Type Cultural Phone 0471 231 7983 | State Party India | |
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Location Thiruvallam, Kerala, India Address Thiruvallam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695027 Similar Bethsaida Hermitage, Vellayani Lake, Napier Museum, Attukal Temple, Maharaja Swathi Thirunal | ||
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. The temple is 6 km from Kovalam Beach and 5 km from Trivandrum International Airport and 3 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
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. The temple is managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board. 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.