According to legends, Sage Parashurama, reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, reclaimed this narrow stretch of land from the Sea-God Varuna. Parashurama then donated the entire area to Brahmins (priests) –as display of repentance for killing the Kshatriyas (ruling class) in long drawn battles throughout his life. This mythological story has some historical truth in it. Scientific evidence suggests that the land was indeed under the sea till a few centuries ago. Some historians believe that Parashurama was a sage from the Indus Valley Civilization and had brought Brahmins from the Godavari basin and settled them in Kerala before he himself renounced the world. Parashurama also established Sastha temples and Bhagawathi temples on the higher ranges and coastal areas of the state, respectively, for protecting the land and its people. The most… Click here to read more