The oldest of all the temples in Bhubaneswar is the Parashurameshvara Temple in the classical style whose sculpture is executed with great dash and vigor. The small temple of Parashurameshvara in Bhubaneswar, is believed to be a good specimen of early Odishan architecture of the post-Buddhist period, as is seen from its rudimentary vimana. Although dating as far back as circa 750 A.D., it is still in a good state of preservation under the aegis of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). AAs per the legend, Parashurameshwar Temple was built by Madhavaraja II of the Shailodbhava Dynasty. It is the first temple to have an additional structure called vimana. The porch is decorated with latticed windows and dancing dwarfs, and the sanctuary with scenes from the lives of the gods. It is notable for its intricate stone engraving of the marriage of Siva and Parvati and for the elaborately sculptured medallions on its front facade. Apart from these, you will find many other sculptures that depict Puranic stories. Intricately carved image of the six-armed Hindu goddess Mahishamardini (Durga) is also found on the exterior wall of the temple.The royal lion, Kesari’s proud symbol, is conspicuous by its absence. In place of the bold, strapping animals depicted on the walls of other temples are missing from the Parashurameshvara Temple. Another interesting aspect of the temple that attracts attention of every visitor is a Sahsralinga (a cluster of one large linga amidst one thousand miniature Shiv linga) on northwest corner of the shrine. Every year, in the month of June/July, Parashuramashtami festival is celebrated with gusto. It is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Bhubaneswar.
