Srimukhalingam temple priest holds protest, seeks UNESCO status

Srimukhalingam temple chief priest Naidugari Rajasekhar staging a protest in New Delhi. | Photo Credit: By arrangement

Naidugari Rajasekhar, chief priest of the Srimukhalingam temple in Srikakulam district, has asked the government to initiate efforts to get UNESCO World Heritage status for the 1,000-year-old historic temple. On Monday, he staged a protest in New Delhi to draw the attention of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Union government to the temple’s historical significance.

In a press release, he emphasised that UNESCO’s recognition would ensure speedy development and preservation of the temple which was constructed by Eastern Ganga Dynasty rulers between the 6th and 12th centuries.

He said: “The Srimukhalingam temple located in the Gara mandal of Srikakulam district is one of the ancient temples of Lord Shiva. I have submitted detailed memorandums to the President of India’s office and the ASI Director General, Yaduvir Singh Rawat, urging them to send a detailed note to UNESCO for consideration, so that it would extend recognition of the temple.”

Published - June 16, 2025 08:29 pm IST