PARASURAMA AVATARAM By: Haarthi Sakthivel

Parasurama avataram is the 6th avatar of the Dasaavataara. Lord Vishnu was born as BHARGAVA RAMA the youngest of the five sons of Jamadagni and Renuka. BHARGAVA Rama though born as a Brahmin exhibited Kshatriya traits and had a liking for weapons, archery etc. Indeed, his favorite weapon was an axe, which he got as a gift from Siva.  Parasu means Axe. Hence, he was called PARASU RAMA.

KARTHAVEERYARJUNA, the ruler of HEHAYA was a great king KARTHAVEERYARJUNA, the ruler of HEHAYA was a great king. He got boons from Datta AatrEya and other deities to become invincible. Puffed with ego due to the newfound powers acquired by him, he became tyrannical and began tormenting every one. Once, when the Parasurama and his four brothers had gone out, Karthaveeryaarjuna entered the hermitage of Jamadagni and demanded food for himself and his retinue. With the help of Kaamadhenu, Jamadagni got food prepared for the host of guests. Karthaveerya knowing this, demanded Kaamadhenu. But, Jamadagni would not part with it. The king forcibly took away the cow and the calf. When PARASU RAMA learnt of the incident, he marched towards MAHISHMATI, the capital of the king.

PARASURAMA destroyed the entire lot and then cut off the thousand arms of Kaarthaveerya and killed him with his axe. Retrieving Kaamadhenu and her calf, he returned to the hermitage Kaarthaveerya's sons stormed the hermitage to avenge the death of their father Only Jamadagni and Renuka were there at that time. Ignoring the pleadings of Renuka, they cut off the head of Jamadagni who was deep in meditation Renuka was beside with grief and was crying aloud as PARASU RAMA returned. PARASU RAMA vowed that he would wipe out 21 generations of Kshatriyas .

PARASU RAMA carried out his vow, wrested the land and properties of Kshatriyas. Finally gave them away to sage KASYAPA and retired to the southwest corner of India. When, Parasu Rama confronted Dasaratha who was returning from Mithila after the wedding of Rama and Sita, RAMA the AVATAR took back all the powers of PARASURAMA since the purpose of PARASURAMA AVATAR was completed Parasurama threw his axe into the western ocean. The ocean receded upto the point where the axe fell and the land so reclaimed is known as Parasurama Kshetram. Scholars say that modern Kerala is this Kshetram.

This 2000 year old temple on the bank of river Karamana, is the only one in Kerala dedicated to Sree Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala. This temple is a venue for ancestor worship.

This Avatar is not a direct Avatar This Avatar is not a direct Avatar. Lord Vishnu entered the soul of a Brahmin son of Jamadagni (By Avesa or Anupravesa). Of the 10 Avatars, except Parasurama avatar all the others are Amsa avatars (i.e.) Direct descent of Lord Vishnu

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