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Parasurama Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is a 2000-year temple dedicated to Lord Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala state. It is a famous holy spot for ancestor worship and a lot of Hindu devotees visit this temple to make offerings to the departed souls. It is an exquisite example of traditional Kerala temple architecture, made of wood carvings and murals on the walls. Devotees also visit to attain spiritual enrichment and peace. It has a serene and divine ambience and holds great significance in history and culture.
Temple History
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
The history of this temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old. This temple has been an important place of worship since ancient times. As per the legend, it was at this place where Lord Parasurama prayed to atone for his sin of killing the Khsatriyas. Visitors coming to this place will get a glimpse of the spiritual history of Kerala. This temple was renovated during the 12th and 13th centuries. It is famous for paying tributes to the ancestors. This temple is said to have been built by the Brahmins for Lord Parasurama as he gave these lands to them as Daanam.
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Location
Photo: Venkatasubramaniyaiyer / Wikimedia Commons
This temple lies on the banks of River Karmana, 7km from Thiruvananthapuram on the Kazhakkuttam-Kovalam bypass. It is a beautiful piece of land near the confluence of rivers, the Killi, Karamana, and Parvathyputhanar.
How to Reach
Photo: Xeno Axe / Wikimedia Commons
The nearest railway station and International airport from this temple are located about 6km away. Tourists can take a private cab or autorickshaw to reach the temple.
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Places to Visit Near Parasurama Temple
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Photo: Manu Jha / Wikimedia Commons
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is well-known for its beauty and grandeur. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, enshrined in the “Anantashayana” posture, engaged in eternal yogic sleep on his serpent, Shesha. It is a sight to behold. This temple has great references in Epics and Puranas. It is also considered one of the wealthiest shrines in the world. The dress code of this temple is the same for all – three pieces of unstitched cloth for men and four pieces of unstitched cloth for women. There are shops outside the temple that provide the permitted clothes on rent.
Distance From Parasurama Temple: 7 km
Timings: 3:30 – 4:45 AM, 6:30 – 7 AM, 8:30 – 10 AM, 10:30 – 11:15 AM, 12 – 12:20 PM, 4:30 – 6:10 PM, and 6:45 – 7:15 PM
2. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
Photo: Vijayakumarblathur / Wikimedia Commons
Attukal Bhagvathay Temple is a Hindu shrine in Kerala, where the Goddess in the temple, Bhadrakali, is worshipped as the supreme mother. The temple structure is a beautiful piece of the confluence of traditional Tamil and Kerala styles of architecture. It has beautifully carved figures of Goddess Kali, Sree Parvathy, Lord Shiva, and ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The temple is famous for its Pongal festival and has also made entry into the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest congregation of women in a single place.
Distance From Padmanabhaswamy Temple: 2 km
Timings: 5 AM – 12:30 PM, 5 PM – 8:30 PM
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3. Kanakakunnu Palace
Photo: Drdsudheer / Wikimedia Commons
The Kanakakunnu Palace is a beautiful palace built during the rule of Travancore Sri Moolam Thirunal in the 19th century. It is a place where a multitude of cultural events, programs, and seminars take place. It boasts of a Kerala-style exterior. The Travancore royal family used this palace to entertain their guests. There are massive crystal chandeliers and royal furniture pieces inside the palace. It also has very well-maintained grounds outside. The sloping roofs, wooden pillars, and intricate carvings are worth witnessing here.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
4. Vellayani Lake
Photo: Shameer Thajudeen / Wikimedia Commons
This is a freshwater lake, ideal for boating and bird-watching. This place is famous for the snake boat rides, which happen during the Onam festival. The lake is situated amidst nature and has abundant of flora and fauna here. It is well-known for its unique ecosystem and beauty. It is said that once there was a beggar who was thirsty and asked a saint meditating here to give him water. But her vessel had only a few drops of water. So, she took those drops and threw them as far as possible and those eventually turned into the Vellayani Lake.
Location: 7 km from Kovalam
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
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5. Shankumugham Beach
Photo: Aravind Sivaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Shankumugham Beach is an ideal beach for tourists and travellers, as it offers the perfect vibe and atmosphere. People drop by to unwind and enjoy the majestic views, and calming breeze. The beach has a rustic charm to it. Certain spots are customised to attract picnickers. Even the local city people often visit this beach to take time away from their busy lives. You must plan to take a small halt at this beach and enjoy the views and locales.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: 24*7
6. Vizhinjam Lighthouse
Photo: Mehul.Antani / Wikimedia Commons
Vizhinjam Lighthouse is beautifully set on the coastline of the Arabian Sea and is aesthetically set up on top of the palm-covered Kurumkal Hill. A cylindrical lighthouse is built only with stones and stands at a height of 36 meters. The lighthouse is the tallest one in Kovalam and offers a majestic view of the surrounding area. It features a special 144-stair staircase that can be reached at the top. Tourists can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets here.
Location: Kovalam
Timings: 10 AM – 12:45 PM and 2 PM – 5 PM from Tuesdays to Sundays
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7. Hawah Beach
Photo: P.K.Niyogi / Wikimedia Commons
Hawa Beach is also known as Eve’s Beach and is claimed to be one of the most beautiful beaches of Kovalam. The palm grooves surrounding the beach give it an elegant look. This crescent-shaped beach is very captivating, especially during the sunrise and sunset. You can unwind at this beach and soak in nature. Tourists can also indulge in water activities like swimming, windsurfing, parasailing, waterskiing, boat sailing, etc. This is an ideal place to be included in your trip itinerary.
Where To Stay
Photo: Santeri Viinamäki / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tourists can stay in Thiruvananthapuram, which is very close to the temple. This city has good accommodation options, that are hygienic and offer great hospitality. Some of the best places to stay here are – Beach & Lake Ayurvedic Resort in Kovalam, Treebo Trip AL Saj Tulip, Hotel Coco Beach Kovalam, The Heaven of Kovalam, Vivin Luxury Suites, and many more.
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Where To Eat
Photo: Lakshmiaju / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Thiruvananthapuram has some great eating joints and is located near the temple. These places are Cafe Jade, O Cafe, Paragon Restaurant, Mothers Veg Plaza, Garden Grille & Bar Restaurant, Villa Maya, The Imperial Kitchen, and many more. They offer multi-cuisines and cater to all kinds of taste buds.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Pranav / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Parasurama Temple is during the winter season, from November to February as the weather is delightful during that time. But, if you are interested in witnessing the festivals celebrated in this temple, plan for the Parasurama Jayanti festival in April or May.
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The Parasurama Temple, Thiruvananthapuram is the only Lord Parasurama temple in Kerala and holds great significance for the Hindu devotees. People come here to make offerings to the departed souls, seek peace and spiritual enlightenment, and also witness the scenic beauty and architecture of the temple. It is a perfect place to be marked in the tourist itinerary. So, plan a trip with TripXL and experience the magic.
Cover Photo: Edwin549 / Wikimedia Commons
