Parashurama Confronts Rama (Ramayana Series 11)

A Dramatic Episode After the Wedding of Rama and Sita

As dawn broke after the joyous wedding of Rama and Sita in Mithila, the revered sage Vishwamitra, with the permission of both King Janaka and King Dasharatha, set out for the Himalayas. Following his departure, King Dasharatha too, after respectfully taking leave of Janaka, began his return journey to Ayodhya. Janaka, with great affection and generosity, gave his daughters rich bridal gifts and blessings as they departed with Dasharatha and his retinue.

While the royal entourage was on its way, ominous signs began to appear. Birds screeched with harsh cries in the sky, and wild animals, oddly calm, circled Dasharatha and moved ahead of the procession. Observing these unusual signs, Dasharatha grew concerned and turned to Sage Vasishtha.

“O Sage,” he asked, “what do these portents mean? The beasts of the earth encircle me with reverence, yet the birds cry out with eerie sounds. Is this a warning?”

Vasishtha, deeply wise and composed, reassured the king, “O Dasharatha, the cries of birds suggest some approaching calamity. However, since the animals are circling you in a protective way, it is also a sign that the danger shall pass without harm. There is no need for fear. Remain calm.”

As they spoke, a violent storm suddenly erupted. Furious winds tore through the land, shaking the very earth and uprooting giant trees. The sky darkened as dust clouds veiled the sun, plunging everything into a fearsome gloom. The soldiers and attendants in the royal convoy were gripped by confusion and panic. Only the sages and Rama’s family remained calm amid the chaos.

Then, through the darkness, emerged a blazing figure—terrifying and divine—radiant like a lightning bolt. His matted hair tied high on his head, a deadly axe slung over his shoulder, and a shining bow in hand, he stood firm like a mountain. It was none other than Parashurama, son of Sage Jamadagni, the scourge of the Kshatriya race and master of divine weapons.

As Dasharatha and his sons gazed at him, the sages gathered in reverence and offered him water and hospitality, saying, “O Bhargava, great one, we welcome you. Please accept this ceremonial offering.”

Parashurama, accepting their homage, turned his blazing gaze toward Rama. “O Rama, son of Dasharatha,” he thundered, “your feats are now well known across the three worlds—from slaying Tataka to breaking the mighty Shiva bow in Mithila. I have come here with another divine bow, passed down from my father Jamadagni. If you truly possess the power you displayed in Mithila, then string this bow, fix an arrow to it, and show me your strength. Only then shall I consider engaging you in a duel.”

Dasharatha was filled with dread. Folding his hands, he pleaded with Parashurama, “O Bhargava! Long ago, angered by your father's murder, you rid the earth of Kshatriyas twenty-one times. You then renounced violence, gave away the conquered land to Sage Kashyapa, and vowed in the presence of Indra to abandon all weapons and retire to penance in the Mahendra mountains. Why now do you break that sacred vow and appear armed before us? If Rama falls in battle, what joy is there for us?”

But Parashurama remained silent, his eyes fixed on Rama, awaiting his response.