Gudimallam Temple – Home to India’s Oldest Shiva Lingam

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Location

  • Gudimallam Temple is located in Gudimallam village, near Tirupati, in the Yerpedu mandal of Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.
  • It lies about 13 km southeast of Tirupati city, nestled in a tranquil rural setting.

Presiding Deity

  • The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Parasurameswara Swamy.
  • The main sanctum houses the Gudimallam Lingam, a unique and ancient Shiva Linga with human features carved in relief—depicting Shiva in a standing posture.

Subshrines and Features

  • While the temple is modest in size, it includes:
    • A Garbhagriha with an apsidal (semi-circular) design—rare in South Indian temple architecture
    • A Maha Mandapa and Antarala (vestibule) connecting the sanctum
    • Minor shrines and stone enclosures added during Chola and Vijayanagara periods

Temple Significance

  • The Gudimallam Lingam is believed to date back to the 3rd century BCE, making it one of the oldest known Shiva Lingas still in worship.
  • The Lingam is carved from a dark brown stone, over 5 feet tall, with a full-length relief of Shiva—a rare and powerful iconographic form.
  • It symbolizes the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, representing creation, preservation, and destruction.
  • The temple is considered a living archaeological site, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India since 1954.
  • Devotees believe the Lingam emits a divine vibration, and some legends suggest it may have celestial origins, possibly a meteorite.

Rituals

The temple follows Shaiva Agama traditions, with daily and seasonal worship centered around the Gudimallam Lingam, which is believed to embody the Trimurtis—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

  • Daily Poojas include:
    • Abhishekam with water, milk, and sacred herbs
    • Archana with bilva leaves and mantras
    • Deepa aradhana and prasadam distribution
  • Special Rituals:
    • Rudra Homam and Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam on auspicious days
    • Pradosha Pooja on Trayodashi evenings
    • Lingodbhava Alankaram during Maha Shivaratri

Festivals

Though modest in scale, the temple celebrates key Shaiva festivals with deep spiritual fervor:

  • Maha Shivaratri:
    • Night-long abhishekam and chanting of Rudram
    • Devotees observe fasting and perform pradakshina around the sanctum
  • Karthika Masam (Nov–Dec):
    • Daily deepam offerings and special poojas
    • Believed to be highly auspicious for Shiva worship
  • Pradosham:
    • Bi-monthly observance with special rituals and circumambulation
    • Devotees seek forgiveness and spiritual cleansing
  • Sankranti and Ugadi:
    • Regional festivals celebrated with floral decorations and community prayers

Beliefs

  • The Gudimallam Lingam is believed to be one of the oldest Shiva Lingams in continuous worship, dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
  • Devotees believe the Lingam:
    • Emits divine vibrations and enhances spiritual awareness
    • Grants ancestral blessings and removes karmic obstacles
    • Offers relief from planetary afflictions, especially those linked to Rahu and Ketu
  • The unique iconography—Shiva in human form carved into the Lingam—is seen as a symbol of cosmic unity, combining creation (Brahma), preservation (Vishnu), and destruction (Shiva).

Temple Hours

  • Open Daily: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
DayTimeRitual
Daily6:15 AM – 7:00 AMAbhishekam to the Gudimallam Lingam
Thursday8:00 AM – 9:30 AMDakshinamurthy Abhishekam
Sunday8:00 AM – 9:30 AMSuryabhagavan Abhishekam
Monday8:00 AM – 9:30 AMRudrabhishekam
Friday8:00 AM – 9:30 AMKumkumarchana to Goddess
  • During festivals like Maha Shivaratri, hours may extend for special rituals.

Getting Here

By Train:

  • Nearest Station: Tirupati Railway Station (~13 km)
  • Well-connected to Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and other major cities.

By Bus:

  • Buses and autos are available from Tirupati Bus Stand to Gudimallam village.
  • You can also take a local taxi or auto from Renigunta Junction (~10 km away).

By Air:

  • Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport (TIR) (~15 km)
  • From the airport, taxis are available directly to Gudimallam.

Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning for peaceful darshan and to witness the unique Lingam in natural light
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire is recommended to maintain temple sanctity
  • Photography: Allowed outside; inner sanctum photography may be restricted
  • Essentials: Carry water, offerings like bilva leaves or milk, and wear comfortable footwear for walking around the temple grounds

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