padmanabha
14th August 2006, 10:44 PM
On the road to Kovalam, at the confluence of Killi and Karamana rivers is situated a clusters of shrines enclosed on all sides by high stones walls, is the popular temple of Parasurama. Generally referred to as the Thiruvallam Temple, it has the shrines dedicated to Siva, Ganapathi Krishna, Matsya murthi, Brahma and Parasurama. The images of Parasurama, Brahma, and Siva are in a row, on the south side from west to east.
The idol of Parasurama facing the north is built entirely of granite, from the foundation to the ceiling. A row of Bhuthaganas, lions, elephants, floral patterns, and bearded faces adorn the top. The shrine is round and has a rectangle mandapa in front. There is not much of sculpture or ornamentation. The idol of Parasurama has four hands, in two of which the conch and discus are held. The weapons Parasu and hala are hardly distinguishable. The weapon in the front right hand looks like a gada. The shrine of Brahma also facing the north is built of dressed granite. The image of Brahama has four heads and four hands. The idol is seated in the padmanasa on the lotus pedestal. A kamandalu-vessel with a spout- and an open lotus flower are seen in his two of his hands, while other two hands are in the yogic posture. On the west base of the Brahma shrine is an inscription in Vattezhuthu. It is 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, of 411 ME. It deals with the assembly convened by Mukundottama Bhattrar.
This temple with two dhwajasthambas has another legend attached to it. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared before Vilwamangalam with all serenity and splendor, in a recumbent posture on Adisesha with HIS head resting at Thiruvallam, HIS middle at Thiruvananthapuram and HIS feet at Truppappur.
Thiruvallam is one of the major spots where Bali to the deceased is offered on every new moon day. After the offering, people visit the shrines. But of all the new moon days the one that falls on the month of Karkitakam, is considered holy. It is said that Parasurama offered obeisance to his mother here. {388 words}
The idol of Parasurama facing the north is built entirely of granite, from the foundation to the ceiling. A row of Bhuthaganas, lions, elephants, floral patterns, and bearded faces adorn the top. The shrine is round and has a rectangle mandapa in front. There is not much of sculpture or ornamentation. The idol of Parasurama has four hands, in two of which the conch and discus are held. The weapons Parasu and hala are hardly distinguishable. The weapon in the front right hand looks like a gada. The shrine of Brahma also facing the north is built of dressed granite. The image of Brahama has four heads and four hands. The idol is seated in the padmanasa on the lotus pedestal. A kamandalu-vessel with a spout- and an open lotus flower are seen in his two of his hands, while other two hands are in the yogic posture. On the west base of the Brahma shrine is an inscription in Vattezhuthu. It is 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, of 411 ME. It deals with the assembly convened by Mukundottama Bhattrar.
This temple with two dhwajasthambas has another legend attached to it. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared before Vilwamangalam with all serenity and splendor, in a recumbent posture on Adisesha with HIS head resting at Thiruvallam, HIS middle at Thiruvananthapuram and HIS feet at Truppappur.
Thiruvallam is one of the major spots where Bali to the deceased is offered on every new moon day. After the offering, people visit the shrines. But of all the new moon days the one that falls on the month of Karkitakam, is considered holy. It is said that Parasurama offered obeisance to his mother here. {388 words}