Quick answer: The Sri Parasurameswara Temple at Gudimallam, near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, is widely regarded as home to one of the oldest known anthropomorphic Shiva lingams, with scholars dating the sculpture to roughly the 3rd century BCE–2nd century CE. The temple is generally open for darshan from about 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and abhishekam sevas are performed on specific weekdays for a modest fee (commonly cited around ₹500). Timings and costs vary, so please confirm directly at the temple before you travel.
Sri Vyasa Pooja is an information guide — we do not book sevas or take payments. For bookings and exact rates, contact the temple administration directly.
Key Information at a Glance
| Temple | Sri Parasurameswara (Parashurameswara) Swamy Temple |
| Deity | Lord Shiva, worshipped here in the form of the Gudimallam Lingam |
| Location | Gudimallam village, Yerpedu Mandal, Tirupati district (formerly Chittoor district), Andhra Pradesh |
| Famous for | One of the oldest known anthropomorphic Shiva lingams, with a full figure of Shiva carved in relief on the front |
| Darshan timings | Generally 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (confirm locally) |
| Abhishekam | Performed on select weekdays; indicative fee often quoted around ₹500 (confirm at temple) |
| Nearest railway | Renigunta Junction, roughly 13–14 km away |
| Nearest city | Tirupati, about 22–24 km away |
About Gudimallam and Its Ancient Lingam
Gudimallam is a small village tucked away near Tirupati, yet it holds a place of unusual importance in the history of Indian art and Shaiva worship. The Sri Parasurameswara Swamy Temple here enshrines the Gudimallam Lingam, a sculpture that scholars frequently describe as among the earliest surviving lingams associated with Lord Shiva.
What sets this lingam apart is the detail carved upon it. Unlike the smooth, abstract form of most Shiva lingams, the Gudimallam Lingam carries a full-length, high-relief figure of Shiva on its front. The deity is shown as a powerful standing figure, holding what appears to be an animal and a water vessel, adorned with ornaments, and standing over a crouching dwarf-like figure (the Apasmara, often understood as a symbol of ignorance). This combination of the lingam form with a complete anthropomorphic image of Shiva is what makes the sculpture so remarkable.
The exact age of the lingam is debated by historians. Estimates range widely, from around the 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century CE, with some scholars suggesting later dates. Carved from dark local stone and standing over five feet tall, it is regarded as one of the rarest pieces of early South Indian sculpture. Whatever the precise date, devotees and historians alike treat it as a living link to the very early history of Shiva worship in the region.
Abhishekam Timings and Cost
Abhishekam (the ceremonial bathing of the deity) is one of the central forms of worship at this Shiva temple. It is performed on specific days of the week rather than continuously through the day. The schedule and fees can change with festivals, temple decisions and seasonal arrangements, so treat the table below as indicative only.
| Day | Indicative abhishekam time | Indicative fee |
| Monday | Around 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Around ₹500 |
| Tuesday | Around 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Around ₹500 |
| Thursday | Around 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Around ₹500 |
| Friday | Morning (often includes Goddess Anandavalli abhishekam) | Around ₹500 |
| Saturday / Sunday | Reported by some sources in the morning hours | Around ₹500 |
Please confirm at the temple: Different sources report slightly different days, timings and amounts, and the temple may revise them at any time. Before planning a seva, please call or visit the temple administration to confirm the current abhishekam schedule, availability and exact cost. Sri Vyasa Pooja does not collect payments or reserve sevas on your behalf.
Darshan Timings
The temple is generally reported to be open for darshan from about 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Because it is a smaller, heritage temple rather than a large pilgrimage complex, it does not usually have the long queues seen at major shrines, and a peaceful darshan is often possible. Even so, midday closures, festival days and special rituals can change access on any given date. If you are travelling specifically for darshan, it is wise to confirm the day’s timings locally and to plan your visit in the morning hours when abhishekam is more likely to be performed.
How to Reach Gudimallam
Gudimallam sits in the rural belt between Tirupati and Renigunta, making it an easy half-day trip for pilgrims already visiting the Tirupati area.
- By train: The nearest major railhead is Renigunta Junction, roughly 13–14 km away. From Renigunta you can hire an auto or taxi, or use local transport towards Papanaidupet and on to Gudimallam.
- By road from Tirupati: The temple is about 22–24 km from Tirupati. A common route runs via the Tiruchanoor side towards Renigunta and then towards Papanaidupet, from where the road leads to Gudimallam village.
- By air: Tirupati Airport at Renigunta is the closest airport, after which the temple is a short road journey.
- Local transport: Buses and autos are reported to run reasonably often between Renigunta, Papanaidupet and nearby villages; a private taxi is the most convenient option for a fixed-time visit.
Distances above are approximate and depend on your exact starting point and route. For precise directions, use a live maps application on the day of travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Gudimallam lingam considered so important?
It is regarded as one of the oldest known anthropomorphic Shiva lingams, with a full figure of Shiva carved in high relief on its front. Scholars date the sculpture to roughly the 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century CE, which makes it a rare and valuable example of very early South Indian art and Shiva worship.
What are the darshan timings at Gudimallam temple?
The temple is generally reported to be open for darshan from about 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Timings can change on festival days or for special rituals, so it is best to confirm the current schedule directly with the temple before visiting.
How much does abhishekam cost at Gudimallam temple?
Abhishekam is performed on select weekdays, and the fee is commonly cited at around Rs. 500. Days, timings and amounts vary between sources and can be revised by the temple, so please confirm the current cost and availability directly at the temple. Sri Vyasa Pooja is an information guide and does not book sevas or take payments.
How do I reach Gudimallam temple from Tirupati?
The temple is about 22 to 24 km from Tirupati and roughly 13 to 14 km from Renigunta Junction railway station. You can travel by taxi, auto or local bus via the Renigunta and Papanaidupet route. A private taxi is usually the most convenient option for a fixed-time visit.
