Parshuram Mandir, Chiplun - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Parshuram Temple

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. Parshuram Temple is dedicated to Lord Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. 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 pilgrimage packages. Since Parashuram created Konkan land, he is considered the presiding deity of the Konkan region.

History of Parshuram Temple

The temple was established through the efforts of Swami Paramhans Brahmendra, who served as the Guru to notable figures such as Siddi Yakutkhan of Janjira, Kanhoji Angre of Kolaba, the Peshwa of Pune, Chatrapati Sahu Maharaj, and Tararani of Kolhapur. In 1700, Siddi Rasul Yakut Khan provided financial support for the construction of the Parshuram Temple. He also granted the villages of Pedhe and Ambdas as Inam (reward) to Swamiji to cover the temple's daily expenses. Additionally, Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj awarded five nearby villages as Inam. He was responsible for the construction of three temples, a Deepmahal (a tall stone structure for lighting oil lamps as offerings to God), and a lodge for pilgrims at Parshuram. Kanhoji Angre contributed by granting Inam for the villages of Mahalunge, Dorle, Kalambuse, Nayari, Virmade, Anewadi, and Dhawdashi. In 1726, Siddhi destroyed the temples, falsely accusing Swamiji of giving their elephant to Kanhoji Angre. In reality, the elephant had been seized by Angre's men while en route from Savanur to Gowalkot. Angered, the Swami reclaimed the elephant from Siddhi Saat but later recognized his error and proceeded to rebuild the destroyed temples.

Mythology of Parshuram Temple

Shrikshetra Parshuram is regarded as the sacred residence of Lord Parashuram. He triumphed over the proud Sahasrarjuna, who had killed his father, Maharshi Jamadagni, along with numerous powerful kings who supported him on the battlefield, ultimately laying down his weapons. Parshuram dedicated the land he conquered to Kashyap Muni, intending for it to be governed by wise and cultured leaders. Since it was inappropriate for him to inhabit the land he had donated, Parshuram shot an arrow into the Arabian Sea, causing the sea to recede and allowing him to reclaim the Konkan region, stretching from Gujarat to Kerala. He chose the Mahendragiri peak, situated in a village also named Parshuram, as his permanent abode, where the temple now stands. It is believed that Lord Parshuram departs for the Himalayas at dawn to perform penance and returns to the temple at dusk. The temple is overseen by the Shree Dev Bhargavram Devasthan Trust.

Architecture of Parshuram Temple

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.

Festivals of Parshuram Temple

The Parshuram Temple located in Chiplun hosts several festivals, including Akshaya Tritiya, Ram Navami, Maha Shivratri, and Parshuram Jayanti. During the Akshaya Tritiya festival, the temple draws a significant number of visitors, as it is adorned with vibrant flowers and lights. Special rituals are performed at the temple during this time, enhancing both the allure and the spiritual experience for attendees.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Parshuram Temple

While Parshuram Temple in Chiplun doesn't have a strict dress code, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Parshuram Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 8 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 8 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 8 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 8 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 8 PM

Parshuram Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Parshuram Temple

The optimal period to visit the Parshuram Temple in Chiplun is during the winter months, particularly from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and conducive for sightseeing. The temple attracts a significant number of visitors during the Akshaya Tritiya festival, usually held in April. Furthermore, the monsoon season also presents an excellent opportunity to visit, as both the temple and the surrounding area of Chiplun become even more captivating and picturesque. In contrast, the summer months in Chiplun are characterized by heat and humidity.

How to Reach Parshuram Temple

Mumbai Airport serves as the closest airport, located approximately 245 kilometers from Chiplun. Chiplun Railway Station offers extensive train connections to various cities, including Mumbai, Madgoan, Pune, Goa, Patna, Trivandrum, Delhi, Mangalore, Tirunelveli, Bikaner, Bhavnagar, Amritsar, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Kochuveli, Ratnagiri, Porbandar, Ajmer, Coimbatore, and Gandhidham. Additionally, Chiplun is well-served by bus routes connecting it to Mumbai, Pune, Satara, Raigad, Mahabaleshwar, and Kolhapur. To reach Parshuram Temple, one can either take a public bus or hire a cab or auto-rickshaw from Chiplun.