Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is dedicated to Sage Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have created the state of Kerala. This 2000-year-old granite temple on the banks of the River Karamana, is the only one in Kerala dedicated to Parasurama and is a venue for paying respects to one’s ancestors. The temple is located 6 kms south of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram).


As part of the Bali ritual (rites of passage), devotees take a dip in the holy waters of the river and then make offerings to the souls of the departed. The Balitharpanam or Vavu Bali is a Hindu religious ritual where homage is offered to the departed souls of forefathers. It is believed that Guru Adi Sankaracharya performed the rites of Bali for his mother in this temple.

It is believed that the Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple was built during the 12 th-13th century by a legendary Chera King called Athiyaman Perumal. Also known as Sri Parasuramaswamy Temple, this is a protected monument of the Archaeology Department of Kerala.