The Valayadheeswari Temple or the more popularly known as Ammathiruvadi Temple of Urakam is the foremost of the 108 Durgaalayams (durga Temples) of Kerala. According to the Puraanaas, Kerala was reclaimed by Lord Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Mahavishnu, from sea by throwing his parasu (axe) from Kanyakumari to Gokarna and divided this land to 64 the gramas.
The Valayadheeswari Temple, also known as Ammathiruvadi Temple of Urakam, is considered to be the most important among the 108 Durgaalayams (Durga temples) in Kerala. According to ancient texts, Kerala was reclaimed from the sea by Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu, who threw his parasu (axe) from Kanyakumari to Gokarna and divided this land into 64 gramas.