ASI Steps Up Conservation at Ancient Gudimallam Shiva Temple

Parasurameswara temple at Gudimallam in Andhra Pradesh

TIRUPATI: Conservation work is advancing at the ancient Parasurameswara Temple at Gudimallam in Andhra Pradesh, where the Archaeological Survey of India has begun restoring the historic temple tank and is planning broader improvements around one of southern India's most archaeologically significant Shiva shrines.

The restoration of the Pushkarani, or temple tank, was underway by April 2026, according to The New Indian Express. The project includes removing accumulated silt, strengthening the bunds, repairing stone revetments and improving the tank's capacity to retain water. The tank measures approximately 130 feet by 160 feet and is about 15 feet deep.

The Gudimallam linga is notable for the standing anthropomorphic figure carved on its shaft. The New Indian Express, citing archaeological understanding of the monument, places the famous linga broadly in the second to first century BCE and describes it as among the earliest known representations of Shiva in human form carved on a linga.

ASI Director K. Munirathnam Reddy told The New Indian Express that authorities were preparing a detailed master plan for the temple and surrounding area with support from the Union and Andhra Pradesh governments. Among the most significant proposals is the possible acquisition of approximately 20 acres surrounding the temple for parking, pedestrian pathways, drinking-water facilities and sanitation.

Newer government procurement records indicate that ASI's work at Gudimallam is continuing. On September 17, 2026, ASI's Amaravati Circle issued a tender for maintenance work at Parasurameswara Temple with an estimated value of Rs 27.68 lakh.

Gudimallam is located near Tirupati Airport, placing an exceptionally old archaeological monument within a rapidly developing part of Tirupati district. Its location near Tirupati gives it obvious tourism potential.