Shri Venugopala Swamy Temple-Meliaputti

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/WLEJh6AaMqc

Location: "Sri Radha Govinda Swamy Temple, Meliaputti (V) & (M), Srikakulam Dist., A.P. State protected Monument, Q5FF+873, Meliaputti, Andhra Pradesh 532216"

The temple is in a much changed state from its original ancient looks, thanks to its renovation. The temple, also known as the Khajuraho of the AP, is located in the Meliaputti village, a Mandal in Srikakulam district of AP.

The temple was built by Smt. Vishnupriya Maharani, wife of Maharaja Sri Veera Veerendra Pratap Rudra Gajapati of Parlakimidi Gajapati dynasty during 1810 AD (using 2 Lakhs of money received from her paternal side. It took 10 years to complete.

This Temple (Lord Krishna) ,Venugopalaswamy or Radhagovindaswamy temple at meliaputti is almost at Orissa border, and has exquisite carvings of sculptures throughout the walls of the temples, depicting the messages of the Vedas (including Erotic sculptures). One can find tortoises roaming around in the temple too.

Meliaputti is an important town in Srikakulam which shares its boundaries with Odisha State. It is 10 km from the nearest town, Paralakhemundi (Orissa).

Architecture

The temple is an architectural masterpiece and is more of a North Indian Nagara styled architecture and could be more of a Kalinga Style architecture. The temple has a main shikhara, a mandapa, and an ardhamandapa on immediately looking. A more closer look would reveal it more closer to Rekha Deul, and Pidha Deuls. The beautiful carvings on the temple walls are supposed to convey  the message of the four Vedas. The dome is decorated with 108 lotus flowers, and each flower has its own unique shape.

Original Temple

 

Current Temple after renovation

Location and Accessiblity

The temple is around 60 KMs from Baruva beach (which as mentioned in my previous blogs, could be a place for stay) and around 72 KMs from Srikakulam. A good route to cover (as discussed earlier), could be Baruva->Mandasa->Meliaputti->Mukhalingam->Srikurmam->Srikakulam

The temple doesn’t have dedicated parking space, but with own vehicle, cars can be parked in the kuccha road opposite the temple.

Approach roads to this temple are brilliant and very good.

 

Festivals and Rituals

The Dolo Festival of Shri Radhagobinda swamy will be held in the month of March every year for about 7 to 9 days.  It starts with the procession of the Deities in the village streets and later on brought to the Magha Mandapam , a place where Kama Dahana programme is performed. Thousands of devotees used to visit the Temple during the festival days to fulfill their ambitions,  by having Darshan of the Deity in the Temple. Sri Krishna chandra Gajapathi, Maharajah of Parlakimidi and the first chief Minister of Odisha , have allowed the public for their entrance in the temple after 1956 only on limited timings by undertaking a written commitment from the village elders for preventing untoward incidents, during procession of the Deities in the Village.

 

Photography and Parking

Photography is allowed inside the temple and we didn’t find any restrictions. No dedicated parking available, but opposite the temple entry, there is small gully, where a bit of a space where vehicle can be parked.

From the gully on if you want to use, a Drone can be used to capture the temple.

 

Stay, Location and Accessibility:

Meliaputti is at a distance of around 72 kms from Srikakulam city and 59 KMs from Baruva beach. Both Srikakulam and Baruva beach are ideal places for stay. If travelling on your own, staying in Baruva or Srikakulam, these temples can be planned together: Meliaputti Venugopalaswamy temple, Mandasa Venugopal temple, Mukhalingam temples, Srikurmam temple and finally end for a stay at Srikakulam. Roads are excellent and easily approachable from National Highway 16.

 

Videos can be accessed from this site:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UthKouCWd14

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOJ_NDz7VNw

 

 

Mandasa Vasudev Perumal Temple, Mandasa, Srikakulam District

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/OhngVgPXgL8 

Location: "Mandasa Vasudeva Perumal Temple., VFJ5+5JC, Sri Vasudeva Street, Mandasa, Andhra Pradesh 532242"

One of the most beautiful ancient temples with rich motifs and sculptors in its walls, Mandasa’s Vasudev Perumal temple is situated around 1 KM from Mandasa fort in Mandasa Village, Srikakulam District. The temple, situated on the banks of a beautiful lake, was constructed by Raja Harihara Mani Deo, one of the landlords of Mandasa. The town is near the highest peak “Mahendragiri” in the Eastern Ghats in Odissa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vasudeva (Perumal), incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Originally known to be constructed during the 12^th century by Eastern Ganga Kings. Legend says around 1200 AD the kingdom of Manjusha was established after Raja Vaman Singh Deo from north gave up his kingdom to do penance at Mahindra Hills and establish the territory, when he had a vision that he would receive a signal for the location. Ultimately the kingdom was established downstream the river “suna muddi” (meaning gold ring). Originally the kingdom of Manjusha was part of Ganjam district of Madras Presidency, and later shifted to Srikakulam district.

Few accounts say that the history of the temple dates back to 9^th century AD, suggesting a rich and heritage and cultural significance.

The present form of the temple was consecrated on the day of Krushna Dwadasi, Vrushchika Lagna, Wednesday, in 1744 AD, by the lunar dynasty heir Sri Hari Hara Rajamani.

This temple flourished during 17th century and was a great inspiration centre for many a devotee in those days. In the beginning of this century too it has been a great learning centre for many scholars of great Vedic tradition. In memory of this importance, this temple which was in the dilapidated state during the recent years, has been renovated and reconstructed by HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.

Architecture and stories on the wall

The temple's architecture, a blend of Odishan style at the sanctum (garbhagriha) and Dravidian style at the entrance (gopuram), becomes the focal point for art and history enthusiasts.

The temple is an architectural wonder and an infusion of both North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravidian style of architecture but with its unique design. I personally didn’t find the architecture near to Kalinga style although many say, it was built by experts called from Orissa and built in kalinga style. The main deity is Lord Vishnu (Venugopal-perumal). Internally the pillars and externally the motifs all over the temple are precise.

Reaching and staying

Mandasa is a very small town and there is hardly any accommodation there. But the town is very easily reachable via the Mahendratanaya-Meliaputti Road. If one is a beach lover, he or she can stay at Baruva Beach around 18 KMs from the temple takes hardly 28 minutes to travel. Baruva beach is a lovely beach in Bay of Bengal (falls in Andhra) and a beautiful Haritha Resort at reasonable price is available there.

 

About Mandasa Village

Mandasa is a village in Srikakulam district, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Mandasa has been originally the seat of the Kalinga kings, but with the kalinga king’s suzerainty to Gupta period and later the seat moved under Eastern Chalukya dynasty by the end of the 7^th century.

 

 

Timings:

Opening and Closing time of Mandasa Vasudeva Temple

Monday	05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Tuesday	05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Wednesday	05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Thursday	05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Friday	05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Saturday	05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Sunday	05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM - 08:00 PM

 

Photography and Parking

No issues with parking as there is ample space outside the temple. Photography is restricted only at the garbagriha.

Drones can be easily used from outside, where there is a beautiful lake. No restrictions on that too.

Today’s relevance of the temple and Religious

The religious tourism to the place started during the 20th century, with government initiating efforts to preserve the iconography. With recent consistent increase in the number of vistors, especially during the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, and during the annual Brahmotsavam, these festivals are becoming major occasions being celebrated with pump and splendour. 

 

For religious occasions, download from:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH2RnF12rXM

Location:

Mandasa Perumal Temple is around 18 KMs from Baruva beach and can be easily reached via road. Baruva beach is the ideal location for stay.

Route Map:

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Haritha+Beach+Resort+Rd,+Baruva,+Gollavooru,+Andhra+Pradesh+532263/Mandasa+Vasudeva+Perumal+Temple.,+VFJ5%2B5JC,+Sri+Vasudeva+Street,+Mandasa,+Andhra+Pradesh+532242/@18.8923451,84.4834518,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a3d0d2362851011:0x1fec0061583f34a1!2m2!1d84.5902788!2d18.8816183!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a3d0f97fadc2793:0xeffb850db6fda0c4!2m2!1d84.4590241!2d18.8804432!3e0?entry=ttu

Temples at Mukhalingam

 

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/OhngVgPXgL8

Location: "Ancient Shri Mukhalingeshwara Swamy Temple, HXV7+WCV, Mukhalingam, Andhra Pradesh 532428"

References: https://ancientterminus.com/sri-mukhalingam-temple/

Mukhalingam is a village panchayat in Jalumuru mandal of Srikakulam district. It is home to 3 major temples dedicated to lord Shiva.

 

Scriptures suggest the importance of the tree called Madhuka which is uniquely famous in the location. Sthala Purana mentions the manifestation of Lord Shiva here in a Madhuka tree with the purpose of relieving the Gandharvas born here from Vamadeva Maharshi’s curse. Lord Shiva here is also hailed as Shri Madhukeshvara Swamy.

The origin of the name Mukhalingam, amongst the various views, one states it as the corruption of “Mohalingam” which is the Odia/Prakrit form of “Madhu[ka]linga”. Another view states that the linga at the Madhukeswara shrine is a faceted one and therefore the shrine and the town were termed as Mukhalinga with "Mukha" meaning face in Sanskrit/Telugu/Odia. It as also been posited that "Mukhalingam" is derived from "Mudu-Kalingam" which is the Telugu translation of the Sanskrit word "Tri-kalinga". Mukhalingam was the main city in the region of Kalinga, also known in the ancient period as Tri-Kalinga because it was divided into three regions.

 

The capital of the early Eastern Ganga Dynasty kings was Dantapura. Danavarna, the second son of Virasingha (founder of Eastern Ganga Dynasty) and Kamarnava-II (grandson) retained the center at Kalinganagar or Kalinganagari (present day Mukhalingam) while remaining 5 sons of Virasingha ruled from different places. Eventually the capital was moved from Dantapura to Mukhalingam.  Kalinganagari (Mukhalingam) served as the capital of Eastern Ganga Dynasty from 6^th century AD to 12^th century AD, before Sri Ananthavarma Chodaganga Devara conquered Utkala around 1122 AD and shifted the capital to Caudwara Kataka.

Temples at Mukhalingam

Mukhalingam has 3 major temples all within a distance of 2 KMs. The main temple is Sri Mukhalingam, while two others: Someshvara and Bheemeshvara Temples.

Pre-1936, the temples were under the undivided Ganjam District of the Madras Presidency.

Main temple: Sri Mukhalingam (Dakshina Kashi) also known as Madhukeshvara temple, dedicated to Lord Srimukha Lingeshwara (a form of Shiva). It is one of the masterpices of the later Eastern Ganga Dynasty rulers also known as Choda Ganga, built during 8^th to 11^th century AD (contested), in typical Kalinga architectural style. The temple was formerly known as Dakshina Kashi (Varanasi of South) and initial looks to the temple gives an immediate impression of Lingaraja Temple, which of course is much larger. This is expected because of the similar architectural styles that both have (Kalinga).

The copper plate grants of Choda Ganga’s Korni dating back to 1113 AD show that Choda Ganga’s ancestor “Kamarnava” built the main temple Sri Mukhalingam.

The other two temples in the vicinity, Bhimesvara and Somesvara have similar construction dates and all are situated on the banks of Vamsadhara river.

All the 3 temples are brilliant pieces of stone work and sculptors throughout the walls depicting all the deities throughout.

Golem (Huge Mud Pot)

Behind the main deity is a Golem (a huge mud pot) bigger than the Sanctorum door. According to temple texts, once upon a time, there was a potter man named “Naganna.” He was a devotee of Lord Shiva and would offer puja every day, asking for a child as a blessing. One day, he decided to offer the golem of milk to Shiva, but because of its size and weight, he could not take it to Shiva. So, he left the golem at the entrance door and returned home sadly. The next morning, when the priest opened the temple door, to his utmost amazement, he found the golem just behind the deity. Everyone believed it was the god’s magical deed, and the potter man was also blessed with a child.

The dates of the temples contested by several historians put them anywhere between 8^th century and 11 century CE. Late 17th century Maharaja of Paralakhemundi Estate renovated this temple.

During Shivratri, Chakratirtha Snanam (holy bath) is taken by lakhs of pilgrims here in the Vamsadhara  river, who mainly visit from Odisha, and AP to take blessing before Lord Shiva. Cultural events and cultural dramas were also held at the temple premises over a period of two days.

Bhimeshvara Temple

The second temple Bhimeshvara, again dedicated to Lord Shiva, in Mukhalingam situated on the left bank of Vamsadhara River, just few 100 meters ahead of the main Shri Mukhalingam Temple. This temple was built slightly later than the Mukhalingeshwara temple during the period of King Vajrahasta II (Aniyaka Bhima) (979-1014 CE).  The temple is east-facing, and over a raised platform. The most striking feature of the temple are the 2 Nandis (instead of normal 1) facing the Shiva linga. The presiding deity of the temple is known as Bhimeswara or Aniyaka Bhimeswara, and the deity is represented in the form of a Linga. The Shikhara (tower) over the sanctum follows the Pidha Deul architectural style (Kalinga architecture).

Culture and Traditions:

Culturally Shivaratri is very famous in this temple.

Someshvar Temple

The third temple is Someshvarar Temple, at Mukhalingam which is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated around 200 meters from the second temple Bheemeshvara (one can say outskirts of Mukhalingam).

The temple is believed to be built during the second half of the 9^th century CE or early 10^th century CE by Eastern Gangas.

Very small compared to the main temple, but even with its small size, this temple too is an architectural wonder with beautiful iconography on its wall and brilliant sculptures. The architecture of the temple is again a typical Kalinga Nagara styled one, but There are no mandapas or halls and looks more of a single Rekha Deul. It is a west facing temple, featuring a Nandi facing the sanctum. The temple is constructed atop a raised platform, although the platform or plinth or jagati is very small compared to the other two temples. The sanctum doorway has a gajalaxmi motif and above it there are navagrahas. Doors are having Ganga and Jamuna goddesses being depicted. Other iconography on the walls of the temple includes: Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Mahishasura Mardini, ekapada in the larger niches, while Lakulisa and Ardhanarisvara which are depicted in the smaller niches.

Again Shivratri is very famous in this temple along with the other 2 temples.

Photography and Parking

Photography are more or less allowed in all the 3 temples and may be except in garbagriha, there are no restrictions.

Parking at the main temple is not an issue on either sides of the temple can be done or on the road side. There are no dedicated parking spaces. For the remaining two temples too, parking should be on the road side, without any issues.

Drone usage comfortability from the place where car is parked is quite high. Because the temples are congested, and lot of people do watch, fly the Drone from a distance as the height restrictions have been increased to 120 meters now.

Stay, Location and Accessibility:

Mukhalingam is at a distance of around 50 km from Srikakulam city and 95 KMs from Baruva beach. Both Srikakulam and Baruva beach are ideal places for stay. If travelling on your own, staying in Baruva or Srikakulam, these temples can be planned together: Meliaputti Venugopalaswamy temple, Mandasa Venugopal temple, Mukhalingam temples, Srikurmam temple and finally end for a stay at Srikakulam. Roads are excellent and easily approachable from National Highway 16.

Route:

https://timeline.google.com/maps/timeline?hl=en&authuser=0&pli=1&pb=!1m2!1m1!1s2022-09-30&rapt=AEjHL4PwnauXot9xe5UHA_FKmyoid65Sh52qd_dSMJK9Yg2z2kxKfVjXqjdcsAznuQkoqi1jfk7xPj4Zse2H4aZlNYse9YIVeA

Sri Kurmam Temple or Sri Kurmanatha Temple, Srikakulam

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/OhngVgPXgL8

References: https://vizagdekho.com/srikurmam-temple-sri-kurmanatha-swamy-temple-srikurmam/

https://www.templedairy.in/sri-kurmanadha-temple-srikakulam

Dedicated to Shri Vishnu’s Kurma Avatar and his consort Kurmanayaki (Lakshmi). The temple is popular for ancestor worship and the temple is situated in the banks of a beautiful pond. The presiding deity is said to have appeared in the shape of a tortoise, as per Legend.  Globally the only temple dedicated to Shri Vishnu’s Kurma Avatar, the temple was originally constructed before 11^th century in Kalinga style with fusion of Dravidian style, which depicts it to be a work of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, when it was known as Kurmeshwarara temple and dedicated to Shiva. However, according to earliest inscriptions, Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of Eastern Ganga Dynasty converted this temple into a Vaishnava Kshetra from a Siva Temple in the year 1035 CE.

Few legends however say it was Ramanuja who converted it into a Vaishnavite temple in 11^th century CE and is an important center for Vaishnavism alongside Seemanchalam.  The temple is one of the few temples in India now to follow both the Vaishnavite and Shaivite traditions.

Srikurmam is known as pitrukshetra because of its ancestor worship. People believe that if they offer prayers here, their ancestors’ souls will be saved.

 

Considered as one of the most sacred and important centre of Vaishnavism, It was also regarded as the Gurupitha (sacred place of the master) of the Ganga kings of Utkala

Legends:

One of the legends say wife king Suta ruling the Svethachala region, was Vishnu devotee and her prayers to the Lord on an occasion, led to the generation of a stream between her and the king, when the king tried to offer some advances to her. On the advice of Sage Narada, the king settled down at the confluence of Vamsadhara and sea and did penance. Lord Kumanadha appeared and granted him mental peace and Lord Vishnu created the Kshirasamudra and his wife came and settled down after which King Suta constructed the temple.

Another legend states that the Prince of Anandpuri, fell in love with a divine nymph, dancing before god, was cursed and he fell there with a nasty disease. After this he did penance for 300 years and the Lord relieved him from that disease. He then created the temple.

 

Purana References: The Srikurmam Shrine, as per Puranas References, spread over a diameter of 30-kiloMetres from Srikakulam to Kalingapatnam and flourished with PanchaLinga Kshetras and Ashta Teerthas. Lord Balarama who took the Darshan of Lord Sri Kurma, visited this area Knowing about the Cosmic importance of this Divya Kshetram, He ordained that Srikurmam be the only Temple in the entire World for the Tortoise incarnation of Lord Sri Mahavishnu. Since the Darshan of Lord Sri Kurma was allowed only for Devatas.

So he constructed 5 Shiva Temples as Kshetra Palika Temples on the four borders of Sri Kurma Shrine, including one at the main entrance of Srikurmam Temple. After the Consecration of idols and observing celestial rituals, Lord Bala Raama allowed Humans to enter the holy shrine of Lord Sri Kurmanadha for a Darshan. The 5 temples were:

• Sri Paayakeswara Swamy Temple
• Sri Someswara Swamy temple
• Sri Sangameswara Swamy Temple
• Sri Umarudra koteswara temple
• Sri Mani Nageswara Swamy Temple

 

 

 

Architecture

The temple is one of the living examples of architectural gem. The walls of the temple are rich with sculptural excellence everywhere. The  pillars have Yalis designed on them and there are motifs of all deities across the walls of the temple. The presence of two Dhwaja Stambhas in the temple is unusual for a Vaishnavite temple, proving its original Shaivism. The design of the gopurams is unique and distinctive from the regular gopurams of Dravidian temples and Kalinga architecture. The upper part of the sanctum sanctorum is built in the form of an ashtadala padmam (eight-petaled lotus).

The temple resembles the Dravidian structure like Vimana from Pyramid structure. The temple Mukha Mandapa leads antarala.

The deity of Kurmanathaswamy is made of black stone, but due to regular applications of sandalwood paste, it appears yellow. An important feature is that the main idol faces the West Direction. It sits on a platform made of stone with a length of 5 feet, a height of 1 foot, and a width of 4 feet. The deity is 2.5 feet (0.76 m) long and consists of three stone structures. The stone representing the head faces the west; the middle stone represents the body of the tortoise,  the small stone at the rear end, covered with swirling circles, represents either the tail of the tortoise or the Sudarshana Chakra.

This temple contains 201 pillars, and each pillar has the individual identity. And the temple has a total of 127 inscriptions in four different languages.  

 

The temple has an unusual conservation park for the protection of young and adult star tortoises. Originally facing east, the deity now faces west in response to Ramanuja’s prayers. Another unusual feature is the presence of the deity on a Gopala Yantra.

Temple Timings:

Temple opening hours: 06:00 AM to 07:45 PM

Srikakulam Srikurmam Temple Daily Sevas And Timings:

Suprabhata Seva, Nityabhishekam, Prabhodika, Mangala Snanam, Thiruvaradana, Sarva darshan, Balabhogam: 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Rajabhogam: 12 PM

Nitya Thiruvaradana, Amngalasnanam: 7 PM

Pavalimpu Seva: 8 PM

 

Culture and Tradition:

The main festivals at the Sri Kurmanadha temple includes Dolotsavam, Janmadinam Jayanti, Kalynotsavam, Mukkoti Ekasasi.

Photography and Parking:

There is a charge for photography at the entrance. Photography of deities and garbagriha are not allowed though.

Drone is tougher to use because of parking issues around the temple. The roads are very congested.

Location:

The temple is located around 13 KMs from Srikakulam. If one is travelling on his own, parking is a bit problematic there. The galis are narrow and it is hard to park with residences and market around. One do get parking, but its difficult.

Stay and Accomodation:

Nearest location to stay is Srikakulam city. We personally didn’t find good hotels in Srikakulam despite high prices. But that is the only place to stay.

How to reach:

A detailed visit to Srikurmam can be done for a day from Srikakulam. Otherwise as in one of my previous write-ups on Mukhalingam, the temples of Meliaputti, Mukhalinga, Mandasa and Srikurmam can be done together on a single day.

Travel roads across all the places are very good.