Matsyagundam in ASR district is renowned as a spiritual as well as a tourist destination. Devotees take holy dips in the Gundam and worship at the Matsyalingeswara Swamy Temple
Visakhapatnam: The temple and festival committees of various temples in north Andhra left no stone unturned in celebrating the Maha Shivaratri festival. Focusing on preserving the cultural heritage and enhancing the spiritual experience of devotees, they made extensive arrangements to accommodate the influx of devotees and ensure a vibrant festive atmosphere.
The Pandava temples in Mahendragiri within the Mandasa mandal of Srikakulam district bordering Andhra and Odisha have a special significance during Maha Shivaratri. The location of these temples is about five thousand feet above the sea level. The belief that the Pandavas sought refuge in these temples during their Vanavasa in the forest attracts many devotees.
In Jalumuru mandal of Srikakulam, the Srimukhalingam Temple is a significant site with one crore Shiva Lingas. The temple walls are adorned with stunning sculptures. According to the Puranas, supreme merit lies in bathing in the Ganges at Kashi, viewing the peak of the Lord in Srisailam, and seeing the Lord's face in Srimukhalingam.
Devotees found the Endala Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Ravivalasa, Tekkali, beautifully decorated for the Maha Shivaratri. Known for its 24-foot self-contained Shivalinga, the temple attracts devotees who believe bathing in the Sita Pushkarini and visiting the Lord will cure their ailments. The temple sees a significant influx of visitors during Kartik month and Maha Shivaratri.
Matsyagundam in ASR district is renowned as a spiritual as well as a tourist destination. Devotees take holy dips in the Gundam and worship at the Matsyalingeswara Swamy Temple. The fish found among the rocks are revered as deities by the tribal community.
Authorities made extensive arrangements for special pujas at the Shivalingam in Borra Caves, a popular tourist destination near Araku town. Thousands of devotees visit this site on Shivaratri, take a holy dip in the Gosthani River and offer special prayers to the Lord.
