“T he legend of Lord Parasurama creating the land between Gokarna and Kanyakumari is deeply ingrained in the culture and history of Kerala. According to the myth, Lord Parasurama created Kerala as a mark of repentance for his sins and to donate land to Brahmins.Lord Varuna, the Lord of the Oceans, granted his wish by telling him to throw his Parasu (axe) from where he stood at Gokarna.The land from Gokarna to where the axe landed would be given to him. This throw created Kerala, which Parasurama then donated to Brahmins and settled them in 64 gramams or villages.

Significance of 108 Durga Aalayams:

The 108 Durga Aalayams are spread across different parts of Kerala, and each temple has its unique history and significance. The temples are believed to be powerful centers of energy and serve as a source of strength and protection for devotees who seek blessings from the goddess. Many people believe that visiting all 108 temples is a sacred pilgrimage that can bring prosperity, happiness, and spiritual enlightenment. It is also believed that performing certain rituals and offering prayers at these temples can help overcome various obstacles in life and bring good fortune. Apart from their spiritual significance, the Durga Aalayams are also a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The temples are known for their exquisite architecture, intricate carvings, and beautiful murals that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. In recent years, the government of Kerala has taken steps to promote the Durga Aalayams as a major tourist attraction. The temples are included in various pilgrimage tours and cultural itineraries, and many visitors from around the world come to Kerala to experience their divine aura and beauty.

Some of the most important Durga Aalayam temples are:

Out of these 64 gramams, 32 are in the Tulu speaking region (between Gokarnam and Perumpuzha) and 32 are in the Malayalam speaking region (between Perumpuzha and Kanyakumari) in Kerala. The Keralopatti, the narrative of Kerala's history, lists the 32 gramams in Kerala, each of which has its own unique cultural and historical significance. These gramams are still celebrated and revered by the people of Kerala, who view them as important symbols of their heritage. Payyannoor: One of the 32 gramams created by Lord Parasurama in Kerala. Located in Kannur district, the town is known for its historic significance and natural beauty.
Perumchelloor (Talipparambu): One of the oldest gramams in Kerala, known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Kannur district and has a rich cultural heritage.
Alatthiyoor: A gramam located in Malappuram district, known for its historic significance and cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Alathiyur Hanuman Temple, which is believed to have been built during the reign of the Chera dynasty.
Karanthol: A gramam located in Palakkad district, known for its beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the Karanthol temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Chokiram (Shukapuram): A gramam located in Thrissur district, known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the temple was built by Parasurama himself.
Panniyoor: A gramam located in Kannur district, known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Panniyoor Kavu temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy.
Karikkau: A gramam located in Kottayam district, known for its historic significance and cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Karikkoor Bhagavathy temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy.
Isaanamangalam: A gramam located in Thrissur district, known for its beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Isaanamangalam temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Thrussivaperoor: A gramam located in Kottayam district, known for its historic significance and cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Thiruvaippadi Sree Krishna Swamy temple.
Peruvanam: A gramam located in Thrissur district, known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple was built by Parasurama himself.
Chamunda (Chemmanta): A gramam located in Thrissur district, known for its beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Chamundeswari temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Chamundeswari.
Irungatikkootal (Iringalakkuda): A gramam located in Thrissur district, known for its historic significance and cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Koodalmanikyam temple, which is dedicated to Lord Bharatha.
Avattiputhur (Avittathoor): A gramam located in Palakkad district, known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple was built by Parasurama himself.
Paravoor: A gramam located in Kollam district, known for its historic significance and cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Paravur Subrahmanya Swamy temple, which is dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya.
Airanikkulam: A gramam located in Alappuzha district, known for its beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Airanikkulam temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Muzhikkalam: A gramam located in Kollam district, known for itsrich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is home to the Muzhikkal Bhagavathy temple, which is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees.
Kuzhavur: A gramam located in Kottayam district, known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Chera dynasty.
Atavur: A gramam located in Palakkad district, known for its beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the Atavur Shiva temple, which is believed to be over 1000 years old.
Chenganatu (Chengamanadu): A gramam located in Ernakulam district, known for its historic significance and cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Chenganatu Bhagavathy temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy.
Ilibhyam: A gramam located in Thrissur district, known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Chera dynasty.
Uliyannoor: A gramam located in Alappuzha district, known for its beautiful backwaters and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Uliyannoor Devi temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy.
Kalutanatu: A gramam located in Palakkad district, known for its historic significance and cultural heritage. It is home to the Kalutanatu Shiva temple, which is believed to be over 1000 years old.
Ettumanoor: A gramam located in Kottayam district, known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple is one of the most famous Shiva temples in Kerala.
Kumaranalloor: A gramam located in Kottayam district, known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Kumaranalloor Mahavishnu temple is believed to have been built over 2000 years ago.
Kadamuri: A gramam located in Malappuram district, known for its historic significance and cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Kadamuri Durga Devi temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Durga.
Aranmula: A gramam located in Pathanamthitta district, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is home to the famous Aranmula Parthasarathy temple and is also known for its unique Aranmula Kannadi (mirror) making tradition.
Tiruvalla: A gramam located in Pathanamthitta district, known for its historic significance and cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Sreevallabha temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Kidangoor: A gramam located in Kottayam district, known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Kidangoor Subramanya Swamy temple is also a popular pilgrimage site.
Chengannoor: A gramam located in Alappuzha district, known for its historic significance and cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Chengannur Mahadeva temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kaviyoor: A gramam located in Pathanamthitta district, known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Kaviyoor Mahadeva temple is believed to be over 1000 years old.
Venmani: A gramam located in Kollam district, known for its rich cultural heritage and historic significance. It is home to the famous Venmani Shiva temple, which is believed to have been built during the reign of the Chera dynasty.
Neermanna (Niranam): A gramam located in Pathanamthitta district, known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is believed that the temple was built during the reign of the Pandya dynasty.
Payyannoor: A gramam located in Kannur district, known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Payyannoor Mahadeva Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town is also known for its historic significance as it was once a major trade center in the region.

Parasurama also consecrated 108 Shiva temples and 108 Durga temples for the well-being and prosperity of the people in Kerala. Of these 216 temples, the Gokarnam Mahabaleswara Temple in the north and the Kanyakumari temple in the south were considered protectors of Kerala. The creation of these temples was not just a religious act but also a way to promote social and cultural harmony among the people of Kerala. The temples served as places of worship, but they also acted as centers for art, music, and literature. Furthermore, Parasurama created the first Durgalaya at the Kanyakumari Devi Temple and the last one at the Kumaranalloor Devi Temple. The 108 Durgalaya Nama Stothra lists the names of these temples and highlights the significance of each one.

The creation of these temples was a testament to Parasurama's devotion to the gods and his desire to promote the well-being and prosperity of the people of Kerala. The legend of Lord Parasurama creating the land between Gokarna and Kanyakumari, as well as the establishment of the gramams and temples, have had a profound impact on the culture and history of Kerala. These stories have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to be an important part of the identity of the people of Kerala. The temples and gramams are still celebrated and revered, and they serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the region.