Sri Parasuramaswarar Temple, Gudimallam Village,

The Sri Parasurameswara Swamy Temple, located in Gudimallam village near Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is renowned as one of India's oldest Shiva temples, dating back to the 2nd century BC. The temple's unique feature is its ancient Shiva Lingam, which depicts Lord Shiva standing atop a dwarf figure symbolizing ignorance. This Lingam is considered one of the earliest representations of Shiva in such a form.

According to legend, Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, performed penance here to atone for beheading his mother at his father's behest. During his penance, he appointed Chitrasena, a Yaksha (a nature spirit), to guard a sacred flower he used in his daily worship. An incident involving Chitrasena's use of the flower led to a confrontation, culminating in Lord Shiva's appearance and granting both Parashurama and Chitrasena liberation by merging with Him.

Architecturally, the temple showcases an apsidal shrine with an Ardha Mandapam and a Mahamandapam, all facing east, each level higher than the previous. The main entrance is from the south side of the Mahamandapam, adorned with an ornamental pillared porch
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