Bhubaneswar Parasuramesvara Temple, Odisha

Address

Bhubaneswar Parasuramesvara Temple near Bindu Sagar Pond, Kedar Gouri Vihar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002, India

Diety

Parasuramesvara

Introduction

Bhubaneswar Parasuramesvara Temple is Located in the north-west corner of the Mukteshwar and Siddheshwar Temples, Parasuramesvara Temple is the earliest of the completely preserved temples in Bhubaneswar. The mid 7th century date places this temple during the rule of the Shailodbhava dynasty, possibly built by Madhavaraja II, who had Shiva as their family deity as well as respecting Shakta deities. An inscription on the south doorway of mandapa (jagamohana) gives the old name of the temple as Parasesvara. Also known as Parashurameshvara, Parsurameswara and Parsurameswar Temple, the monument was significantly repaired in 1903. The Parasuramesvara is remarkable for its delicately carved figural sculpture and ornamentation. The sculpture is in ruins. The square-towered sanctuary adjoins a rectangular mandapa with a sloping roof arranged in two tiers. The outer walls of the sanctuary have three projections on each side, with the central projections housing the major icons, most notably Kartikeya (east) and Ganesha (south). These are surrounded by intricate bands of lotus ornament. Above the sanctuary door is that panel depicting the eight (not nine) planetary deities, potentially the key to helping date this temple more accurately. Within the sanctuary is a Shiva linga on a circular pedestal.