Parashurama

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Parashurama with axe

Parshuramsaraswats

2 iconographic representations of Parasurama

A Parasurama temple in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) Kerala India

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Peechi Dam Garden Statue of Parasurama

Parashurama is a legendary figure in Hinduism, revered as one of the ten avatars of the god Vishnu. He is also known as Parashuram, Rama with an axe (his iconic weapon), and Bhargava Rama. Parashurama is most famous for his role in the Mahabharata and for his contributions to the Dharma and society, which include the creation of the land of Kerala and the introduction of martial arts and weaponry to the world.

Etymology

The name "Parashurama" is a combination of two words: "parashu," meaning axe, and "Rama," a common name. Thus, Parashurama translates to "Rama with the axe."

Legend

According to Hindu mythology, Parashurama was born as the son of Jamadagni, a Rishi (sage), and Renuka. He is considered a Brahmin warrior and is said to have lived during the last Treta Yuga and the early Dwapara Yuga. Parashurama is unique among Vishnu's avatars as he is one of the immortals and is believed to still be alive today, meditating in penance at Mahendragiri mountain.

Parashurama's legend is notable for his intense revenge against the Kshatriya class, whom he felt had become arrogant and oppressive. According to the lore, after a king named Kartavirya Arjuna killed his father, Parashurama vowed to eliminate the Kshatriya class twenty-one times over, wielding his axe (given to him by Shiva) to carry out this task. This act is a significant part of his legacy, showcasing his warrior skills and his commitment to justice.

Contributions and Teachings

Parashurama is credited with several significant contributions to Hindu culture and Dharma. He is said to have reclaimed the land of Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe from Gokarna to Kanyakumari, which is celebrated in the festival of Onam. Parashurama is also revered as the founder of martial arts and Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art form of Kerala, which he taught to his disciples. This makes him a central figure in the martial tradition of India.

Moreover, Parashurama is associated with several pilgrimage sites and temples across India, including the Parashurama Kshetra and the Lokanarkavu Temple in Kerala. He is also one of the seven Chiranjivis or immortal beings in Hinduism, who are believed to live until the end of the current Kali Yuga to guide and protect Dharma.

In Literature and Scriptures

Parashurama's stories are found in various Hindu scriptures, including the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and the Puranas. In the Mahabharata, he serves as a mentor to Bhishma, Drona, and Karna, three of the greatest warriors in the epic. His interactions with Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, in the Ramayana, highlight his complex nature as both a fierce warrior and a wise sage.

Legacy

Parashurama's legacy is a blend of valor and spirituality. He is a symbol of justice and martial prowess, as well as the guru who introduced the martial arts and weaponry to the world. His life and teachings continue to be a source of inspiration for many, embodying the ideal of living one's life in accordance with Dharma.