During his weekly discourse on Sunday, Swami Muktinathananda Ji discussed Lord Parashurama in great detail.
Lucknow: Swami Muktinathananda Ji, Adhyash of the Ramakrishna Math, stated during his Sunday discourse on the Ramakrishna Vachanamrita that Parashurama is regarded in Hinduism as the sixth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. His life is considered a symbol of valor, asceticism, the defense of Dharma (righteousness), and resistance against injustice. He was born to Maharishi Jamadagni and Mata Renuka. Parashurama is believed to have been born during the Treta Yuga. He acquired the name “Parashurama” because he invariably carried a divine weapon known as a Parashu (battle-axe) in his hand.
Swami Ji remarked that, right from his childhood, Parashurama was exceptionally radiant, valorous, and ascetic. Through rigorous penance, he pleased Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva bestowed upon him mastery of the art of warfare, martial sciences, and divine weaponry. It was due to the battle-axe (Parashu) received from Shiva that he came to be known as “Parashurama.” In addition to being a formidable warrior, he was also a Brahmin sage; consequently, he is regarded as a confluence of both Brahmin and Kshatriya attributes.
Swami Ji explained that the most renowned episode in Parashurama’s life involves an tyrannical king named Sahasrarjuna. On one occasion, Sahasrarjuna visited Maharishi Jamadagni’s ashram, forcibly seized his Kamadhenu cow, and subsequently, in a fit of rage, murdered the Maharishi. Upon receiving this news, Parashurama was consumed by wrath and slew Sahasrarjuna. Following this event, he resolved to liberate the Earth from tyrannical Kshatriyas. It is said that he purged the Earth of unrighteous Kshatriyas twenty-one times, thereby re-establishing Dharma.
Parashurama’s life was not confined solely to warfare; he was also a great Guru (teacher). He imparted the knowledge of martial arts and weaponry to numerous renowned warriors. It is believed that he imparted the knowledge of archery to Bhishma, Dronacharya, and Karna as well. Thus, he is counted among the great gurus of the Mahabharata era.
According to another famous legend, when Lord Rama broke Shiva’s bow during the Sita Swayamvar, Parashurama arrived at the scene and put Rama to the test. Later, upon realizing that Rama was also an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, he bowed down to him and, attaining a state of tranquility, departed to engage in ascetic penance.
Parashurama is regarded as a Chiranjeevi—meaning he remains alive to this day and will continue to dwell on Earth until the end of the Kali Yuga. It is said that, in the future, he will impart the knowledge of weaponry and warfare to Kalki.
Swami Muktinathananda concluded by stating that in Indian culture, Parashurama is revered as a symbol of courage, righteousness (Dharma), spiritual authority, and justice. His birthday is celebrated as Parashurama Jayanti. His life teaches us that standing up against injustice and unrighteousness is, indeed, the true essence of Dharma.
