About Srimukhalingam temple:
- It is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
- This temple is 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 Madhukeshwara, 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, scientificor 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, WHS 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.
