Parasurameswarar Temple, Gudimallam – Legends

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.'