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Unlock the divine saga of the sage who never left the earth and still guarded the path of righteousness!
Warrior Sage Parashurama
Sage Jamadagni and his wife Renuka gave birth to Parashurama. He had the simple name of Rama until Shiva bestowed upon him the divine axe, thereafter earning the name Parashurama-Rama with the axe. He had four brothers: Rukmavan, Suhotra, Vasu, and Vishwavasu. Some texts mention his wife to be Dharani, an incarnation of Lakshmi.
Retribution Against the Kshatriyas
As his father was murdered by Kartavirya Arjuna over a Kamadhenu cow, Parashurama swore to take revenge upon him. He killed the king and his army. He did this 21 times, equal to the number of times land was taken from the sages was reclaimed by the king. That land was given back to the rishis. Such an act of violence purified the land from tyranny.
Apology and Forgiveness
Parashurama, despite his rage, wished to be purified. He walked around India contemplating the sins he had committed. In Tirthahalli, he at last washed his axe in the waters of the Tunga River. Here, a Shiva linga was established by him. This act cleared him of blood guilt, and similar obsequies are offered to the Samanta Panchaka ponds near Kurukshetra.
How was Kerala and the western coast formed?
Parashurama created Kerala and the Konkan coast. It is reported that he hurled his axe into the Arabian Sea and then commanded the retreat of the waters, promising to form new land in whatever place the axe landed. This is how Kerala became the portion of land that Parashurama consecrated and gave to the Brahmins. He is now worshipped throughout Kerala as the creator and guardian of the state.
Ramayana Entry
In the Ramayana, Parashurama had a brief encounter with Lord Rama after he had broken Shiva’s bow at Sita’s swayamvara. Parashurama came to realise that Rama was indeed a divine being, thus willingly accepted his successor and retreated into meditation, demonstrating his wisdom and humility.
Master of Warriors
He trained the greatest warriors of the Mahabharata: Bhishma, Dronacharya, and Karna. Refusing to impart the Brahmastra to Karna, who hid his true lineage from Parashurama, highlights his uncompromising principles.
Parashurama and Kalaripayattu
Keralite folk traditions place Parashurama at the very inception of Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest martial arts in the world. He learnt the art from Shiva and created 108 Kalaris (training schools) within the region to disseminate the art among others.
Sacred Sites and Worship
You can opt Online Hindu Puja Service, devotees from anywhere in the world can engage in rituals and ceremonies for Parashurama and offer their prayers within the confines of their homes. Parashurama temples can be found in many states, especially in Kerala, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
In particular:
- Thiruvallam Parashurama Temple (Kerala)- the largest temple dedicated solely to Parashurama.
- Parashurama Temple, Chiplun (Maharashtra)- to honour Parashurama’s act of redeeming the land.
- Parashuram Kunda, Arunachal Pradesh holy place where it is believed that Parashurama washed away all his sins.
- Pajaka Kshetra, Udupi- He created four divine ponds, and devotees worship him.
Parashurama- symbolism and iconography
He is often seen with matted hair, dressed in ascetic garb, and holding the axe, as well as sometimes a bow, or even four arms. He has the calm wisdom of a hermit combined with a warrior’s alertness: his image is a perfect balance between power and peace.
Less Famous Legacies
He made land which was so salty, the place could hardly be populated. Thus, he invited Vasuki, the king of serpents, to wash the land with his holy venom, making it fertile. So, serpents are worshipped in Kerala.
Parashurama once attacked Ganesha with his axe after being denied entry to Shiva’s palace. Ganesha got the blow in honour of the divine weapon, which led to losing a tusk, is how he came to be known as Ekadanta.’
Bottom Lines
While other avatars completed their earthly missions and departed the scene, Parashurama remains on Earth. Some scriptures and texts state that he is destined to return in the Kali Yuga to instruct Kalki, Vishnu’s last avatar, to prepare him for the final fight against evil. The hindu temple puja traditions honour him as the eternal teacher and guard of dharma.