World’s Oldest Hindu Temple Uncovered!

The temple we’re visiting today is a place full of mystery and wonder. This is the Gudimallam Temple, believed to be the oldest Hindu temple in the world, with the oldest Shiva Linga ever discovered. Hidden underground, this temple has nine secret passages leading to its main chamber. And every 60 years, something truly amazing happens—the temple's main chamber fills with water in a way that no one can explain. Some believe this Linga was brought here by God Shiva himself, and local legends say the temple is over 12,000 years old. Let’s explore the secrets of Gudimallam and uncover its fascinating stories. On the way, we had to cross the sacred Swarnamukhi River and another smaller river, which didn’t have a bridge. It was an amazing experience, with more than 25% of the auto-rickshaw under water. On the outer wall of the Garbha Gruha, we can see the murthis of God Shiva, God Ganesha, God Vishnu, God Brahma, and Goddess Adi Parashakti The Vigraha of this temple is made of Nava Pashana, a combination of nine deadly poisons. When mixed in the right proportions, these substances have amazing medicinal properties. This Vigraha is similar to the Nava Pashana Vigraha found in Palani’s Sri Murugan Temple. The Vigraha here is a Trimurthi Sankalpa Vigraha, representing the union of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. According to belief, God Parashurama, the sixth avatara of God Vishnu, worshipped this Vigraha. God Brahma is represented in the form of the Rakshasa under Parashurama’s feet. Parashurama is shown standing over the Rakshasa, holding a goat in his left hand, which he offered to the Rakshasa. On his right shoulder, he carries a weapon, possibly used to hunt the goat. Behind Parashurama, God Shiva is shown in the form of a Purusha Linga. This unique Vigraha is extremely rare and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Since God Parashurama worshipped God Shiva here, the temple is known as Parashurameshwara Temple. Today, the temple is under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India. Visiting this temple is believed to guide devotees toward attaining Moksha, or liberation. An interesting and mysterious event happens here once every 60 years. Sacred water from the river Swarnamukhi flows through an underground passage from Kalahasti Temple, also known as Dakshina Kashi, and fills the Garbha Gruha of this temple. The water performs an abhishekam, or sacred bath, for the Trimurthis in the temple. This phenomenon lasts for just one day, after which the water goes back. The last sacred bath occurred on December 4th, 2005. The next event is expected to happen in the year 2065, according to the temple priests. The temple’s current structure around the Garbha Gruha was built by the Chola and Pallava kings. The Gopuram of the temple is uniquely designed in the Gaja Prishtha Ākāra style, which means "shaped like the back of an elephant." This architectural design is considered auspicious and symbolizes strength and stability. Another fascinating feature of this temple occurs in July. On one specific day between July 20th and 30th, the sun’s rays fall directly into the Garbha Gruha, lighting up the main Vigraha of God Shiva. The temple is located just 10 kilometers from Tirupati Airport. I will add the Google Map location in the description.