PARASURAMATEMPLE-TIRUVALLAM-TRIVANDRUM KERALASTATE-COMPILED
Dear friends, Today my posting is about the Parasurama Temple atTiruvallam, about 10 KM from Trivandrum Central/Bus stand. It is the Sole Sanctuary in Kerala forAncestor Worship. The temple, positioned on the banks of the Karamana River in Thiruvallam, in Thiruvananthapuram stands as the only temple in Kerala devoted toLord Parasurama. Found approximately 9 Km from Kovalam Beach and 15 Km fromTrivandrum Airport, this historical temple was constructed during the 13th century and is currentlymanaged by the Travancore Devaswom Board. Hope a divine reading. Gopalakrishnan 15-7-2025 Introduction The Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is located about 10 kms from Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram),on the Kovalam route, where it sits on the banks of the Karamana river. The templeis one of the most ancient temples of South India. It is the only temple inKerala that is dedicated to Lord Parasurama and counts among the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of Vaishnavatetradition. This heritage structure is placed under the list of monuments of national importance. Legends Parasurama visited numerous holy sites to absolve himself ofthe sin incurred for killing his mother Renuka at his father's (Jamadagni) behest.Following Lord Shiva's guidance, he arrived at this spot and bathed in theKaramana River. Here, hediscovered a Linga, installed it, and undertook penance at this location tocleanse himself of his sins. Additionally, he performed Tarpan for his motherhere. A temple legend states that Lord Visnu appeared before Vilwamangalam, in His recliningposture on Adisesha, His head resting at Thiruvallam, His middle atThiruvananthapuram, and His feet at Trippadapuram. History Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, built entirely of granite,dates back to the late 12th, early 13th century, in late Pandiyan period. Now a protected monument, itis said to be the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Parasurama. The temple is thought tohave been constructed by Athiyaman Perumal, a legendary Chera King. In 2007,the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) completed a renovation of theParasurama Temple, repairing the roof of the chuttambalam, which had developeda heavy leak over the years. This Temple is said to be built by the Brahminsprimarily for Lord Parashurama as he gave these lands to them as Daanam. Inscriptions On the base of the Brahma shrine, to the west, is aninscription in Vattezhuthu about a transaction made in the month of Makaram in399 ME, when Jupiter stood in Vruchikam. Veera Kerala Varman, who ruled Venad, gave paddy and gheefrom buffaloes for the daily offering. There is one incompleteinscription, from 411 ME, which deals with an assembly convened by MukundottamaBhattrar. Architecture Commonly known as the Thiruvallam Temple, the temple complexsits at the confluence of therivers Killi and Karamana, where a cluster of shrines are all enclosedby a high stone wall. The foundation-to-ceiling granite construction of themain temple makes it an imposing building. A row of bhuthaganas,lions, elephants, floral ornaments, and bearded faces line the upper surface. The main sanctum is round, with arectangular mandapa in front. There is little other sculpture or ornamentation.Two dhwajasthambas for lord Vishnu and Lord Siva are there. Chief Deities The presiding deities hereare the Trimurti, inthe personality of Parasurama (Visnu), Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva. This is the only known temple where LordParasurama is the personification of Vishnu in a Trimurtiinstallation of deities. Consequently, the temple is referred to as 'Thrimurthi Ellam' laterbecame Thiruvallam. These prathishta shrines of Parasurama, Brahma and Shiva arepositioned in a row along the south side, from west to east. Parasurama andBrahma's shrines are facing north, while Shiva's is facing east. The Parasurama and Shiva shrineshave separate flagpoles. The deity of Parasurama has four hands, two of which holdconch and chakra. The traditional weapons of Parasurama, the parasu and hala,are hardly distinguishable. The weapon in the right front hand appears to be agada. The shrine of Brahma is also built of dressed granite. TheBrahma deva deity has four heads and four hands and is seated in the padmanasapose, on a lotus pedestal. A kamandalu with spout and an open lotus flower areheld in two of his hands, while the other two are in mudra pose. Upa- Prathishtas There are also shrines to ten upaprathishta, or secondarydeities, including Krishna, Nrsimhadeva, Matsya, Mahishasura Mardini(Bhadrakaali), Ayyappan, Ganapati, and the saint Vedavyasa. Poojas There are five full pujas and other offerings performed heredaily, making this a mahakshethra, or 'great temple'. Separate worship isoffered to the presiding deities. Festivals Karkidaka Vavu Bali: This isthe major annual festival celebrated at Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple wherethousands of devotees perform rituals for their ancestors. It takes placeduring the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July-August). Parasurama Jayanti: It is celebrated to commemorate thebirth of Lord Parasurama. This festival features special rituals and ceremoniesat the temple and falls on Tritiya (the third day) of Shukla Paksha in themonth of Vaishaka. Shivaratri is also celebrated here. Balitharpanam Aside from the unique nature of the presiding deities here,one of the great attractions that draws devotees, pilgrims and tourists aliketo Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is the Balitharpanam, or 'Bali' ritualperformed for departed souls. This place is a destination for people who come to make offerings to theirancestors, after first taking bath in the holy river here. Sri Adishankara is said to have made Bali for his mother at thisplace. Likewise, Parasurama is said to have offered obeisances to his motherhere. One of the unique aspects of this temple is thatBalitharpanam ceremony is allowed to be performed inside the nalambalam, (innerpremise of the temple), rather than be restricted to elsewhere on the templegrounds. Of all the new moon days, the one that falls in the month of Karkitakam is consideredthe most auspicious for offering Bali and Thila Havanam. On Aadi Amavasya, which is apublic holiday in Kerala, thousands throng to the temple to offer pithrutharpanam to the departed souls. Women are permitted to dothe rites on all days, guided by the local Namboothiri priests. For a few rupees, cooked rice, til, etc. are provided by thetemple, since goods are not allowed to be brought inside the temple complex.For vastram, they instruct the yajaman to offer a thread of his/her cloth. Brahmins and otherdevotees perform Balitharpanam at the Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple inThiruvananthapuram.This temple is particularly known for this ritual, where people offer homage totheir ancestors. It's a significant practice, especially on Aadi Amavasya (anew moon day in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam). Devotees take a dip in theholy river before performing the ritual within the temple's inner premises. Lord Parasurama, regarded as the creator of Kerala, holdssignificant reverence at this temple. During Karkidaka Vavu (observed in July -August), which corresponds to a holiday in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam,devotees engage in Bali—a religious ritual where they pay homage to theirforefathers. This ritual is performed after devotees take a purifying dip inthe sacred waters. Immersion of Ashes There is also a temple pond (kovilkulam) outside where immersionof ashes is done. The cost forperforming Bali Tharpanam at Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple The cost for performing Bali Tharpanam at ThiruvallamParasurama Temple can vary, but typically ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 7500,depending on the specific rituals and materials required. The temple authorities or a designated shop at the templewill provide the necessary materials and guide you through the process. Here's a more detailed breakdown: Material Cost: You can purchase the required items (like sesame seeds, rice,etc.) at a shop within the temple premises for a nominal fee, which may bearound Rs. 500. Ritual Fees: The templemight have a separate fee for the performance of the Bali Tharpanam ritualitself, which can vary based on thecomplexity of the ritual and the number of ancestors being honoured, accordingto Harivara.com. Optional Services: Some devotees opt for additional services like personalizedprayers or specific rituals, which may incur extra charges. To get a precise cost: 1. Contact the templedirectly: Reach out to the Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple or visit theirwebsite to inquire about the specific fees for Bali Tharpanam. 2. Visit the temple andinquire: Upon arrival, you can visit the designated counter or shopwithin the temple complex to get detailed information about the costs andprocedures. General tips forperforming Bali Tharpanam: Arrive early: It's recommended to arrive at the temple before 6 am,especially on auspicious days like Karkidaka Vavu, as it can get crowded. Dress code: Men should wear a white mundu (dhoti) and a white towel(thorth), says Tripadvisor. Follow the instructions: The temple priests or designated personnel will guide youthrough the ritual proces Speciality of theTemple : Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is the only temple in Keraladedicated to Lord Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. Sree Parasurama Swamy Temple in Thiruvallam is believed to bearound 2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest temples in South India. Parasurama Temple in Thiruvallam is famous for theBalitharpanam ceremony, where devotees honour their ancestors throughofferings. The temple is recognized as a protected monument by theArchaeology Department of Kerala.It is listed among the 108 Abhimana Kshethramsof the Vaishnava tradition. Temple Timings 4 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 8:20 PM. Praying three Vishnu temples on the same day. When Lord Vishnu gave darsan to Vilwamangalam swamiyar TheHead of Padmanabhaswamy was seen in this temple and the Feet at TripadapuramMahadeva temple. The Body of the swami is seen in the Ananthapadmanabhaswamytemple in Thiruvananthapuram city. At his request, Vishnu reduced the body to 3times of his chaff. As seen in Padmanabha swamy temple today. These 3 templesare visited in one go by many devotees. Dress Code to Visitthe Temple : Traditional attire is preferred when Thiruvallam ParasuramaTemple. Men are expected to wear a shirt and trousers, dhoti, or pyjamas withan upper cloth. Women are encouraged to wear a saree, half-saree with a blouse,or a churidar with pyjamas and an upper cloth. How to ReachParasurama Temple? : By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is thenearest airport to Parasurama Temple in Thiruvallam which is situated at adistance of 6.9 Km.Upon arrival at the airport, you can easily reach the temple by taxi or bus. By Train: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is thenearest railway station to Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple which is situated at adistance of just 7.5 Km.On reaching the railway station, one can hire a cab, an auto rickshaw or a busto reach the temple. By Road: Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is convenientlyaccessible by road. Visitors can reach the temple by private vehicle, bus, orby hiring an auto-rickshaw for a hassle-free journey. Legend about Kerala Parts of Kerala were recovered back from the sea by theaxe-wielding warrior sage Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu (hence, Keralais also called Parasurama Kshetram i.e. 'The Land of Parasurama' in Hindumythology). Parasurama threw his axe across the sea, and the water receded asfar as it reached. According to the legendary account, this new area of landextended from Gokarna to Kanyakumari. The land which rose from sea was filledwith salt and unsuitable for habitation; so Parasurama invoked the Snake King Vasuki, who spat holypoison and converted the soil into fertile lush green land. Out of respect,thereafter, Vasuki and all snakes were appointed as protectors and guardians ofthe land. Mohyal Brahmins There is a sect of brahmins in North India called the MohyalBrahmins, who are the kshatriya descendants of Lord Parasurama. Dronacharya wassaid to be among this group. While the Mohyal Brahmins build Parasurama bhavans invarious places, they don't worship Parasurama, but rather worship only SriKrsna and Rama. Lord Brahma is worshipped, this one dedicated toParasurama himself. Address of the temple Thiruvallam Parshuram Temple Address: Thiruvallam,Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695027, Kovalam, India. Contact Number:+91-4712380706 Entrance to temple Entry is free .Donations are accepted. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1910757118.1291414.1752585973062%40mail.yahoo.com.
