Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Temple
A 2000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Parasurama, renowned for ancestral rites and traditional Kerala architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Temple
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 2000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Parasurama, renowned for ancestral rites and traditional Kerala architecture.
"A serene and spiritually powerful temple dedicated to Lord Parashurama, located beautifully along the banks of the Karamana River."
🎯 Dress Appropriately
Men: Dhotis (no upper wear). Women: Traditional attire. :womaninturban:
📸 No Photography Inside
Respect the sanctity; photos are not allowed within the temple complex. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lord Parasurama Shrine
Main Sanctum
The only temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Parasurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Bali Tharpanam Rituals
Temple premises and river banks
Perform ancestral rites and prayers for peace and to ward off paternal curses.
Karamana River Banks
Adjacent to the temple
A serene location for a holy dip before rituals, offering picturesque views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ancestral Rites
Dress Code & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dress Appropriately
Men: Dhotis (no upper wear). Women: Traditional attire. :womaninturban:
📸 No Photography Inside
Respect the sanctity; photos are not allowed within the temple complex. :camerawithflash:
📜 Consult Temple Website
For accurate legends & puja details, trust the official site over unverified online content. :computer:
💧 River Water Quality
The Karamana River, though scenic, may not be ideal for a holy dip due to contamination. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dress Appropriately
Men: Dhotis (no upper wear). Women: Traditional attire. :womaninturban:
📸 No Photography Inside
Respect the sanctity; photos are not allowed within the temple complex. :camerawithflash:
📜 Consult Temple Website
For accurate legends & puja details, trust the official site over unverified online content. :computer:
💧 River Water Quality
The Karamana River, though scenic, may not be ideal for a holy dip due to contamination. :droplet:
🚗 Parking Available
Car parking is provided within the temple premises for visitor convenience. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
This ancient temple is highly regarded for its spiritual significance, particularly for ancestral rituals like Bali Tharpanam. Visitors appreciate the serene atmosphere and traditional Kerala architecture. However, some note that infrastructure could be improved and that ritual explanations are primarily in Malayalam.
"Good temple specific for local rituals and culture. I visited the place as tourist, and couldn't understand what ritual were going on, where many devotees with small amount of boiled grains chanting mantras in group."
Om Sao
"I did Elder's Tharpanam in this Sri Parasurama Temple. So many people from all over India came to this location to perform the Pooja on the day of Amavasya Thidhi. Really amazing and Pandits explained clearly and cooperative. But the only thing is The Pandits explained everything in Malayalam language only other languages people don't understand. We follow when the other people do it."
komal sreecharan
"A protected monument. Shrine with lord parasurama as deity an avatar of lord mahavishnu.This is the temple popular for bali tharpanam rites and prayers for the peace of ancestors souls and to get rid of paternal curse. Such rites for the salvation of souls are performed on normal days and on monthly amavasi days. Believers not performing any tharpanam or thilahomam can have darshan of the deities. This is the temple known for performing the karkida vavu balitharpanam and remembarance day rites. Sayoojya pooja, brahmana bhojanam, annadhanam can also be done. The paternal rituals are conducted individually and in a group. Sub idols here are of lord brahma, lord mahavishnu, lord paramashiva, lord vinayagar, lord muruga, goddess bhadrakali and vedavyasa. Shrine of lord sastha is on a top rock structure not well maintained. Despite having high footfall devotees are not provided with good infrastructure facilities. The tiruvallam river before the temple in which devotees have to take a holy dip is contaminated and maligned as the temple management have no regard to faith. The road leading to the temple from the highway not yet developed and to reach the temple by car or by walk is congested. Car parking provided inside. Dress code apply in this temple, gents to wear dhotis without upper wears and womens traditional attires. Airport terminal 2 and north railway station nearby. By road reach near thiruvallam bridge on the kovalam highway and deviate to the service road, better to follow google maps. Reliable details of legends and pujas are on temple website and don't blindly follow youtube which may be misleading."
Jayakumarr C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The temple is located near Thiruvallam bridge on the Kovalam highway. Deviate to the service road and follow Google Maps for the best route. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) and the nearest railway station is Trivandrum Central. :bus:
Yes, car parking is available within the temple premises for visitors. :car:
You can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Trivandrum city. The temple is approximately 10-15 km from the city center. :taxi:
Yes, Terminal 2 of the airport and the North Railway Station are relatively nearby, making access convenient. :train2:
The road leading to the temple from the highway is not fully developed and can be congested, making access challenging at times. :construction:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific entry fee mentioned for general darshan. However, charges may apply for specific rituals and pujas. :ticket:
Temple timings are generally from early morning to evening, but specific timings for rituals and darshan can vary. It's advisable to check with the temple authorities or their website for the most accurate information. :clock1:
While group rituals are common, individual or special pujas might require prior arrangements or booking. It's best to inquire at the temple or check their website for details. :calendar:
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises to maintain the sanctity of the place. :no_photography:
Devotees must adhere to a dress code: men should wear dhotis without upper garments, and women should wear traditional attire. :womaninturban:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temple is renowned for Bali Tharpanam, ancestral rites, and prayers for peace and to get rid of paternal curses. It's also known for Karkida Vavu Bali Tharpanam. :pray:
Pandits often explain rituals in Malayalam. While they try to guide, following others or seeking assistance might be necessary if you don't understand the language. :speaking_head:
The temple has sub-idols of Lord Brahma, Lord Mahavishnu, Lord Paramashiva, Lord Vinayagar, Lord Muruga, Goddess Bhadrakali, and Vedavyasa. :statueofliberty:
Despite high footfall, infrastructure facilities for devotees are reportedly not well-maintained. :construction_worker:
Yes, it is believed to be a 2000-year-old temple, making it one of the most ancient in South India. :ancient_roman:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Annadhanam and Sayoojya Pooja can be performed at the temple, indicating provisions for communal dining. :spoon:
While specific restaurant details aren't widely shared, you can find dining options in Thiruvananthapuram city or along the route towards Kovalam. :forkandknife:
The temple offers options like Sayoojya Pooja and Brahmana Bhojanam, suggesting arrangements for special meals can be made. :platewithcutlery:
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises. Please respect the rules. :no_photography:
The temple's location on the banks of the Karamana River and its traditional Kerala architecture offer scenic views, but photography is restricted inside. :camera:
Focus on the temple's facade, the riverfront, and the surrounding natural beauty for exterior shots. :landscape_photography:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid large crowds, which can be overwhelming for children. The temple's location by the river offers a pleasant backdrop, but direct supervision is crucial due to the water body.
🙏 Devotees Performing Rituals
Be prepared for crowds, especially on Amavasya days and during the Karkidakam month. While priests explain rituals in Malayalam, following others or seeking guidance can help ensure the rituals are performed correctly.
🏛️ History & Culture Enthusiasts
+1Explore the traditional Kerala temple architecture and learn about the legends associated with Lord Parasurama. While photography inside is prohibited, the exterior and the riverfront provide ample opportunities to appreciate the site's heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Lord Parasurama
+1Visitors often come to this sacred site to perform Bali Tharpanam, a ritual offering to ancestors. This practice is believed to bring peace to departed souls and alleviate paternal curses. The temple is particularly popular for these rites during auspicious days like Amavasya (new moon) and the Karkidakam month, a period considered highly significant for such ceremonies.
Beyond the primary deity, the temple complex houses sub-shrines dedicated to other important Hindu deities like Lord Brahma, Lord Mahavishnu, Lord Paramashiva, Lord Vinayagar, Lord Muruga, Goddess Bhadrakali, and Vedavyasa. This multi-deity presence adds to the spiritual richness of the site, offering devotees a comprehensive spiritual experience.
Rituals and Devotional Practices
While the temple is a hub for ancestral rites, it also welcomes devotees for darshan of the deities on regular days. For those wishing to engage in more elaborate devotional practices, options like Sayoojya Pooja and Brahmana Bhojanam (feeding Brahmins) are available, allowing for personalized spiritual offerings.
It's important to note that while the priests are cooperative, explanations for rituals are primarily in Malayalam. Visitors who do not understand the language may need to follow the actions of others or seek assistance to fully comprehend the ceremonies.
Temple Architecture and Surroundings
+1The riverfront offers a picturesque setting, though concerns have been raised about the water quality, with some visitors noting that it may not be ideal for a holy dip due to contamination. Despite this, the natural beauty of the surroundings contributes to the overall divine experience.
While the main temple complex is a protected monument, the shrine of Lord Sastha, located on a top rock structure, is reported to be not well-maintained. This contrast highlights areas where infrastructure development could enhance the visitor experience.
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