Page19
This special relation between the Konkan area and Malabar coastline is a common cultural and legendary heritage of the present day inhabitants of that land. Right from the northern most point of the stripe, Broach, to the southern most points-Kerala and Kanya Kumari, people everywhere revere and worship this pioneer. In the Malabar even a 'shaka known after Parashurama is still in use. Temples for him are erected at various places. In the region known as Konkan which is a part of Maharashtra, the most important or perhaps the only shrine dedicated to him is at Pedhe near Chiplun in the Ratnagiri district.
The name of the village is Pedhe, but is popularly known as kshetra Parashurama. It is situated on the top of a hill. The village is some five miles from Chiplun from where a regular bus service, run by the State Transport, is available. A short cut which reduces the distance by about a mile and half exists, but it is a rather stiff walk. The temple forms the focal point of the village. It is a large rectangular enclosure surrounded by brick and stone walls pierced by arched gateways. The eastern gateway is the biggest and a drum-house, i.e. a nagarkhana surmounts it.
|