By Rajendra Kapil

The Third Stage – Lord Parashuram

Sage Parashuram, also known as Lord Parashuram, holds a significant position in ancient texts. His greatness can be gauged from the fact that he is counted among the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. The list of these ten avatars is as follows:

1. Matsya
2. Kurma
3. Varaha
4. Narasimha
5. Vamana
6. Parashuram
7. Lord Ram
8. Lord Krishna
9. Buddha
10. Kalki

Parashuram was born into the household of Sage Jamadagni. His mother, Renuka, was a brave Kshatriya woman of her time. With a Brahmin father and a Kshatriya mother, Parashuram possessed a remarkable blend of wisdom and warrior strength. His childhood name was Bhargava Ram. As he grew, he mastered a special weapon called “Parshu” (axe), which eventually earned him the name Parashuram.

The Wrath of Parashuram

Once, some arrogant Kshatriya kings misbehaved with his father, Sage Jamadagni, which enraged Parashuram. To avenge this insult, he entered the battlefield with his forces. During that era, some Kshatriya kings were tyrannical and mistreated their subjects. Parashuram took it upon himself to teach them a lesson. As one tale suggests, he annihilated the Kshatriya clans 21 times.

Parashuram’s Obedience

In another legend, Sage Jamadagni once became furious with his wife, Renuka. When Parashuram returned home, his father ordered him to behead his mother. After a moment’s hesitation, he obeyed. Pleased with his son’s obedience, Sage Jamadagni offered him a boon. Realizing his mistake, Parashuram requested his mother be brought back to life and that she should not remember the incident. The sage granted his wish, and Renuka was revived without any memory of the event.

Parashuram’s Appearance in Ramcharitmanas

In Ramcharitmanas, Parashuram enters the scene during Sita’s swayamvar in King Janak’s court. A staunch devotee of Lord Shiva, Parashuram became enraged upon hearing that Shiva’s bow had been broken during the swayamvar.

The challenge of the swayamvar was that any valiant prince who could string and break Shiva’s bow would marry Sita. After several kings failed even to lift the bow, Lord Ram, guided by Sage Vishwamitra, broke it effortlessly. The sound of the bow breaking reached Parashuram, who hurried to King Janak’s court, brimming with anger.

Parashuram’s imposing figure, clad in ascetic garments and armed with weapons, intimidated many in the court. The jealous kings, envious of Ram, secretly rejoiced at the potential disruption.

The Confrontation with Ram and Lakshman

Seeing the broken bow, Parashuram demanded to know who had committed the act. With composure, Lord Ram stepped forward and admitted his action. However, Parashuram refused to believe that a mere servant could break Lord Shiva’s bow, comparing Ram to his adversary Sahasrabahu.

Lakshman, standing beside Ram, could not resist teasing Parashuram. He remarked that they had broken many bows in their childhood, yet no one had ever been this angry. Lakshman’s playful jibes further enraged Parashuram, who threatened him with his axe. However, Lakshman continued to mock him, saying, “You’re trying to scare us with your axe as if blowing on a mountain would make it crumble.”

Sage Vishwamitra intervened to calm the situation, urging Parashuram to ignore Lakshman’s provocations. Ram then humbly stepped forward, offering respect and stating he had no intention of disrespecting Lord Shiva’s bow. Parashuram, impressed by Ram’s humility and wisdom, asked him to string another bow to prove his strength. Ram obliged, clearing all doubts in Parashuram’s mind.

Realizing Ram’s divine nature, Parashuram was overcome with reverence. He acknowledged Ram’s greatness and sought forgiveness for his harsh words. Tulsidas beautifully describes this moment:

“Recognizing Ram’s power, Parashuram’s heart was filled with devotion and joy. He folded his hands, his heart unable to contain his love, and spoke humbly, seeking forgiveness.”

Parashuram’s respect for Lord Ram symbolizes the adherence to dharma and the unity of sages and warriors in Hindu culture.

Legacy of Parashuram

It is said that Parashuram also lived during the Dwapar Yuga and taught archery to warriors like Dronacharya and Karna. With immense reverence, we bow to Lord Parashuram, a sage and warrior par excellence!