Parasurameswara Temple, Gudimallam

Parasurameswara Temple

The Parasurameswara Temple, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is one of the oldest surviving temples in the state, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the 7th century CE, it represents the early Kalinga style of architecture and is a significant heritage site. The temple is not just a religious center but also an architectural gem, admired for its intricate carvings and historical importance

॥ ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥
(Om Namah Shivaya – I bow to Lord Shiva, the supreme consciousness and destroyer of evil.)

― Parasurameswara Temple

It is an important stop on the temple trail of Bhubaneswar, often called the “Temple City of India.”

Mythological Significance & History

The temple was built around 650 CE by the Shailodbhava dynasty.
It is one of the earliest specimens of Nagara style temples in Odisha.
The temple derives its name from Parasurama (the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu), though it is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Inscriptions and sculptures suggest that it played a vital role in early Shaivism while also accommodating other deities like Vishnu and Shakti.
The temple has withstood centuries of change and remains a living symbol of Odisha’s rich cultural legacy

Significance of the Temple

Parasurameswara Temple is a Shaivite shrine, but it also contains shrines and carvings of Vaishnavite and Shakti deities, showing a spirit of religious harmony.
It is considered one of the earliest temples to feature images of the Sapta Matrikas (seven mother goddesses), an important tradition in Hindu worship.
The temple is part of the Ekamra Kshetra heritage site, which includes over 700 temples in Bhubaneswar.
Devotees believe that worshipping here brings peace, protection, and spiritual strength.