*Moyal (Mohyal) Brahmins* are a distinctive *warrior-Brahmin* community from North India, especially Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi. They belong to the *Saraswat Brahmin* lineage but diverged from traditional priestly roles to embrace martial duties under the influence of *Parashurama*, the axe‑wielding sage-avatar of Vishnu . ------------------------------
*🌾** Origins & Lineages* - They trace descent from seven clans—*Bali, Bhimwal, Chhibber, Datt, Lau, Mohan, Vaid*—each linked to ancient sages (rishis) like Parashara and Agastya SikhNet+7Bharatpedia+7Wikipedia+7 <https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Mohyal_Brahmin?utm_source=chatgpt.com>. - These clans formed the nucleus of a *martial Brahmin class*, often termed *Parashu-Brahmins* punjabmonitor.com+1rootshunt.com+1 <https://www.punjabmonitor.com/2013/04/mohiyal-brahmins-ancient-rulers-of.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com> . - Originally priests on the Saraswati riverbank, under *Parashurama’s guidance*, they were transformed into *warrior protectors of dharma*, establishing power across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and even Afghanistan Reddit+8DBpedia Association+8punjabmonitor.com+8 <https://dbpedia.org/page/Mohyal_Brahmin?utm_source=chatgpt.com>. ------------------------------ *🛡️** Warrior Traditions* - Unlike typical Brahmins, Mohyals rarely performed priestly functions; instead, they served as *military commanders*, administrators, and guardians DBpedia Association+15Daily Excelsior+15mohyalwarriors.blogspot.com+15 <https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/mohyals-brahmins-marshals-or-saints/?utm_source=chatgpt.com> . - Their historical roles included defending frontiers—like through the Bolan and Khyber Passes—and assisting rulers across empires, including Mughals, Sikhs, and the British Daily Excelsior <https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/mohyals-brahmins-marshals-or-saints/?utm_source=chatgpt.com> . - They earned elite titles such as *Bakshi, Raizada, Chaudhri, Mehta, Khan*, reflecting high martial status bestowed by various regimes Bharatpedia+1Daily Excelsior+1 <https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Mohyal_Brahmin?utm_source=chatgpt.com>. ------------------------------ *🤝** Interfaith & Community Bonds* - A subgroup known as *Hussaini Brahmins* is remembered for aiding *Imam Hussain* at Karbala—an example of religious syncretism SikhNet+5Wikipedia+5Wikipedia+5 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohyal_Brahmin?utm_source=chatgpt.com>. - Several Mohyal individuals also served as martyrs and supporters of the *Sikh Gurus*, such as *Bhai Mati Das and Sati Das* under Guru Tegh Bahadur SikhiWiki+7SikhNet+7Wikipedia+7 <https://www.sikhnet.com/news/philosophy-mohyal-brahmins-akin-sikhi?utm_source=chatgpt.com> . ------------------------------ *🏰** Cultural Legacy & Organization* - Today, the Mohyals are organized under bodies like the *General Mohyal Sabha* (Delhi), with active regional sabhas across India Reddit+5SikhiWiki+5jaymohyal.blogspot.com+5 <https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mohyal?utm_source=chatgpt.com>. - They continue to uphold values of *martial honor, self-reliance, and service to dharma*, often rising to prominent roles in the armed forces, civil administration, and social leadership . ------------------------------ *📌** Summary* In essence, the *Moyal (Mohyal) Brahmins* stand as *Parashurama’s legacy*—a rare blend of Brahminical learning and Kshatriya spirit. They exemplify a tradition where temple wisdom interweaves with battlefield valor, community service, and interfaith camaraderie. K Rajaram IRS 16725 On Tue, 15 Jul 2025 at 18:58, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty < [email protected]> wrote: > PARASURAMA TEMPLE-TIRUVALLAM-TRIVANDRUM > > KERALA STATE-COMPILED > > Dear friends, > > Today my posting is about the Parasurama Temple at Tiruvallam, about 10 > KM from Trivandrum Central/Bus stand. It is the Sole Sanctuary in > Kerala for Ancestor Worship. > > The temple, positioned on the banks of the Karamana River in Thiruvallam, > in Thiruvananthapuram stands as the *only temple in Kerala devoted to > Lord Parasurama.* > > Found approximately 9 Km from Kovalam Beach and 15 Km from Trivandrum > Airport, this historical temple was constructed during the 13th century > and is currently managed 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 temple is one of the most ancient temples > of South India. It is the only temple in Kerala that is dedicated to Lord > Parasurama and counts among the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of Vaishnavate > tradition. This heritage structure is placed under the list of *monuments > of national importance.* > > Legends > > Parasurama visited numerous holy sites to absolve himself of the 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 the > Karamana River. *Here, he discovered a Linga, installed it, and undertook > penance at this location to cleanse himself of his sins. Additionally, he > performed Tarpan for his mother here.* > > A temple legend states that *Lord Visnu appeared before Vilwamangalam, in > His reclining posture on Adisesha, His head resting at Thiruvallam*, His > middle at Thiruvananthapuram, 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, it is said to be the only temple in Kerala dedicated > to Parasurama. The temple is thought to have been constructed by > Athiyaman Perumal, a legendary Chera King. In 2007, the Archaeological > Survey of India (ASI) completed a renovation of the Parasurama Temple, > repairing the roof of the chuttambalam, which had developed a heavy leak > over the years. This Temple is said to be built by the Brahmins primarily > for Lord Parashurama as he gave these lands to them as Daanam. > > Inscriptions > > On the base of the Brahma shrine, to the west, is an inscription in > Vattezhuthu about a transaction made in the month of Makaram in 399 ME, > when Jupiter stood in Vruchikam. *Veera Kerala Varman, who ruled Venad, > gave paddy and ghee from buffaloes for the daily offering*. There is one > incomplete inscription, from 411 ME, which deals with an assembly convened > by Mukundottama Bhattrar. > > Architecture > > Commonly known as the Thiruvallam Temple, the temple complex sits at the > confluence > of the rivers Killi and Karamana, where a cluster of shrines are all > enclosed by a high stone wall. The foundation-to-ceiling granite > construction of the main 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 a > rectangular 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 here are the Trimurti*, in the personality of > Parasurama (Visnu), Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva. This is *the only known > temple where Lord Parasurama is the personification of Vishnu* in a > Trimurti installation of deities. Consequently, *the temple is referred > to as 'Thrimurthi Ellam' later became Thiruvallam*. > > These prathishta shrines of Parasurama, Brahma and Shiva are positioned in > a row along the south side, from west to east. Parasurama and Brahma's > shrines are facing north, while Shiva's is facing east. The Parasurama > and Shiva shrines have separate flagpoles. > > The deity of Parasurama has four hands, two of which hold conch and > chakra. The traditional weapons of Parasurama, the parasu and hala, are > hardly distinguishable. The weapon in the right front hand appears to be a > gada. > > The shrine of Brahma is also built of dressed granite. The Brahma deva > deity has four heads and four hands and is seated in the padmanasa pose, on > a lotus pedestal. A kamandalu with spout and an open lotus flower are held > in two of his hands, while the other two are in mudra pose. > > Upa- Prathishtas > > There are also shrines to ten upaprathishta, or secondary deities, > including Krishna, Nrsimhadeva, Matsya, Mahishasura Mardini (Bhadrakaali), > Ayyappan, Ganapati, and the saint Vedavyasa. > > Poojas > > There are five full pujas and other offerings performed here daily, making > this a mahakshethra, or 'great temple'. Separate worship is offered to the > presiding deities. > > Festivals > > Karkidaka Vavu Bali: This is the major annual festival celebrated at > Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple where thousands of devotees perform rituals > for their ancestors. It takes place during the Malayalam month of > Karkidakam (July-August). > > Parasurama Jayanti: It is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord > Parasurama. This festival features special rituals and ceremonies at the > temple and falls on Tritiya (the third day) of Shukla Paksha in the month > 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 alike to > Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is the Balitharpanam, or 'Bali' ritual > performed for departed souls. This place is a destination for people who > come to make offerings to their ancestors, after first taking bath in the > holy river here. Sri Adishankara is said to have made Bali for his mother > at this place. Likewise, Parasurama is said to have offered obeisances to > his mother here. > > One of the unique aspects of this temple is that Balitharpanam ceremony is > allowed to be performed inside the nalambalam, (inner premise of the > temple), rather than be restricted to elsewhere on the temple grounds. > > Of all the new moon days, the one that falls in the month of *Karkitakam *is > considered the most auspicious for offering Bali and Thila Havanam. On *Aadi > Amavasya*, which is a public holiday in Kerala, thousands throng to the > temple to offer pithru tharpanam to the departed souls. > > *Women are permitted to do the rites on all days, guided by the local > Namboothiri priests*. > > For a few rupees, cooked rice, til, etc. are provided by the temple, 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 other devotees perform Balitharpanam at the Thiruvallam > Parasurama Temple in Thiruvananthapuram*. This temple is particularly > known for this ritual, where people offer homage to their ancestors. It's a > significant practice, especially on Aadi Amavasya (a new moon day in the > Malayalam month of Karkidakam). Devotees take a dip in the holy river > before performing the ritual within the temple's inner premises. > > Lord Parasurama, regarded as the creator of Kerala, holds significant > 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 their forefathers. This ritual is performed after devotees take a > purifying dip in the sacred waters. > > Immersion of Ashes > > There is also a temple pond (kovilkulam) outside where immersion of ashes > is done. > > The cost for performing Bali Tharpanam at Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple > > The cost for performing Bali Tharpanam at Thiruvallam Parasurama 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 temple will 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 be around Rs. > 500. > > Ritual Fees: > > *The temple might have a separate fee for the performance of the Bali > Tharpanam ritual itself**,* which can vary based on the complexity of the > ritual and the number of ancestors being honoured, according to > Harivara.com. > > Optional Services: > > Some devotees opt for additional services like personalized prayers or > specific rituals, which may incur extra charges. > > To get a precise cost: > > 1. Contact the temple directly: > > Reach out to the Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple or visit their website to > inquire about the specific fees for Bali Tharpanam. > > 2. Visit the temple and inquire: > > Upon arrival, you can visit the designated counter or shop within the > temple complex to get detailed information about the costs and procedures. > > General tips for performing 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 you through the > ritual proces > > Speciality of the Temple : > > Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to > Lord Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. > > Sree Parasurama Swamy Temple in Thiruvallam is believed to be around 2,000 > years old, making it one of the oldest temples in South India. > > Parasurama Temple in Thiruvallam is famous for the Balitharpanam ceremony, > where devotees honour their ancestors through offerings. > > The temple is recognized as a protected monument by the Archaeology > Department of Kerala.It is listed among the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of 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 The Head of > Padmanabhaswamy was seen in this temple and the Feet at Tripadapuram > Mahadeva temple. The Body of the swami is seen in the > Ananthapadmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram city. At his request, > Vishnu reduced the body to 3 times of his chaff. As seen in Padmanabha > swamy temple today. These 3 temples are visited in one go by many devotees. > > Dress Code to Visit the Temple : > > Traditional attire is preferred when Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple. Men > are expected to wear a shirt and trousers, dhoti, or pyjamas with an 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 Reach Parasurama Temple? : > > By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest airport to > Parasurama Temple in Thiruvallam which is situated at a distance 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 the nearest > railway station to Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple which is situated at a > distance of just 7.5 Km. On reaching the railway station, one can hire a > cab, an auto rickshaw or a bus to reach the temple. > > By Road: Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is conveniently accessible by road. > Visitors can reach the temple by private vehicle, bus, or by hiring an > auto-rickshaw for a hassle-free journey. > > Legend about Kerala > > Parts of Kerala were recovered back from the sea by the axe-wielding > warrior sage Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu (hence, Kerala is also > called Parasurama Kshetram i.e. 'The Land of Parasurama' in Hindu > mythology). Parasurama threw his axe across the sea, and the water receded > as far as it reached. According to the legendary account, this new area of > land extended from Gokarna to Kanyakumari. The land which rose from sea was > filled with salt and unsuitable for habitation; so *Parasurama invoked > the Snake King Vasuki, who spat holy poison and converted the soil into > fertile lush green land. Out of respect, thereafter, Vasuki and all snakes > were appointed as protectors and guardians of the land.* > > Mohyal Brahmins > > There is a sect of brahmins in North India called the Mohyal Brahmins, who > are the kshatriya descendants of Lord Parasurama. Dronacharya was said to > be among this group. *While the Mohyal Brahmins build Parasurama bhavans > in various places, they don't worship Parasurama, but rather worship only > Sri Krsna and Rama*. Lord Brahma is worshipped, this one dedicated to > Parasurama 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 > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1910757118.1291414.1752585973062%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- 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/CAL5XZopr4hc5_UPZnLSbYbP9YqtNBB%3DLNd6T9BraNWAo5xZz0A%40mail.gmail.com.
