Parsurameswar Temple is located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, its stone carvings and holy yard draw devotees and travelers. Known as one of Odisha’s oldest temples, this temple shines with ancient Kalinga art. If you wish to visit this sacred spot, here is a simple guide on its story, look, prayers, and how to go.
Fun Fact: The temple is named “Parsurameswar,” linking it to Parashurama, Vishnu’s warrior avatar, who is said to have worshipped Shiva here.
Mythological Importance
Parsurameswar carries tales from sites like Odisha Tourism and Temple Purohit. One legend says Parashurama, seeking to please Shiva, prayed at this spot, and the Lord appeared as a lingam to bless him. Another tale, from local lore, tells of a sage who saw Shiva dancing here, leading to the temple’s creation. Some say the lingam grants courage and wisdom. Locals believe the temple’s yard has divine power, bringing calm to all who come. This makes Parsurameswar a key Shiva shrine, tied to strength and devotion.
Historical Overview
The temple began in the 7th century, under the Shailodbhava dynasty. Bhubaneswar was a holy city, old texts say. A stone from 650 CE near the temple marks its start, per Odisha Tourism. King Madhavaraja II likely built it, carvings suggest. In the 1000s, Somavanshi kings added walls, temple logs note. By the 1400s, it was a busy pilgrimage spot. In the 1700s, priests kept prayers alive. After 1947, Odisha’s leaders took over. Now, the Archaeological Survey of India cares for it. From 2000 to 2010, they fixed paths but kept the old stone look. Odia saints like Bhima Bhoi sang of Shiva here, spreading its fame. Today, it draws thousands to Bhubaneswar’s sacred land.
The temple’s past is deep. Some say it was a Shaiva learning center, as per Incredible India. In the 1800s, British scholars noted its art, calling it a Kalinga gem. Recent digs found pottery from 600 CE, proving its age. The temple’s small size, compared to later shrines, shows its early roots, Travel India says.
Architecture of Parsurameswar Temple
The Parasurameswara Temple is a prime example of Kalinga architecture, with its shikhara (spire) constructed in the Pancharatha style. The temple consists of two main sections: the vimana (sanctum) and the jagamohana (prayer hall). The sanctum is square-shaped, with its outer walls segmented into vertical projections known as pagas or rathas, while the prayer hall is rectangular and topped with a terraced roof.
At the main entrance of the prayer hall, visitors are greeted by detailed carvings of elephants. The hall includes four windows—two on the western side, and one each on the northern and southern walls—featuring interlaced designs adorned with sculpted figures of musicians and dancers. There’s also an additional doorway on the south side.
On the northern wall of the jagamohana, various deities are carved, including Lord Ganesha, Goddess Chamunda, and the Saptamatrikas—a group of seven goddesses who embody divine feminine power (Shakti). These are Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani, and Chamundeshwari.
The porch and exterior walls of the temple are richly decorated with carvings of animals, flowers, divine couples, mythological narratives, and Hindu gods and goddesses. Among the most striking engravings are depictions of Ardhanarishvara (a composite form of Shiva and Parvati), Ganga and Yamuna, and numerous images of Lord Shiva, including his form as Nataraja, shown in various dynamic dance poses.
Rituals and Festivals
The temple celebrates Mahashivratri, in February or March, as the day of Lord Shiva, honoring Shiva with water offerings and lamp walks. Shravan Maas, in July or August, has milk prayers and song nights. Deepavali, in October or November, lights lamps by the tank. Daily prayers include morning chants, offerings, and evening lamp rituals. You can book services like Rudra Abhishekam or Shiva Puja at the temple office, ₹100-400. A stall gives free sesame sweets as prasad. On Mondays, devotees offer bilva leaves for blessings.
The temple hosts small dance shows in January, per Travel India, with Odissi and folk performances. These events draw locals, adding to the temple’s charm.
Information for Travelers
Hours and Entry: Open daily, 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, then 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Entry is free, but rituals cost ₹100-400. Photos are fine outside, not in the sanctum.
Clothing: Wear simple clothes covering shoulders and knees. Men for rituals wear dhotis, often no shirt, as custom.
How to Get There:
Air: Biju Patnaik Airport, 5 km away, is closest. Taxis take 15 minutes, ₹200-300.
Train: Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 3 km away, connects to Kolkata (7 hours) or Delhi (24 hours). Autos cost ₹40-80.
Road: Baramunda Bus Stand, 7 km away, links to Puri (1.5 hours). Autos from city center cost ₹20-40.
Places to Stay:
Bhubaneswar has guesthouses like Hotel Suryansh or hotels like Trident Bhubaneswar. Stalls sell idli, puri, tea nearby. Some guesthouses offer temple views, per Incredible India.
Best Time to Visit:
October to March, 20-30°C, is cool. Weekdays are quiet. Mahashivratri is busy, so book early.
Nearby Attractions:
Lingaraj Temple, 1 km away, is a grand Harihara shrine.
Mukteshwar Temple, 1 km away, is a Shiva site.
Rajarani Temple, 2 km away, hosts music festivals.
Dhauli Stupa, 8 km away, is a Buddhist peace spot.
Udayagiri Caves, 7 km away, are old Jain sites.
Final Thoughts
Parsurameswar Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, a holy land in eastern India, is a treasure of faith. Shiva’s divine touch fills its premises, making it a must-see among the city’s sacred places.
