Sri Parasurameshwarar Temple, Gudimallam, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh

 

Moolavar: Sri Parasurameshwarar

Amman: Sri Anandavalli Ambal

A 2nd century BC the Gudimallam Temple is considered to be the oldest Shiva temple identified so far. The Lord here is known as Parasurameswara and this lingam is believed to depict the trinity. The legend of the temple connects it to Parasurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The enigmatic nature of this shivalingam form is not seen anywhere within hundreds of miles, and indeed, throughout South India. If dated to an early period, the figure on the linga would represent one of the earliest and most unequivocal depictions of the god Shiva to have survived.

An image of Shiva in sthanaka posture is carved in high relief. On the front portion of the linga the god is standing on the shoulders of a figure of Apasmara, a dwarf who represents spiritual ignorance. The figure of Shiva resembles a vigorous hunter; He holds a ram or antelope in his right hand and a small water pot in his left hand. There is a battle axe (parasu) resting on his left shoulder. He wears many heavy earrings, an elaborate flat necklace, and a girdle with a dangling central portion. His arms are adorned with five bracelets, with different designs in relief, on each wrist, and a high arm ring on each side. He wears a dhoti of very thin material, fastened at his waist with a vastra-mekhala. This extends round the whole shaft of the linga. He has no yagnopavita or sacred thread. Emerging from a complicated turban-like head-covering, his hair is long and plaited (not matted).

Legend has it that Parashuram’s mother Renuka was suspected of infidelity by her husband Sage Jamadagni. The Sage ordered Parashurama to behead his mother. Parashurama obeyed his father and when Sage Jamadagni wanted to reward his son, Parashurama asked him to bring his mother back to life. And she was brought back to life.

But Parashuram could not overcome guilt of beheading his mother and he felt remorse about his act. As a penance he was advised by other Rishis to worship Shiva at Gudimallam.

After searching for several days, Parashurama found the temple in the middle of a forest. He dug a pond nearby and began his penance.

Every day morning a single flower used appear in the pond and Parashuram offered it to Shiva. To guard the single flower, he appointed Chitrasena, a Yaksha. Chitrasena was actually a manifestation of Lord Brahma.

Chitrasena had kept a condition that to guard the flower he should be given an animal to eat and a pot of toddy. Parashuram agreed to it and he used to hunt an animal for Chitrasena daily.

One day when Parshuram went out to hunt, Chitrasena felt tempted to worship Shiva himself. He used the single flower to worship Shiva. An enraged Parashurama attacked Chitrasena when he found the flower missing.

Finding the transgression grievous, the Parshuram entered into a fierce fight with the demon. When the vanquished demon was about to be crushed, Lord Shiva appeared and blessed both with their desire of Sayujyamukti – merging in Him. Brahma as Chitrasena, Vishnu as Parasurama and Shiva as the lingam form the Gudimallam Shivalingam.

Location: Sri Parasurameshwarar Temple, Gudimallam, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh