Parashurama in the Mahabharata
Parashurama in the Mahabharata 1. Brief Biography of Parashurama Parashurama (Sanskrit: परशुराम ), also known as Rama Jamadagnya , Rama Bhargava , and Virarama , is the sixth avatar of Vishnu and one of the Chiranjivi (immortals) in Hindu tradition. He was born to the sage Jamadagni and Renuka and appeared in an era when overwhelming evil and abuse of power prevailed on Earth. He is described as a warrior-sage , combining Brahminical austerity with Kshatriya-like martial prowess. According to tradition, Parashurama undertook the task of restoring cosmic balance by annihilating corrupt and tyrannical Kshatriyas, doing so twenty-one times , while sparing select lineages. After renouncing violence, he retired to penance at the hermitage of Nara–Narayana . , 2. Etymology of the Name “Parashurama” The name Parashurama literally means “Rama with the axe” ( Parashu = axe, Rama = one who delights or rests). The axe symbolizes: Divine ...