A Hindu temple dedicated to Parashurameshvara is built in about 650 in the east central Indian city of Bhubaneswar, of fine-cut stone and closed over by corbeled vaults.

Consisting of a low, broad pavilion and a high tower, which rises directly over the icon in the innermost sanctum, the temple’s outer surfaces are richly and delicately carved in aesthetically pleasing proportions.

The temple is dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Orissa.

The mid-seventh century date is agreed by most scholars based on style, and the presence of the eight planets which appear over the door to the inner sanctum (later temples have nine).