Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Trivandrum

Timings

4 am–11 am, 5 pm–8:20 pm

Best time

October to February

Distance from Kovalam

About 9 km

Main festival

Karkidaka Vavu (July–August)

Managed by

Travancore Devaswom Board

History and legend

Tradition says Parasurama, seeking atonement for killing his mother on his father's command, travelled from one holy place to another. Guided by Shiva, he reached this spot, bathed in the river, found a linga, consecrated it and did penance here, also offering tarpanam (water offerings) for his mother. The present structure dates largely from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The Travancore Devaswom Board runs the temple, and it is a protected monument of the Kerala State Archaeology Department.

Ancestor rites and festivals

Balitharpanam, the offering made for departed ancestors, is performed here throughout the year, after a ritual dip in the river. The biggest day is Karkidaka Vavu, the new moon of Karkidakam in the Malayalam calendar (July–August), when thousands of devotees gather on the riverbank from before dawn. Parasurama Jayanti, on the third day of the bright fortnight in the month of Vaishakha, is celebrated with special pujas.

Timings and dress code

Morning darshan starts at 4 am and ends at 11 am; the evening session runs from 5 pm until 8:20 pm. Traditional clothing is expected. Men can wear a dhoti or trousers with an upper cloth; women usually wear a saree, half-saree or churidar with a shawl.

When to go and how to reach

You can visit at any time of year; October to February has the most comfortable weather. Expect very large crowds on Karkidaka Vavu. The temple is about 7 km from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and roughly the same distance from Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station. Kovalam beach is about 9 km away, so the temple is easy to include on a day in Kovalam. Buses, autos and taxis all serve Thiruvallam.

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