Puran Chand Sharma
One and all in the country must have had the glimpse of Bhagwan Parshuram Ji in full war gear wielding a Parshu (or Axe) in a very aggressive posture during the course of Ramleelas regularly staged in every nook and corner of the country. He is the sixth incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu for the sole purpose of elimination and decimation of unruly and evil rulers in those times, who had converted the whole world into a hell – lock, stock and barrel – and he had to do it twenty one times for establishing the rule of law and the ultimate peace.
There comes across an anecdote whilst he was in childhood and studying in the Gurukul of his father Maharishi Jamdagni, an unprovoked deadly attack was launched on the the Rishi’s Gurukul by a powerful demon of that era namely Sahasrabahu who ransacked it at will and fled away without confronting any resistance from the students and the management of Gurukul, inclusive of Maharishi Jamdagni.
Young Parshuram went to his father and raised a query, “Dear father, this Gurukul is functioning under your supervision, moreover, you are imparting education to the pupils, both in moral education as well as martial arts, archery and all other weapons. You do have mastery over usage of the weapons. Then why didn’t you confront that rascal though you possessed the skill and competence to defeat him on his provocation? Why didn’t you kill him for the ultimate good of the humanity?
Mahrishi Jamdagni politely replied, “I am a Teacher. My duty is to teach and train students in fighting skills and diligently educate them all other religious and spiritual scriptures. Using weapons is not within my purview.”
Tiny Parshuram screamed in anger and said, “This is totally unfair and illogical. This is contrary to our right of self defence. If we do not change, it would spell death and destruction for all of us and the Gurukul as well. Certainly that demon will come again and raze Gurukul to the ground.”
Mehrishi Jamdagni did not agree with his son and the time flew away swiftly. In due course of time Sahasrabahu, a savage and a cruel ruler struck again, brutally killed Mahrishi Jamdagni and hugely damaged the Gurukul. Young and jovial Parshuram sharply and equally reacted to this highly inhuman act. He decided to wield his Parshu and flagrantly use it against the unjust and unruly ruler to completely uproot his clan from the roots. He overhauled the strategy, took up Shastra (weapons) in one hand and Shaastra (scriptures) in the other hand and waged an all out war against the degenerated minds.
It is prudent to analyse his divine personality and the soothing impact it had on pitiable conditions at that critical point of time.
Warrior Rishi Parshuram and his Scintillating Achievements
Parshuram was born to Rishi Jamadagni, a Brahmin Sage and Renuka and belonged to Bhrigu lineage. He was considered a Brahma –Kshatriya—a Brahmin by birth and a warrior by Karma. Bhagwan Vishnu incarnated as Parshuram to restore Dharma and suitably punish the spoiled and wicked rulers who were incidently the Kshartriyas of a particular clan ‘Hayhay’.
Bhagwan Parshuram is famous as a prominent and devoted disciple of Lord Shiva. He learnt and mastered the martial arts under the guidance of Lord Shiva who gifted him Parshu (Axe), which became his signature weapon.
Once again, Sahasrabahu visited Jamadagni Rishi’s hermitage. On seeing Rishi Jamdagni’s divine Cow Kamadhenu, he got overpowered by greed and begged for Kamdhenu, but Rishi Jamadagni refused. Thereafter, Sahasrabahu, a ferocious demon, together with his soldiers attacked and killed Rishi Jamadagni and took away his Divine Cow by force. On learning about the death of his father, Parshuram killed Sahasrabahu and avenged his father’s death.
Slaying of Arrogant Kings and Impactful Contribution of Bhagwan Parshuram
After eliminating Sahasrabahu, Parshuram went on a spree to slay wicked rulers 21 times over the earth, thereby filling five lakes with their blood which are known as Samant Panchaka. This was not out of personal anger but it was aimed at purifying the society and restoring righteousness.
According to a legend, Parshuram threw his axe into the sea, causing the water to recede and revealing the land of Konkan and Kerala. He is also credited with settlement of deprived Brahmins of those times and creation of temples across these coastal regions.
Whilst studying Ramayana we observe that when Lord Rama broke Lord Shiva’s bow, Parshram confronted him but later realized Rama was another avatar of Vishnu and peacefully retreated from the scene.
Parshuram Mentored Great Warriors in Indian Epics
He taught Bhishma from Mahabharata, Dronacharya, the teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas. Karna also was mentored by him though later cursed him for deceit. Though born a Brahmin, Parshuram lived like a Kshatriya. He proved that one’s Duty (Karma) is the greatest Dharma and more important than the birth. He challenged the social rigidities.
Parshuram symbolizes Righteous Anger and teaches that oppression must always be strongly resisted, even if it means taking up arms.
Renunciation, Detachment, Devotion and Discipline
After his mission, Bhagwan Parshuram renounced violence and became a hermit. He teaches and emphasizes the significance of detachment from ego, power and pride. As a student of Shiva and a great teacher himself, he exemplifies discipline, humility and spiritual strength.
Parshuram is considered a Chiranjivi (very long living) and is believed to reside in the Mahendragiri mountains and will reappear as the teacher of Lord KALKI, the tenth Avatar of Lord Vishnu. He is thus considered as a link between Treta, Dvapara and Kali-yugas .
Family Tree of Bhagwan Parshuram: Parshuram hailed from the illustrious Bhrigu Lineage:
Bhrigu Rishi, Richika Rishi married to Satyavati…. Jamadagni Rishi married to Renuka Devi……..Children 1.Rumanvan 2.Suhotra 3.Vasu 4. Visvavasu 5. Parshuram ( youngest son).
Parshuram’s Life and Travels
1. Janapav Hills, Madhya Pradesh: believed to be his birthplace, situated near Indore.
2. MAHENRAGIRI MOUNTAINS, Odisha: This is considered his current abode, where he continues his penance.
3. Parshuram Kund, Arunachal Pradesh: considered to be a sacred site where Parshuram is said to have washed away his sins after beheading his mother Renuka on his father’s command.
4. Parshuram Mahadev Temple, Rajasthan: A cave temple where he meditated and worshipped Lord Shiva.
Salutations to Bhagwan Parshuram ji on the occasion of Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti ( Akhsaya Tritya). He is praised as a destroyer of evil. His Axe symbolizes Justice and Dharma. He is a Guru not just of warriors but of the entire world’s righteousness. Jai Bharat.
