Parasurameswara Temple Bhubaneswar

Introduction to Parasurameswara Temple

The Parasurameswara Temple is located in Bhubaneswar city, Odisha. This ancient temple is better known for its splendid architecture. The presiding deity is Shiva, worshipped as Parasurameswar. It is close to the famous Mukteswara Temple. According to Hindu legend, the Parasurameswara Temple derived its name from Parashurama's penance and Shiva's resultant grace.

The History of Parasurameswara Temple

It is believed that in 650 AD, Madhavaraja II of the Shailodbhava Dynasty built the Parasurameswara Temple. The Shailodbhavas used to worship Shiva. They also had equal faith in Shakti. The images of these deities are embossed on the temple walls, which reveal their faith.
The Muslim invasions did not significantly affect the temple during the 12-13th centuries. In 1903, the inner sanctum's roof had undergone some repairs. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) now maintains and administers the Parasurameswara Temple. It is a ticketed monument.

The Architecture of Parasurameswara Temple

The temple features the Nagara style of architecture. The major attractions of the Parasurameswara Temple are its Vimana (sanctum), a Bada (tower), and Shikhara (curvilinear spire) over the roof. The roof reflects the Pancharatha style.

The temple has two parts: Vimana (sanctum) and Jagamohana (assembly hall). The Vimana has a square shape that measures 9.875 ft x 9.75 ft from the inside and 19.75 ft x 21 ft from the outside. The height of the Vimana is 40.25 ft. Its walls are divided into sections called Pagas or Rathas. A curvilinear tower (Bada) crowns the Vimana, which resembles a pyramid of horizontal planes. Amalaka is a stone disk placed over the Bada (tower) of the temple.

The Jagamohana has a rectangular shape. It has a two-element sloping roof with windows between them. The Jagamohana (assembly hall) measures 24.9375 ft x 18.33 ft from the inside and 29.33 ft x 28.5833 ft from the outside.
The main entrance of the Jagamohana features beautiful carvings of elephants. The hall has four windows that feature sculptures of musicians and dancers.
Devotees can see the earliest depiction of a six-armed Mahishamardini (Durga). She is seen holding a sword in her upper left hand and pressing the face of the demon buffalo with her upper right hand. Durga is seen piercing the demon's neck with a Trishul in her left middle hand. She holds Khetaka in her right middle hand and a bow in her lower right hand.

People can see the sculptures of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Muruga, and other deities on the external walls of the temple. It is the first temple to have the Jagamohana (entrance hall) attached to the sanctum sanctorum. The uniqueness of the Parasurameswara Temple is the presence of one thousand Shivalinga in the north-west corner.

The presence of Ashta Grahas (eight planets) on the beam of the entrance door is a testament to its antiquity. People can see the images of Saptamatrika (a group of fierce and powerful goddesses) in the temple walls, which are rare depictions.

There are also sculptures of Vishnu, Indra, Surya, and Yama around the base of the porch. A sculpture of Kartikeya on his peacock vehicle is on the southern wall. Other noteworthy carvings are Shiva subduing the demon-king Ravana, who tried to uproot Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. Devotees can see Nataraja in various Tandava poses in the Parasurameswara Temple.

Festivals in the Parasurameswara Temple

People celebrate the Parasurama Ashtami festival with great pomp. During the festival, Chandrashekhara, the representative of Lingaraja, visits here. This major festival usually falls between June-July annually. Maha Shivratri, Shravan Maas, Shardiya Navratri, and Diwali festivals are celebrated grandly in the Parasurameswara Temple. During all these festivities, the temple hosts a large Mela.

Benefits of Worshipping at Parasurameswara Temple

Devotees believe that worshipping Parasurameswar bestows Moksha. Meditating on him brings peace of mind and improves the body's chakras. The enhanced chakras lead to better spiritual health. As an Adi guru, he blesses his devotees with great wisdom and knowledge. One can avert untimely death by worshipping Parasurameswar in the Parasurameswara Temple.