Parasurameswara Temple is one of the oldest and best preserved temples in the city. Built around 650 AD by the Shailodbhava dynasty. On the basis of the sculptures which are flat and rigid and the triratha architectural plan (marked by the rekha shikhara and the rectangular jagamohana with sloping roofs), the temple can be classified to the formative years of the evolution of Kalinga School of Architecture. The presence of eight grahas at the entrance are further indication of its antiquity.
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva who is worshipped as Parasurameswara. The temple derives its name from the penance of Parashuram and the grace of Lord Shiva. The unique feature of the temple is that though it is dedicated to Lord Shiva it contains sculptures related to Shakti like the Saptamatrikas - or the divine Mothers who are always depicted together. They represent the power obtained by Goddess Shakti from different Gods. The Saptamatrikas are Brahmani (from Brahma), Vaishnavi (from Vishnu), Maheswari (from Shiva), Chamunda (from Devi), Kaumari (from warrior god Skanda), Indrani (from Indra) and Varahi (from Varaha).
Parasurameswara Temple served as an important landmark in the evolution of Kalinga School of Temple Architecture which gained perfection over centuries of evolution of which reached its zenith with the Sun Temple of Konark many centuries later.
Parasumastami is the major festival observed by the temple, where Chandrashekhara- the representative of Lord Lingaraja visits the Parasumrameswara temple in a procession and a feast is organised. The festival falls in the month of June/July (i.e month of Ashada).
| Timings | 6:30 AM till 7:30 AM |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | Free |
