Gudimallam is a small village located within the srikalahasti Mandal close to tirupati in the chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Right here, you can witness a unique and wonderful shiva idol.
Located on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, this historic and globally renowned temple is believed to be approximately 2600 years old. The Gudimallam Lingam installed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Parashurameshwara temple is well-known for its unique features. In Hinduism, the Lingam is considered a symbol of Lord Shiva.
This temple in Gudimallam appears as India's first shiva temple, in which a grand idol carved from an unmarried stone or monolith unites Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva) collectively. This lingam, made from dense, dark brown nearby stone, stands over 5 feet tall. Brahma seems at the lowest within the form of a Yaksha, Lord vishnu appears as Parashurama in the middle, and Lord shiva is depicted at the top in the shape of a male Lingam. For that reason, in this Trimurti Lingam, Brahma is at the lowest, vishnu is inside the center, and shiva is at the top.
For Hindus, this area holds colossal spiritual and religious importance. The grandeur of the temple is specifically visible within the structure of the sanctum (garbhagriha) and the gopuram (gateway tower), which can be fashioned like a shiva Lingam and an elephant flower (gajapushi), respectively. The unique idol inside the temple, known as the "Moolavirat," is located six steps below the top surface of the earth in a shape referred to as the "Gudipand," which later came to be called "Gudimand." In front of the Lingam, there may be a sculpture of Lord Shiva's statue upon an apsara (celestial maiden), conserving a deer in his right hand, a kamandalu (water pot) in his left hand, and an awl resting on his left shoulder. Numerous components of Shiva's body are decorated with jewelry, necklaces, waistbands, bracelets, and armlets.
it's far believed that this shiva Lingam predates the Christian era. according to historical bills, this temple obtained contributions from several dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Pallavas, Cholas, and the Vijayanagara Empire.
There's a notion that after each 60 years, the water of the Swarnamukhi River touches the feet of the main deity. It is also said that in the transition of the sun from Uttarayana to Dakshinayana (northern to southern solstice), the sun's rays fall directly at the toes of the Lingam, acting as though the deity himself is receiving divine advantages. Inside the temple premises, there are also shrines devoted to Shri Anandavalli, Shri Valli Devasena Subramanya Swami, and the sun god (Surya Bhagavan).
Mythological importance of this region
A mythological tale is related to this sacred place. In line with legend, once, Parashurama's father, Sage Jamadagni, doubted his wife Renuka's fidelity. In his suspicion, he ordered his son Parashurama to sever his mom's head. Parashurama, obeying his father's command, killed his mother; however, to go back, as opposed to requesting praise, he asked Sage Jamadagni to deliver her back to existence. His mom turned into a resurrected being, but to compensate for the sin of matricide, Parashurama, following the recommendation of different sages, commenced penance at Gudimallam, worshipping Lord Shiva. He used to worship Lord shiva every day with divine flora that grew near a pond close to his home. Pleased by his devotion, Lord shiva granted him the boon of eternal bliss.
Lord Brahma, within the form of a parent named Chitrasena, blanketed the divine flora growing inside the pond. Someday, while Parashurama became delayed in coming back from a hunting excursion, Chitrasena plucked the divine vegetation and worshipped the shiva Lingam himself. Upon returning and noticing the missing flora, Parashurama, in anger, engaged in a struggle with Chitrasena. At that moment, Lord shiva appeared and blessed each by merging them into an unmarried entity. on the grounds that then, this sacred location has been known as Gudipallam and later as Gudimallam. For this reason, the Parashurameshwara temple was set up, in which Brahma is living as Chitrasena, vishnu as Parashurama, and shiva as the Lingam inside the sacred Gudimallam Lingam.
It's miles strongly believed that traveling to this temple alleviates devotees' health issues. Especially, couples going through delays in marriage or childlessness go to this temple to seek the advantages of Lord Shiva. Special rituals and worships are executed here to assist devotees in conquering such challenges.
How to reach Gudimallam by air
The nearest airport to Gudimallam village is tirupati Airport. From tirupati, the village is approximately 30 kilometers away and may be reached via bus or taxi.
Through Rail
The closest railway stations are renigunta Station and srikalahasti Station. Trains from all important cities across india arrive at these stations. From there, local delivery like buses or taxis may be used to reach Gudimallam village.
By avenue
This place is properly linked with the aid of roads to all cities across Andhra Pradesh. After visiting tirupati, one can without difficulty plan a pilgrimage to srikalahasti and then to Gudimallam.
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