Raama of the battle-axe Part-1

Parashuraama – Mahaavataara

The sixth avataara of Vishnu, born to Rishi Jamadagni and Renuka, is depicted as carrying his favoured weapon, the battle-axe or “Parashu” on one shoulder and wielding the bow and arrow in another. The initial purpose of the axe was to chop firewood for sacrificial and domestic use in the hermitage of his father.

While the previous avataaras were brief in appearance with specific purposes, Parashuraama, is a Mahaavataara and being an immortal (Chiranjeevi) features in the continues to dwell on Earth, unseen.

Among the many sons of Jamadagni, he was the only one to carry out his father’s order* to behead his mother. When a pleased Jamadagni granted him a boon, he asked for his mother’s life! It is said that the taint of blood on his axe remained despite repeated washing. There are several water-bodies in India claiming the credit of having been the one to finally rid the axe of its taint.

Jamadagni owned a wish fulfilling cow called Nandini. When the king of the land KaartaveeryaArjuna**, of the famed 1000 arms, visited the hermitage, in a scene reminiscent of King Kaushika visiting the hermitage of Vasishta and desiring his cow, he (KaartaveeryaArjuna) was captivated by Jamadagni’s cow and its ability to provide plenty. When Jamadagni refused to part with the cow, the king had it seized by force. In the events that followed, Arjuna realising that he could not overpower the spiritual force of the rishi, beheaded him***.

This happened in the absence of Parashuraama. Renuka set up a wail and cried out for Raama. It is said that she beat her breast 21 times while lamenting and Parashuraama swore to annihilate 21 generations of Kshatriyas. The first act of annihilation was to wipe out the clan of Arjuna.

When Renuka, used to an austere life, came upon cavorting *Gandharvas as she went to fetch water for Jamadagni, she looked at them wistfully for the briefest of time. Upon her return Jamadagni with his yogic powers, at once discerned her ‘lapse’ and ordered her beheading. This harsh act was merely a test for Parashuraama, who knowing fully well that his mother would not lose her life carried out the order unhesitatingly.

**Arjuna, the son of Kritaveerya, was called Kartaveeryarjuna.

***This marked the decadence of Kshatriyas who had become intoxicated with power and had begun to abuse their authority. When learned people and dharma are threatened, the Lord takes it upon himself to annihilatethem.

The two Raamas

When Parashuraama pursued King Mula, who is also referred to as Ashmaka, he is said to have fled to the inner chambers where the women dwelt and hidden amongst them. When Parashuraama sighted the women he left them alone. Thus the forefather of Raama escaped the fate of other Kshatriyas. Hence, he came to be known as Naarikavacha(protected by women).

When the news of the breaking of pinaka reached Parashuraama, he came in search of Raama. Raama with his bride and father, brothers and their brides, the entire retinue of sages, courtiers and the army of Ayodhya, and the numerous elephants, horses, servants gifted by Janaka, were making their way to Ayodhya when they were met with foreboding omens.

Dasharatha was distressed and asked Vasishta what they meant. Vasishta allayed his concern saying the fear will pass. As he spoke, it seemed that a heavy darkness descended on them all even as a raging wind blew. A terrible form with “circles of matted hair” appeared before them.

He looked like a blazing fire which mere mortals could not bear to see. This fiery form held a battle-axe and “wielded a bow that was like a flash of lightning”. The sages offered him prayers and “arghya”. Then Raama who was Jamadagni’s son spoke to Raama who was Dasharatha’s son... (continued)