'Parsurameswara Temple, 7th-8th century AD, Bhubaneswar, Odisha' - by K J S Chatrath

Parsurameswara is one of the earlies intact temples of Bhubaneswar. The temple is lavishly decorated in tiratha plan, having a vimana and a jagamohana. Parsurameswara was originally known as Paraasavara, named after a Lakulisa teacher, Surya musicians and dikpla deities.

Dikpāla refers to the “the guardians of the directions”, according to the Varāhapurāṇa chapter 76. These are eight deities:  (i) East: Indra, (ii) South-east: Agni, (iii) South: Yama, (iv) South-west: Nirṛti, (v) West: Varuna, (vi) North-West: Vayu, (vii) North: Kubera and (viii) North-East: Isana. 

Three episodes of Shiva occur in three different places of the main temple. The first is in the front face, just above the jagamohana shows the scene of Ravana raising Mount Kailash. The second episode is that of Annapurna offering alms to Shiva and the third is of Shiva’s marriage scene.

                                                                      Chamunda Devi

                          Just look at the fire the craftsman has been able to put into the eyes.......
                                                        Lord Shiva & Devi Parvati.


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