Parshuram Mandir - History, Timings & Entry Fee

Pilgrimage

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Chiplun Bus Station): 7 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins - 1 Hr

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 7 km from Chiplun Bus Station, Parshuram Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Parshuram village near the town of Chiplun in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India. Also known as Shree Kshetra Parshuram, it is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in the Konkan region, and among the must include places in Chiplun tour packages.

Parshuram Temple is dedicated to Lord Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the important Chiplun places to visit. Since Parashuram created Konkan land, he is considered the presiding deity of the Konkan region. The temple was constructed by the Portuguese and the funds for its construction were provided by Janjirekar & Siddi. The temple was rebuilt by Swami Paramhansa Brahmendra. He was the Guru of Siddi Yakut khan of Janjira, Kanhoji Angre of Kolaba, Peshwa of Pune, Chhatrapati Sahu Maharaj, Tararani of Kolhapur.

According to the legend, Parashurama is an immortal incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Parashuram had twenty-one battles to get rid of brutal Kshatriya Kings who had given up principles of dharma. Kshatriya kings Janak or Ikshwaku who ruled by principles were not harmed. Later, Parshurama donated the entire earth to Maharshi Kashyap, thus he could not reside on that land. Hence, Parshurama shot an arrow in the Arabian sea to push it back and reclaim the land of Konkan. Parshurama chose the Mahendragiri peak as his permanent abode. This is the spot where the temple is located. It is believed that at sunrise Lord Parshurama leaves for the Himalayas to perform penance and return to the temple at sunset.

The temple has a splendid architectural beauty, which incorporates both the Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. The steps from the Ghat lead to the temple premises. The main temple is surrounded by stone walls. The main sanctum has three elaborate idols namely Kal, Kam, and Parshuram. These three idols were brought here 300 years ago by Brahmendra Swami. Shri Parshuram's bed has been kept inside the temple and his traditional footwear 'Paduka' is known to be kept on his bed. There is also a temple of Goddess Renuka behind the Parashuram Temple. The legend goes that the Bandganga lake at this site was created after Parashuram shot five arrows into the land.

There is a huge ceremony to be held on the day of Parshuram Jayanti (i.e. Akshaytrutiya). Thousands of devotees gather for the occasion.

Timings: 6 AM - 8 PM

Entry: Free