Mukhalingam Madhukeswara Temple

Situated on the banks of the Vamsadhara River in Mukhalingam village, Jalumuru Mandal, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, this temple is recognized as an ASI-protected monument and stands as a prominent pilgrimage centre.

The temple is often referred to as Dakshina Kashi and Kalinganagara, highlighting its spiritual and historical significance in the region.

The temple complex is renowned for its distinctive Kalinga architectural style, attributed to the Eastern Ganga dynasty, with construction initiated by King Kamarnava II and completed by his grandson Immadi Vajrahastha.

Alongside the primary deity Lord Shiva, devotees can also offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan, Lord Srinivasa Perumal, Parvati, and Lakulisa within the temple premises. Mukhalingam Madhukeswara Temple welcomes visitors daily from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

The best time to visit is during the early morning hours between 5 and 8 AM, in the winter months from November to February, or during major festival seasons.

The temple observes a traditional dress code: men are required to wear dhoti, kurta, or traditional trousers and shirts, while women should dress in saree, salwar kameez, or other modest traditional attire.

Darshan at the temple is available in two types: free darshan and special darshan, the latter requiring a nominal fee of ₹10.

Daily poojas include Suprabhatam & Sahasranamarchana at 5:00 AM, Archana & General Poojas from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Anna Bhogam (Naivedyam) at 12:30 PM, and Ksheeranna Bhogam, Neerajanam & Mantrapushpam at 5:30 PM.

Special Darshan/Archana tickets are available for ₹10, and Rudrabhishekam can be performed for ₹20. Rituals are conducted in both Sanskrit and Telugu.

The temple is especially vibrant during Maha Shivaratri (February–March) and Ratha Saptami (January–February), when annadanam (free food) is provided to devotees. Regular prasadam offerings include laddu, panakam, and vada, with daily free meals being limited outside festival days.

To reach Mukhalingam, pilgrims can travel by road from Srikakulam or Visakhapatnam, with the nearest railway stations being Srikakulam Road (48 km) and Urlam (21 km). Visakhapatnam Airport is about 160 km away.

Paid parking is available outside the main premises, though wheelchair accessibility is challenging due to uneven stone steps. Photography is permitted within the complex but strictly prohibited inside the sanctum sanctorum.

Accommodation is not available in Mukhalingam village itself; visitors typically stay in Srikakulam town at hotels such as Hotel Nagavali and Sri Sairam Lodge.

Nearby attractions include Someswara Swami Temple, Bheemeswara Swamy Temple, Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple, Sri Kurmanatha Temple, and Salihundam, making Mukhalingam an ideal base for exploring the spiritual heritage of Srikakulam district. For further information, devotees can contact the temple at +91 93939-39150.