Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Temple
| Sree Parasurama Temple | |
|---|---|
 Temple Gate | |
| Location | Thiruvallam, Kerala, India |
| Coordinates | 8°26′13″N 76°57′04″E / 8.437°N 76.951°E |
  Location in Kerala, India | |
Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Swami Temple is one of the most ancient temples of South India. It is situated on the banks of Karamana River near Thiruvallam, Thiruvananthapuram. It is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Parasurama.[1] The temple is 6 km from Kovalam Beach and 5 km from Trivandrum International Airport and 3 km from Thiruvananthapuram.3 km from Attukal Temple 2 km from Pazhanchira Devi Temple and 1km from Sree Alukadu Devi temple.[2] This heritage structure is placed under the list of monuments of national importance.
History
It says that the temple was built during the 12th and 13th century, late Pandyan period. The temple is considered a protected monument by the Archaeology Department of Kerala.[3] It is famous for Balitharpanam (a tribute to ancestors). Legend has it that Lord Parasurama is the creator of Kerala and the temple dedicated to him is considered as a holy place for his devotees. During the karkidaka vavu day (a holiday in the Malayalam month of karkidakam) as part of the bali (a religious ritual), devotees pay homage to the departed souls of forefathers, after taking a dip in the holy water.[4]
References
- ^ "Parasurama Temple, Thiruvallam". Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. Retrieved 22 January 2011.
- ^ http://wikimapia.org/14431444/Parasurama-Temple-Thiruvallam Wikimapia
- ^ "Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is the only one temple dedicated to Sri Parasurama". Retrieved 22 January 2011.
- ^ "Thousands offer bali on karkidaka vavu". The Hindu. 25 July 2006. Retrieved 22 January 2011.
