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Parashurama Kshetra In Karnataka – 7 Temples Founded By Parashuram

Maharshi Parshuram is believed to have founded 7 temples in Dakshina Karnataka and these temples are together known as Parashurama Kshetra. The seven temples or sacred places are:
  1. Kukke Subrahmanya (famous naga temple),
  2. Udupi (famous Sri Krishna temple),
  3. Kumbhashi (Harihara temple in Kumbhasi has its origin in Krita yuga and Bhagavan Parashurama installed two murtis of Hari and Hara and it was then called Harihara Kshetra. It was in dwapara yuga when bheemasena fought with kumbhasura and killed him the name Kumbhasi came about)
  4. Koteshwara, (temple dedicated to Shiva)
  5. Shankaranarayana (temple dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu),
  6. Kolluru (Mookambika Temple)
  7. Gokarna (Shiva Temple)
These holy places are compared with seven holy places in Rama Kshetra, namely, Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kashi, Kanchi, Avanthika and Puri.

The belief is that visiting these places will help in self realization.

Parashurama Kshetra in Karnataka is a revered region in the state where it is believed that Parashuram Maharshi, one of the seven immortal sages (Chiranjeevi), established seven significant temples. These temples hold immense spiritual and historical importance and are collectively known as Parashurama Kshetra. The seven temples are:

  1. Kukke Subrahmanya:

    • Deity: Subrahmanya (Lord Kartikeya), who is revered as the Lord of serpents (Nagas).
    • Significance: This temple is one of the most famous naga temples in India, attracting devotees seeking relief from Sarpa Dosha (afflictions related to serpents). It is located amidst the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats, near the Kumaradhara River. The temple’s association with Parashurama stems from the belief that he consecrated this site to safeguard the region from negative energies.
  2. Udupi:

    • Deity: Lord Krishna.
    • Significance: Udupi is globally known for its Sri Krishna Temple, which was established by the great Vaishnavite saint Madhvacharya in the 13th century. The idol of Krishna here is believed to have been installed by Parashurama himself, according to legend. Udupi is also famous for its unique ritual of offering Kanakadasa, where a small window called Kanakana Kindi allows devotees to see the deity directly.
  3. Kumbhashi (Annegudde Vinayaka Temple):

    • Deity: Harihara (a combination of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva).
    • Significance: The origin of the Harihara temple in Kumbhashi traces back to the Krita Yuga, when Parashurama installed two murtis of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva), making it known as Harihara Kshetra. The name Kumbhashi emerged in the Dwapara Yuga when Bheemasena, one of the Pandavas, fought and killed the demon Kumbhasura. The temple, also known as Annegudde Vinayaka Temple, is one of the seven Mukti Sthalas of Karnataka.
  4. Koteshwara:

    • Deity: Lord Shiva.
    • Significance: The Koteshwara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in the coastal region of Karnataka. The temple's lore suggests that Parashurama, after reclaiming land from the sea, installed a Shiva Linga here, which later became known as Koteshwara. It is also linked to the Pandavas, who are believed to have sought refuge here during their exile.
  5. Shankaranarayana:

    • Deities: Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
    • Significance: This temple uniquely combines the worship of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, representing the harmonious co-existence of Shaivism and Vaishnavism. According to tradition, Parashurama is said to have consecrated this temple to emphasize the unity of the two major Hindu deities. The temple is located in a serene area, surrounded by nature, which adds to its spiritual ambiance.
  6. Kolluru (Mookambika Temple):

    • Deity: Goddess Mookambika (a form of Parvati).
    • Significance: Kolluru’s Mookambika Temple is one of the most famous shrines dedicated to the Divine Mother in South India. Parashurama is believed to have sanctified this temple by invoking the goddess to reside here, making it a major center of Shakti worship. The temple is also associated with the legend of Adi Shankaracharya, who is said to have installed the idol of Mookambika after defeating the demon Mookasura.
  7. Gokarna (Mahabaleshwar Temple):

    • Deity: Lord Shiva.
    • Significance: Gokarna’s Mahabaleshwar Temple is one of the most revered Shiva temples in India, home to the Atmalinga, which according to legend, was brought to the region by Ravana and later established by Lord Ganesha. Parashurama’s connection to this temple is part of the broader belief that he reclaimed the land of coastal Karnataka from the sea and established Shiva as the presiding deity of the region.

Comparison to Rama Kshetra:

These seven sacred places are often compared to the seven holy places of Rama Kshetra, which include Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya (Haridwar), Kashi (Varanasi), Kanchi (Kanchipuram), Avanthika (Ujjain), and Puri (Jagannath). Just as visiting the holy places in Rama Kshetra is believed to lead to liberation (moksha), visiting the temples in Parashurama Kshetra is said to aid in self-realization and spiritual progress.

Additional Information:

  • Parashurama's Legacy: Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, is believed to have played a crucial role in shaping the religious landscape of coastal Karnataka. His legacy is not only preserved through these temples but also through the many cultural practices, rituals, and festivals that are observed in this region.
  • Cultural Significance: The temples of Parashurama Kshetra are not just places of worship but also centers of cultural heritage. They have been instrumental in preserving ancient traditions, art forms, and architecture unique to Karnataka.
  • Pilgrimage: Devotees often undertake a pilgrimage to all seven temples, known as the "Parashurama Saptakshetra Yatra," which is believed to bestow immense spiritual merit.