The Warrior Sage
Learn about Parashurama, the axe-wielding avatar who restored dharma by challenging the arrogant Kshatriya warrior class.
End of Treta Yuga
Parashurama
Bhargava Rama, Rama with the Axe
Essence of the Avatar
Purpose of Incarnation
To eliminate the corruption and tyranny of the Kshatriya class who had deviated from Dharma, and to restore the balance of righteousness.
Symbolic Meaning
- Upholding dharma with righteous wrath
- Reconciliation of warrior spirit and ascetic wisdom
- The cycle of destruction for regeneration
Stories, Events & Teachings
Key Events
Born to sage Jamadagni and Renuka of the Bhrigu lineage.
Received divine axe (Parashu) and blessings from Lord Shiva after intense penance.
Avenged the murder of his father by killing Kartavirya Arjuna, a corrupt Kshatriya king.
Exterminated corrupt Kshatriyas 21 times to cleanse the Earth.
Donated the conquered land to Maharishi Kashyapa and retired to Mahendra mountain.
Remains a Chiranjeevi (immortal) and is said to reappear to guide Kalki.
Stories & Leelas
Encounter with Rama
Read about the significant encounter between Parashurama and Lord Rama after the latter broke Shiva's bow.
Teachings
Power must be used for justice, not oppression.
Spiritual discipline must accompany action.
Righteous wrath has its place when dharma is at stake.
Scriptural Quotes
"To rid the Earth of unrighteous kings, I rose with my axe and restored the cosmic order."
"He who bears the axe bears the burden of restoring truth — not for anger, but for Dharma."
Quick Facts
Category: Dashavatara (#6)
Era: End of Treta Yuga
Place: Renuka Tirtha, present-day Karnataka
Appearance: Sage with matted hair, fierce eyes, wielding an axe (Reddish or dark-hued)
Associates: Shiva, Jamdagni, Renuka, Kashyapa
Asuras Defeated: Kartavirya Arjuna (a tyrannical Kshatriya, not a literal Asura)
Festivals: Parashurama Jayanti, Akshaya Tritiya (connected in some traditions)
No specific stotras currently linked to Parashurama.
Scriptural References:
- Bhagavata Purana
- Mahabharata
- Ramayana
- Vishnu Purana
- Parashurama Charitra
Bhagavata Purana 9.15.10–45