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Though
Srikakulam flashes across our minds the splendid image of
Swayamvyakta Andhra Mahavishnu, and narrates many sports of
Srikakuleswara, it also houses an ancient Sivaalaya. The presiding
deity is called Ekaratri Mallikarjunaswamy. The historic town is the
cradle of Devadasi dance and etched its name as a religion-cultural
centre of great eminence on the pages of history. This kshetra is
deemed one of the hundred and eight Divya Tirupathis. On account of
the unprecedented popularity of Vaishnava Deity - Srikakulendraswamy,
the Saivate god's mahatmya is a little bit obscured; yet this temple
made a mark as a great Siva yatrasthala. The annual festival of
Ekaratra Mallikarjunaswamy Brahmotsav is celebrated on a scale
grand, with pomp and splendour. During then the Utsavamurti of Siva
flanked by Ganga and Parvati on both sides is taken out in
procession out-stepping the glory of the other deity. The temple is
beautified with rare sculptural adornments.
It
lies 36 Km off Machalipatnam, accessible by train and bus.
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