Sri Parasareswara Swamy
Temple – Yogimallavaram
The Sri Parasareswara
Swamy Temple, located at Yogimallavaram in Chittoor district, Andhra
Pradesh, is a revered shrine dating back over 1000 years. Built in 1008
AD by King Rajaraja Chola, the temple is a testimony to Chola architecture
and Shaiva devotion.
Legends & Sthala
Purana
- Arjuna’s Penance:
Arjuna performed penance here to obtain Lord Shiva’s weapon Pasupatastra.
Shiva appeared as a hunter (Mallu) to test him, giving the place
its name – Yogimallavaram (Yogi = Arjuna, Mallu = Shiva).
- Parasara Maharshi:
Installed the Shiva Lingam here. Parasara, grandson of Vasishta and father
of Vyasa, performed penance to see his father in heaven after his death.
Lord Shiva granted his wish, and the deity here is worshipped as Parasareswara
Swamy.
- Sacred Association:
The temple is also known as Kalabhirava Temple, with Goddess
Parvati worshipped as Sri Kamakshyamba.
Temple Architecture
- Entrances:
Two entrances – South and East; devotees usually enter through the East.
- Sanctum:
Lord Shiva faces east.
- Rajagopuram:
A three‑tier gopuram with Dwaja Stambham.
- Historical Records:
11 inscriptions (Sasanams) dating from the 11th–13th centuries
narrate the temple’s history.
- Sacred Visits:
Sage Agastya is believed to have visited and performed rituals here.
Festivals & Rituals
- Daily Pujas:
Conducted as per Agama traditions.
- Special Celebrations:
- Vaikasi Brahmotsavam
(May–June)
- Aadi Festival
(July–August) for Goddess Kamakshyamba
- Kalabhairava Worship:
Special pujas dedicated to Lord Kalabhairava.
Temple Timings
- Morning:
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Evening:
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
- October to March
– Pleasant weather and ideal for pilgrimage.
Getting Here
- Location:
Yogimallavaram, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Distance:
~5 km from Tirupati, ~3 km from Tiruchanoor Highway.
- By Road:
Easily accessible by buses and autos from Tirupati.
- By Rail:
Nearest station – Tirupati.
- By Air: Tirupati Airport (~15 km).
Tips for Devotees
- Visit during Vaikasi Brahmotsavam
or Aadi festival for vibrant celebrations.
- Explore nearby temples in Tirupati
and Tiruchanoor for a complete spiritual circuit.
- Offer prayers to Lord
Parasareswara and Goddess Kamakshyamba for family prosperity and
blessings.
- Respect temple traditions and dress
modestly.
Why Visit Sri
Parasareswara Swamy Temple?
- Ancient temple built by Rajaraja
Chola in 1008 AD.
- Unique legend of Arjuna’s penance
and Shiva’s hunter form.
- Installed by Parasara Maharshi,
father of Vyasa.
- Sacred site with Kalabhairava
worship and divine energy.
- Historical inscriptions and Chola dynasty heritage.