on this day

7. Janmastami

This is the birthday of Lord Krishna and is celebrated for nine days starting from 'Sravana Bahula Ashtami.

• 1st day -- vratam for srikrishna .
•   2nd day --utti festival in holy garden ,
• 3rd to 9th day -- Krishan leela every evening . bhajalu, ete. prasadam will be distributed to devotees.

8 . Dasara

Asweyuja suddha padyami to dasami Dasara navaratulu & devi pooja will be celebrated . chakrarchana , avarararchana , Homam will be celebrated.

9. Naraka chaturdashi & Diwali

on Aswayuja Bahula chaturdashi & Amavasya the Lord sun is taken to holy garden in procession and an idol of Narakasura is made & burnt as the sign of victory of good over evil. on the next day - diwali day , temple will be illuminated with special lights & oil divve(light).

10 . Teppostavam

Teppotsavam, also called as 'Boat Festival' or 'Float Festival', is celebrated in temples in which the festival images of deities are taken in procession in a float (Teppam), in the temple tank, accompanied by the chanting of hymns and the playing of music.

            Every year on Karteeka Suddha dwadashi .. Lord Sun God is teken to Indra puskarini , give him a bath and kept on Hamsha nava(Swan shaped Boat) ... turned around on the water 12 times , namely Parikramas . . . during this time vishesha Archana is performed to the Sun diety . Devotees will place oil lamps (deepaalu) on the puskarini water. This is to show way to heaven to all their ancestors(died Blood relations).

11 . Vaikuntha Aekadashi

On this day the vaikuntha dwara (North door ) is Opened .. devotees will enter the temple through that door . Temple is treated Auspiciously as Heaven on that day . . . and all are entering once the Heaven and get Moksha by riding of their sins done so far. Special vratams & annadanam will be performed on this day.

12 . Makara Sankranthi

This day Sun is said to be changing from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana . . the sun position in the orbit of Gods . special Abishekam(Prayer) & Archana (worship) are performed

11 . Vaikuntha Aekadashi

On this day the vaikuntha dwara (North door ) is Opened .. devotees will enter the temple through that door . Temple is treated Auspiciously as Heaven on that day . . . and all are entering once the Heaven and get Moksha by riding of their sins done so far. Special vratams & annadanam will be performed on this day .

12 . Makara Sankranthi

This day Sun is said to be changing from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana . . the sun position in the orbit of Gods . special Abishekam(Prayer) & Archana (worship) are performed 

Srikakulam

Srikakulam is a town, municipality and headquarters of Srikakulam district in the north-eastern Andhra Pradesh, India. With the same name there is a "Srikakulam Assembly constituency" and a "Srikakulam Parliament Constituency'". Srikakulam-municipality present. Srikakulam was formerly called as Gulshanabad (Garden city) during Muslim rule and was headquarter of Muslim fauzdars. It was renamed as Chicacole by British colonial rulers and after independence, it was renamed as Srikakulam.

There are two places with the same name in the state. A district and town by the same name on the north east corner of the state as well as a small village on the bank of river Krishna in Ghantasala (Mandal) of Krishna district. The village Srikakulam houses the Andhra MahaVishnu temple. Legend says that this temple was constructed by the great Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Kingdom.

About Srikakulam :Imagine a place,

Where North India meets South India
Where gushing Rivers rush through lush green hill tops to reach Bay of Bengal.
Where the golden sands on beaches couple with variety of flora and fauna.
Where ancient Hindu temples flourish side by side with Buddhist monuments.
Where traditional agricultural forms go hand in hand with modern Industry.

Welcome to that Srikakulam

A land of glorious history, rich cultural past and peaceful religious living. The modern Industries and latest trends in evelopmental spheres with natural riches make the districts unique in all respects.
Formed 1950, Srikakulam District is on to East Coast of India in Andhra Pradesh where North meets South.

The District is blessed with perennial rivers,

1. River Nagavali,
2. River Vamsadhara,
3. Mahendratanaya,
4. Champavati,
5. Bahuda,
6. KumbhikotaGedda,
7. Suvarnamukhi,
8. Vegavati,
9. Gomukhi.

The coastal belt of over 193 kms. on the East, and the Eastern Ghatts which has Mahendragiri as the highest peak on the West and lush green forests, a large hard working population and rich mineral wealth are its strength.

Historically, Srikakulam is a part of Kalinga kingdom which was ruled by the kings of Eastern Ganga Dynasty for more than 800 years from 6th to 14th Centuries A.D. During the early centuries and even before Christ Buddhism
flourished here and the excavations of Salihundam, Jagathimetta and Danthapuri reveal that the people enjoyed rich cultural life and that they were peace loving. The land is famous for so many temples with exquisite sculpture which are like LYRICS ON STONE.