Parasurameswar Temple

A few metres away from the Mukteswar Temple, stands the small but lavishly decorated Parasurameswar Temple that dates back to the Sailodbhava period between the 7th and 8th centuries AD. It has all the elements of the pre-10th century style of Kalinga architecture like pine spire and pyramid covered hall. Although the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is among the first Hindu religious structures to contain depictions of Sapta-Matrikas-Chamunda, Varahi, Indrani, Vaisnavi, Kaumari, Sivani and Brahmi. The temple also contains the earliest representation of a six-armed Mahisamardini Durga image.
Parasurameswar is the only temple with a surviving Jagamohana. Among other carvings are those of Lord Shiva subduing the demon king Ravana, who is seen trying to uproot Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. The deity is also sculpted as Nataraja in various tandavas (dance poses) in the temple. In the courtyard, there is a Sahasralinga decorated with a thousand miniature versions of it. The Jagamohana has four latticed windows that are decorated with beautifully carved bands of dancers and musicians, while there is a frequent representation of Lakulisha throughout the outer walls of the edifice. He is sculpted in meditating in Buddha-like form with four disciples at his feet.