GUDIMALLAM The Earliest Shiva Temple in India (English)
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The village has a temple known from ancient times by the name of Parasuramesvara. The image of Parasuramesvara is found carved in bold relief on the front side of the linga. It is the earliest linga in India with an anthropomorphic form of Siva in a standing posture without bends in the body, samapada sthanakamurti. In Indian art, the Gudimallam Siva-linga has a unique place. It is the only example of the Brahmanical sculpture that is concerned, dating back to the second century BCE. It shows the style of Bharhut and remains to date the lone representation in stone in Andhra Pradesh.
Since ancient times, the linga has been in continuous worship. It received royal patronage from the times of the later Pallava and Bana rulers (845 CE), Chola and Yadavaraya, and up to the time of the local chief, Raja Dameravenkatappa Nayanimgaru (1801 CE). The rivulet, Sitakalava, flows along the south and west sides of the village and joins the River Svarnamukhi. To the southeast of the village, at a distance of 4 km, there is a hill range called Sadasivakona, part of the Nagari hill ranges, which contain trapezoid rock with quartzitic veins. It is famous for its twin waterfalls, Ayyavarikona and Ammavarikona. Near the waterfalls are the temples for Sadasiva and Kamatchi. The village Gudimallam is surrounded by lush green fields with paddy, groundnuts, mango gardens, varieties of trees, etc.
Gudimallam Shiva Temple: A Glimpse into Ancient History
The Gudimallam Shiva Temple is in the peaceful village of Gudimallam. It is one of the most important Shiva temples in India. This temple is famous for its old and unique architecture. It has a Parasurameswara linga that fascinates both historians and visitors.
The Unique Parasurameswara Linga
The Parasurameswara linga is at the center of the Gudimallam temple. It is important in the history of the Parasurameswara temple.
The image of Parasurameswara shows Shiva in human form. He stands upright with no bends in his body. This posture, known as samapada sthanakamurti, is distinct from other depictions of Shiva in Indian art.
This linga is the oldest example in India that shows a human-like form of Shiva. It is a priceless piece of Indian cultural heritage.
It is the oldest Shiva linga in India with this type of design. It dates back to the second century BCE. The style of the Gudimallam Shiva-linga mirrors that of Bharhut art and remains the only stone sculpture of its kind in Andhra Pradesh.
A Legacy of Worship and Royal Patronage
The worship of the Gudimallam Shiva Temple has been ongoing for centuries, with continuous royal patronage throughout history. Many rulers respect the temple.
This includes the Pallava and Bana rulers from the 9th century (845 CE). It also gained respect from the Chola and Yadavaraya dynasties. The most recent known patron was Raja Dameravenkatappa Nayanimgaru in 1801 CE, demonstrating the temple’s long-standing importance.
The Scenic Surroundings
The village of Gudimallam is not only historically significant but also picturesque. The Sitakalava rivulet flows along the south and west sides of the village, joining the River Svarnamukhi.
Just 4 km southeast of the village, the Sadasivakona hill range of the Nagari hills awaits visitors. People know this area for its twin waterfalls—Ayyavarikona and Ammavarikona. Both waterfalls are near temples for Sadasiva and Kamatchi.
The green fields with paddy, groundnuts, and mango trees create a calm place. This beauty adds to the village’s history.
The Gudimallam Shiva Temple stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of India. The Parasurameswara temple is one of the most important Shiva temples in India. It attracts many devotees and tourists. They are interested in the temple‘s history and the oldest Shiva linga in India.
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