Gudimallam Sri Parasurameswara Temple: Gudimallam, situated in the heart of Chittoor district, stands as a village of historical significance, boasting an ancient Shiva temple dating back to the Andhra Satavahana period. Steeped in history, the temple, known as Sri Parasurameswara Temple, is a proof of architectural and religious excellence, with inscriptions indicating its construction in the 2nd or 3rd century BC.
Also Read:
Temple Features and Unique Lingam
The temple, once patronized by the Chandragiri kings, fell victim to defeat by Muslim rulers, yet remarkably, the Moola Virat Swami remained unharmed. The Shivalinga in the Gudimallam Shiva Temple worshipped as Parasurameshwara, is distinct – carved in dark coffee-colored stone, it takes the form of Lord Shiva as a superhero hunter in human form.
The lingam is not the conventional cylindrical shape but represents Lord Shiva standing on the shoulders of an unconscious man, holding a lamb (upside down) with his right hand and a small shell in his left. The lingam itself is a human lingam, showcasing intricate details of Swami’s attire, including a headband, rings, and delicate cloth folds.
Historical Significance
Gudimallam, usually referred to as the Parashurameshwara Temple, carries the world’s oldest Shiva lingam, dated by historians to the 1st century BC. The seven-foot Shiva lingam is a remarkable representation, engraved with Rudra standing on the shoulders of a fairy, holding a beast with one hand and a sheep with the other.
The lingam is acknowledged to date back to the Rig Veda period, with scientists noting the attire worn by Rudra. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple, shaped like a yard flower, holds ancient remains dating back to the 2nd century AD.
Unique Temple Characteristics
The temple, taken over by the Archaeological Society of India in 1954, witnessed a cessation of worship since then, with many statues being stolen. However, the architectural and sculptural wonders, along with the dreadful flooding of the main room every sixty years, add to the temple’s enigma.
During floods, the water touches the top of the Shiva lingam and then decreases, leaving the sanctum sanctorum unaffected. Villagers describe this phenomenon, occurring around December 4, 2005, and echoing an account from 1945.
Visit Gudimallam
The temple complex is extensive, featuring small temples and a brick wall encircling the premises. Notably, the rays of the rising sun illuminate the main Shiva lingam directly through an engraved grille on the stone walls.
Festivals celebrated at Gudimallam include Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, and Ugadi, attracting devotees from near and far. To reach Gudimallam, visitors can use different modes of transportation, including air travel to Tirupati Airport, train services to Tirupati or Renigunta Railway Stations, or buses connecting Nellore, Srikalahasti, and Tirupati.
Address: Sri Parasurameswara Temple, Yerpedu Mandalam, Papanaidupet, Gudimallam Road, Tirupati Rural, Chittoor District – 517526, Andhra Pradesh.
Plan your visit between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM to explore the rich history and spiritual aura of Gudimallam, a true gem nestled in the cultural tapestry of Andhra Pradesh.