Parasurameswarar Temple, Gudimallam – Legends
Gudimallam Temple legend speaks about puranic tale about
Sage Parasurama. The sage beheaded his mother at the behest of his father. He
sought advice of his guru the ways and means to relinquish his sin of killing
one’s own mother. He was advised to pursue and locate the Shiva Lingam and
observe penance as a remedial measure. Sage Parasurama, after much
pursuit, located Gudimallam Shiva Lingam and dug a pond nearby to observe
penance.
The sage noticed the blossoming of single holy flower every
day at the pond and he submitted the flower at the feet of Gudimallam Shiva
Lingam. To protect the Lingam from external beasts, he assigned the task of
guarding the flower with Chitrasena, a Yakshi (celestial servant). The Yakshi
received toddy and the hunted animal from Parasurama as a reward for her
guarding duty. One-day Chitrasena offered the holy flower from the pond to Lord
Shiva.
Parasurama got enraged by the Yakshi's act and attacked
her with his axe. Chitrasena also retaliated severe blow. The fight prolonged
for 14 years and finally a pit formed nearby. From then on wards the temple was
known as 'Gudipallam' or temple at the pit. Over the period the temple name
changed as 'Gudimallam.'
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