Gudimallam Temple Timings Today Open Close Pooja Schedule

The Sri Parasurameswara Swamy Temple at Gudimallam is generally open daily from about 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with darshan of the celebrated ancient lingam and regular pooja performed by the local priests. Gudimallam is a small village in Yerpedu Mandal near Papanaidupet, in the Tirupati district (formerly Chittoor district) of Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the Swarnamukhi river. It sits conveniently between Tirumala/Tirupati and Srikalahasti, which is why many pilgrims add it to the same trip. Because this is a living temple that is also an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monument, opening hours and pooja slots can occasionally change on festival days, so it is always wise to confirm the day’s timings locally before you travel.

Gudimallam Temple Timings Today – Open, Close & Pooja Schedule

The temple follows a single set of timings on all seven days of the week. Darshan is available in the early morning and again through the day until the evening. The lingam here is worshipped daily, and abhishekam and archana are offered by the resident priests.

Some listings note the temple closing earlier (around 6:00 PM) on quieter days, so treat the evening hours as approximate and confirm on arrival. As a small village shrine, the temple sees light footfall on ordinary days and heavier crowds only during major festivals.

Daily Pooja & Weekly Seva

Regular poojas and abhishekam to Lord Parasurameswara Swamy are performed through the day. There are also subsidiary shrines within the complex where daily worship is offered.

• Daily abhishekam and archana to the main lingam, performed by the local priests.
• Weekly abhishekam to the goddess Sri Anandavalli is commonly reported on Fridays, typically in the morning (around 8:00–9:00 AM), followed by kunkuma archana. As with all timings, please reconfirm on the day.
• Worship is also conducted at the smaller shrines to other deities within the temple premises.

Click Here to Know the Gudimallam Temple Abhishekam Timings

Why the Gudimallam Lingam Is So Famous

The main draw of Gudimallam is its extraordinary lingam, widely described by scholars and the ASI as one of the earliest — if not the earliest — surviving Shiva lingams in India. It is a monolithic shaft roughly five feet (about 1.5 metres) tall and around one foot in diameter, carved from hard dark stone. Unusually, the shaft is seven-sided rather than the eight facets seen on many early lingams.

What makes it unique is the high-relief figure of Lord Shiva carved onto the front of the lingam. Shiva is shown standing as a robust hunter, holding what is described as a ram or antelope in one hand and a small water pot in the other, with a battle-axe over his shoulder — and standing upon the shoulders of a crouching dwarf-like figure (a yaksha, often identified with Apasmara). This combination of an anthropomorphic Shiva image directly on the lingam is exceptionally rare and is the reason the sculpture is studied worldwide.

Scholars debate the exact date. Estimates range from around the 3rd–2nd century BCE to the early centuries CE, with many attributing the original sculpture to the Satavahana period. ASI excavations at the site in 1973 revealed early brickwork and pottery consistent with a very ancient shrine. The visible temple structure around the lingam — including its apsidal (semi-circular) sanctum — was built and rebuilt in later centuries, associated with Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara-era patronage. The monument has been protected by the ASI since 1954, which is why you may notice signs of great age, weathering and old marks on the stone: it is a genuine archaeological treasure that has been worshipped, by many accounts, for well over two thousand years.

Location & How to Reach Gudimallam

Gudimallam lies roughly 20–25 km from Tirupati, close to Renigunta and Papanaidupet. It is best reached by road, and combines naturally with a Srikalahasti trip since the village sits between the two pilgrim centres.

The most comfortable option for most pilgrims is a taxi or own vehicle from Tirupati or Renigunta, as direct public transport to the small village can be limited. The cooler months from October to March are generally the most pleasant time to visit.

Festivals at Gudimallam

Being a Shiva temple, the biggest occasion here is Maha Shivaratri, when special poojas and larger crowds are expected. Navaratri and Ugadi are also observed. On these days the temple is at its most vibrant, and timings may be extended or adjusted — another reason to confirm the schedule during festival periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Gudimallam temple timings today?

The temple is generally open daily from about 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, the same on all seven days. Some listings show an earlier close on quiet days, so confirm the evening hours locally.

Why is the Gudimallam lingam considered special?

It is regarded as one of the oldest surviving Shiva lingams in India and is unique for the high-relief figure of Shiva carved onto the lingam itself, standing over a crouching yaksha. It has been an ASI-protected monument since 1954.

Which deity is worshipped at Gudimallam?

The presiding deity is Lord Shiva in the form of Sri Parasurameswara Swamy. The goddess Sri Anandavalli is also worshipped, with a weekly abhishekam commonly reported on Fridays.

How far is Gudimallam from Tirupati?

It is approximately 20–25 km from Tirupati and about 16–17 km from Renigunta, making it an easy add-on to a Tirupati or Srikalahasti trip.

Which festivals are celebrated at Gudimallam?

Maha Shivaratri is the principal festival, and Navaratri and Ugadi are also celebrated at the temple.

Is photography allowed inside the sanctum?

As it is an active place of worship and an ASI-protected monument, please follow the instructions of the priests and site staff regarding photography and conduct inside the shrine.

Sources & Last Verified (July 2026)

• Wikipedia – Gudimallam Lingam (dating, sculpture description, ASI protection): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gudimallam_Lingam
• AstroVed – Gudimallam Lingam Temple (timings 6 AM–8 PM, festivals, how to reach): https://www.astroved.com/astropedia/en/temples/south-india/gudimallam-lingam-temple
• GoTirupati – Sri Parasurameswara Swamy Gudimallam (location, Swarnamukhi river, distance): https://gotirupati.com/sri-parasurameswara-swamy-gudimallam/
• TemplePurohit – Sri Parasurameswara Swamy Temple, Gudimallam (oldest Shiva temple context): https://www.templepurohit.com/hindu-temple/sri-parasurameswara-swamy-temple-gudimallam/

tirumalatirupationline.com is an independent pilgrim-information guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with the Archaeological Survey of India, the temple management, TTD, or any government body. Timings and pooja schedules for this active ASI-protected shrine can change — please verify locally or through the official channels before planning your visit.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026