Location: 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).
