Srimukhalingam temple

About Srimukhalingam temple

• It is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• This temple, built in the Kalinga architectural style.
• It is located on the banks of Vamsadhara River and is dedicated to lord Srimukha Lingeswara (a form of Shiva).
• The Shivalinga here has a mukha or facial representation of Lord Shiva. 
• It was constructed in the 9th century CE by kings of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
• It contains exquisite sculptures from that period.
• It is believed that visiting this temple and taking a dip in the river relieves one from the cycle of rebirth.
• It is housing 3 ancient temples at one Location.
• The Trinity of Madhukeswara, Someswara and Bheemeswara Temples are a testimony to the magnificent architectural skills of Kalinga Kings.
• It was built by Kamarnava II, ruler from the family line of Eastern Ganga.

Key points about UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• A World Heritage Site (WHS) is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the UNESCO under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972.
• These sites are designated by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance.
• The sites, classified as cultural, natural and mixed (meeting both cultural and natural criteria) heritage around the world, are considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
• To be selected, a WHS must be a somehow unique landmark which is geographically and historically identifiable and has special cultural or physical significance.
• For example, WHSs might be ancient ruins or historical structures, buildings, cities, deserts, forests, islands, lakes, monuments, mountains or wilderness areas.
• These sites are demarcated by UNESCO as protected zones and the list is maintained by the international World Heritage Program administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

Q1) What is UNESCO?

UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).The constitution, which entered into force in 1946, called for the promotion of international collaboration in education, science, and culture. The agency’s permanent headquarters are in Paris, France.

Source: ASI assures to send note to UNESCO over inclusion of Srimukhalingam temple in Andhra Pradesh in world heritage structures’ list