Parasuramesvara Temple, Bhubaneshwar

Parasuramesvara Temple is the earliest of the completely preserved temples in Bhubaneswar. An inscription on the south doorway of mandapa (jagamohana) gives the old name of the temple as Parasesvara. The Parasuramesvara is remarkable for its delicately carved figural sculpture and ornamentation. The square-towered sanctuary adjoins a rectangular mandapa with a sloping roof arranged in two tiers. There is some evidence that the roof is a slightly later modification. The outer walls of the sanctuary have three projections on each side, with the central projections housing the major icons, most notably Kartikeya (east) and Ganesha (south). These are surrounded by intricate bands of lotus ornament and miniature figures. Horizontal mouldings divide the gently curving tower. The central projections contain figures of Durga spearing a buffalo (north), Shiva begging Parvati for food (south), a seated Lakulisha (east) and a seated Ravana below a dancing Shiva (west). A large amalaka caps the tower. At the southern end of the western mandapa wall is a Saptamatrika group (seven mother-goddesses) with Virabhadra and Ganesha flanking either side. Towards the north-west corner of the temple compound is a sahasra linga, with its surface carved with hundreds if not thousands of miniature lingas.