Andhra Pradesh is known for its beautiful temples. The exquisite architecture of these temples adds to the beauty rich cultural heritage of the state. The temples are spread all over the state. Lord Malleshwara Temple – Vijayawada is one among the various temples in the state.

Lord Shiva, in the form of Linga is the presiding deity of Lord Malleshwara Temple – Vijayawada. Devotees call the linga by various names like Jayasena, Mallikarjuna and Malleshwara. The sculptures engraved on the walls of the temple portray various incidents of the famous Indian Mythology, Mahabharata and the legend of Lord Shiva conferring Arjuna with the Paasupata Astra. The Vijayesvara temple and Malleshvaraswamy temple established by Arjuna and Yudhishtira respectively are located near to this temple.

Several legends are associated with Lord Malleshwara Temple – Vijayawada. According to one legend at the opening of Kali Yuga (Saka year 117), Madhava Varma was the ruler of the area. The king’s son accidentally killed a poor woman’s child. When the mother pleaded for justice at the court of the king, he ordered death sentence to his son. Satisfied with the king’s justice, Lord Shiva felicitated the ruler with gold and both the prince and the boy were gifted with life. It is believed that the great sage Agastya, worshipped the shivlingam as Jayasena, whereas Arjuna worshipped him as Malleswara at the Lord Malleshwara Temple – Vijayawada.

Last Updated on 19 May 2011

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