Chiplun Parshuram Temple in Maharashtra – Shri Kshetra Parashuram Chiplun in Konkan in Ratnagiri District

Chiplun Parshuram Temple is located about 4 kilometers before Chiplun town on Mumbai – Goa highway in Maharashtra. It is an important temple on the western coast of Konkan in Ratnagiri District and is dedicated to the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Chiplun Parashuram or Bhargavaram is an important deity of the Konkanastha Brahmins.

History of Chiplun Parshuram Temple 

Shri Kshetra Parashuram Chiplun was discovered by a Kunbi family named Pankars around six hundred years ago. Parshuram himself declared this spot as Mahendra Mountain and decided to reside here permanently.

Gods and Goddesses Worshiping in Chiplun Parshuram Mandir

Three murtis are worshipped in the main sanctum sanctorum – Kam – Parashuram and Kal. They represent Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.

The temple complex has temples dedicated to Ganga, Renuka (mother of Parshuram), and Ganesha. There is also a Bangana Tank in the complex created by Parshuram using five arrows. There is also a Hanuman murti in the temple consecrated by Smarth Ramdas. There is an Agni mandir. Other murtis found in the temple include Garuda and Kurma.

Parshuram is a Chiranjeevi (immortal). There is a bed and paduka of Parshuram in the temple complex.

Architecture of the Temple

The architecture of the temple is an amalgamation of Hindu and Islamic architecture. A ruler of the Bijapur Adil Shahi dynasty funded the construction of the two domes of the temple and awarded land grants.

A unique aspect of the temple is the unusual domes with plain moldings at the base. Their octagonal sloping form and very high kalasha is a clear Islamic architectural influence.

The stone arches and the construction of the outer wall has an Islamic influence.

The temple is built using local laterite stone and it is designed to withstand heavy rainfall of the region.

Another noteworthy aspect is the wooden artisanship.

The interior of the domes and carvings and decorations clearly show Islamic influence.

The third dome was added by the daughter of the Siddi of Janjira who was a tyrant. The husband of the daughter was lost at sea. The daughter on advice of Brahmendra swami, Guru of Shahu and Peshwas, prayed to Parshuram. Her husband returned soon and she then built the third dome and made a grant for the Chaughada or playing of the drums.

The woodwork and the carvings on the Renuka temple show Kunbi (local craftsmanship) at its best. There is a strong sense of harmony with the natural surroundings. The red tile roofs, the red laterite walls and pavings induce a feeling of visual unity through color.

Festivals at Chiplun Parshuram Temple

The main festival observed here is Akshaya Tritiya – the birth anniversary of Sri Parshuram. The festival begins on the first day of Vaishakh month and continues for three days.

The Ganpati shrine in the temple complex is decorated during the Akshaya Tritiya festival with Makhar (arrangement for display of images). Makhar is a good example of local craftsmanship, and rural aesthetic concepts expressed in paints, colored paper and wooden panels.

On Margashirsha Ekadasi (December), Vithal of Pandarpur is thought to be spiritually present in the Parshuram murti worshipped here. A seven-day festival and pilgrimage is organized during the period. Warkaris from the surrounding areas arrive at the shrine.

Other festivals observed in the temple include Mahashivratri and Ganesh Chaturthi.