Gudimallam Temple, located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India, is believed to be the oldest Shiva temple in existence. This ancient temple dates back to the 2nd century BC, making it over 2,600 years old. It holds immense historical and religious significance and is considered a treasure trove of architectural and sculptural marvels.
The Linga depicts the true nature of a Shiva linga, with the human form carved well within the limits of the linga. The floor of the sanctum is at a low level compared to the floor level of the Antarala and Mukhamantapa. There is also an interesting tale to tell that Gudimallam Shivalingam is believed to be a manifestation of the Trimurtis, with Brahma at the bottom, Vishnu in the middle and Shiva on top.
Gudimallam is yet another historical monument located near Sri Kalahasti. The temple is about 7 miles away from Renigunta Railway Station Junction. The significance of the temple lies in the Lings that are housed in the Garbagriha of the temple. The Linga is said to have been discovered in the 1st century or the 2nd century BC.
Gudimallam Temple Timings 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM:
Gudimallam Sri Parasurameswara Temple History:
Gudimallam Sri Parusurameswara Swamy Temple is the First Shivalay in India. Sri Parusurameswara Swamy Temple in Gudimallam is a 2600-year-old world-renowned ancient temple located on the banks of River Swarna Mukhi. The temple ornate the elegance in single-stone (Eka-Sila) statue which portrays “Thri-Murthies”‘ Lord Brahma’ in Yaksha Roopam, ‘Lord Vishnu’ in Parasurama Avataram and ‘Lord Shiva’ in Purusha Linga Akaaram.
The magnificence of the temple lies in the structure of the Sanctum Sanctorum and the Gopuram, built in the shapes of ‘Shiva Lingam’ and ‘Gaja Pushti’ respectively.
The Main Deity of the Temple is located 6.0″ below the ground level, as such the village is termed as ‘Gudipallam’ and later on, by the passage of time, it became Gudimallam.
It is believed that once in 60 years the waters of River Swarnamukhi touch the Main Deity. Innumerable pilgrims witnessed the happening, in the recent past, on the 4th of December, 2005.
The Most Incredible occurrence in the temple is that the Sun takes the blessings of the Main Deity by focusing his rays on Lord’s feet during the transition from Northernly-path (Utharayanam) to Southernly-path (Dakshinayanam).
The premise of the Temple is fortified with Sri Anandavalli (Parvathi Matha), Sri Valli Devasena Subramnay Swamy and Sri Surya Bhagawan Temples.
As the temple is believed famous for fulfilling the healthful wishes of the disciples, innumerable devotees are visiting the temple and are privileged with the blessings of the Lord, Parasurameswara Swamy.
People suffering from the problems like delays in marriage & Childless couples can be relieved from these issues by performing Swamy Abhishekam.
Poojas & Abhishekam Performed:
Shri Anandavalli (Parvati) Goddess Abhishekam is performed every Friday. 8.00 & 9.00 AM followed by KUMKUMARCHANA between 10.00 & 11.00 AM
Monday: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Thursday: 8:00 AM to 930 AM
Friday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Sunday: 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Text curved on the Marble by the Archaeological Survey of India at Gudimallam Sri Parasu Rameswara Swamy Temple.
Renowned for its earliest extant Sivalinga in India datable to the second/ Third centuries B.C. The main Temple consists of an apsidal shrine at a low level with Ardha mandapa and maha mandapa in front, all facing east and each higher than the previous one. The main entrance to the shrine is, however, from the south side of the maha mandapa when the wall enclosure is added by an ornamental pillared porch (Dwarapala). The main shrine is closed all around externally by a peristylar cloister, The vimana over the shrine is of brick, hollow inside and is apsidal on the plan in elevation resembling a linga nut hence termed as lingakruti vimana. The sanctum has a false ceiling over wooden joints. A dew shrine is added at the North-West corner other minor shrines within the Prakara include Kartikeya and Subramanya. A plain gopuram is provided at the western entrance of the compound wall. The stone temple complex is in late Pallava / Bana and Chola Style and a good number of inscribed records speak of the perpetual gifts made by the kings, The earliest belonging to the Bana (A Fendatory Royal family under the later Pallava’s, Circa 842-904 centuries A.D) and latest of the time of Yadava Devaraya (A.D. 1346). The inscription of the tome of Vikramachola refers to the complete rebuilding of the temple in 1126 A.D. along with the gopuram and the well.
The Linga on its frontal facet a relief figure standing Siva. He has two hands, The right one holds a ram by the hind legs, Head hanging downwards. On the left, a globular pot is held and a battle axe (Parasu) rests on the left shoulder. The linga is fixed within two stone rings during the earliest phase inside the sanctum which served as Arghapitha. The standing form of the god reveals Vedic and proto-puranic concepts of Rudra. He is shown standing on the shoulders of a crouching dwarf Yaksha whose features ate unique. He is seated on the knees body shrunken and light teethed.
THIS MONUMENT HAS BEEN DECLARED TO BE OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE UNDER THE ANCIENT MONUMENTS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND REMAINS ACT, 1958 (24 OF 1958). WHOEVER DESTROYS, REMOVES, INJURES, ALTERS, DEFACES, IMPERILS, OR MISUSES THIS MONUMENT SHALL BE PUNISHABLE WITH IMPRISONMENT WHICH MAY EXTEND TO THREE MONTHS, OR WITH A FINE WHICH MAY EXTEND TO FIVE THOUSAND RUPEES, OR WITH BOTH.
Gudimallam Sri Parasurameswara Temple Deities:
Sri Anandavalli Ammavaru (Parvathi Matha) Temple
Sri Valli Devasena Subramnaya Swamy Temple
Lord Surya Bhagawan Temple
Lord Ganapathi
Sri Dakshinamurthy
Abhayahasta Venkateswara Swamy
Chaturmukha Brahma
Vyshnavi Devi
Sri Parasurameswara Temple Address:
From Tirupati 22.0 km
From Renigunta 13.2 km
From Nagari 35.5 km
From Nellore 137 km
From Srikalahasti 37.9 km
Gudimallam Parasurameswara Temple Address:
Sri Parasurameswara Temple,
Yerpedu Mandalam,
Papanaidupet,
Gudimallam Road,
Tirupati Rural,
Chittoor District – 517526
Andhra Pradesh.
Contact Numbers: 9959543914, 9490181917
Chairman: 9490181917, 9989759054
Priest/Archakulu: 9959993866