The Sri Parasurameswara Swamy Temple in Gudimallam, a small village near
Renigunta in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, is considered one of
the oldest surviving Shiva temples in South India. The temple's primary
sanctum houses a unique and ancient Shiva Lingam, which is believed to date
back to the 2nd or 3rd century BCE, making it a priceless relic of early
Indian religious history. This Lingam is not a typical smooth cylindrical
form but features a carved human figure of Lord Shiva, making it an
exceptional blend of the aniconic and iconic traditions in Hindu worship.
The Gudimallam Lingam is about 1.10 meters (3.6 feet) tall and is carved
from a single stone. What makes it so distinct is the depiction of Lord
Shiva in human form on the front of the Lingam, standing in a slightly
curved tribhanga posture. He holds a ram in his left hand and a battle axe
(parashu) in his right, standing over a demon figure, which some scholars
interpret as symbolic of Shiva's dominion over ignorance and ego. The axe in
Shiva's hand has led to the association of this Lingam with Lord
Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, who is believed to have consecrated
it, hence the name Parasurameswara.
Though the Lingam is ancient, the current temple structure surrounding it
was constructed much later, most likely during the Pallava or early Chola
period (circa 7th to 9th century CE). The architecture of the temple is
simple and modest, reflecting the early style of South Indian temple
construction. It underwent repairs and minor additions during the
Vijayanagara era in the 14th to 16th centuries, but the core sanctum and
Lingam have remained unchanged for over two millennia.
the Sri Parasurameswara Swamy Temple at Gudimallam is not just a place of
worship but a living relic of India's ancient past. It stands as a testimony
to the continuity of devotional practices, artistic evolution, and spiritual
legacy. Even today, pilgrims and history enthusiasts visit Gudimallam to
witness a rare and sacred symbol of India's earliest forms of Shaiva
devotion—where Shiva’s presence is not just worshipped, but also carved into
the very stone of time.
🕉️ Significance of the
Lingam:
_ The Gudimallam Lingam is an
aniconic Lingam with
anthropomorphic
features, standing about 1.10 meters (3.6 feet) tall.
_ It shows Lord Shiva standing in
Tribhanga posture, holding a ram in the left hand and a battle axe
(parashu) in the right, with floral motifs and symbolic elements.
_ It is a rare blend of pre-Vedic
Lingam worship and Vedic anthropomorphic representation, making it a
bridge between early Shaiva worship and Puranic symbolism.
Temple History:
_ The current stone structure
around
the Lingam was built during the
Pallava or early Chola period.
_ Subsequent renovations and
additions were made by Vijayanagara rulers
and local chieftains.
_Despite being a small temple in
size, it is monumental in historical
and spiritual stature.
Spiritual Beliefs and
Practices:
_ Worshipping here is said to cleanse
one of deep-rooted sins, especially
those related to violence, anger, and vengeance — in the spirit of
Parashurama’s own journey.
_ Childless couples, seekers of
forgiveness, and devotees in search of
moksha (liberation) frequently visit the temple.
_ The temple is especially vibrant
during Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Masam, and Parashurama Jayanti.
Conclusion:
The Sri Parasurameswara Swamy Temple at Gudimallam is not merely a
temple; it is a spiritual relic of ancient India, where history, legend,
and divine energy converge. The Lingam stands as a timeless witness to
devotion, penance, and the grace of Lord Shiva, who forgives even the
gravest of actions when sought with a pure heart.
Devotees who visit Gudimallam do not just witness a temple — they
witness the living connection between Lord Shiva and Lord Parashurama,
between penance and forgiveness, between ancient worship and eternal
divinity.