Rama and Parashurama — The Meeting of Two Legends (Ramayana Series 12)

As King Dasharatha was speaking, the mighty Parashurama turned away from him, disregarding his words, and addressed Rama directly: “Rama! The bow you broke — the great bow of Shiva — and the bow I now hold, the Vaishnava bow, are both treasures of the heavens. They are famed across the three worlds, worshipped by gods, and unmatched in strength. You have already broken the formidable bow of Lord Shiva, the very one used in the destruction of Tripurasura. This bow in my hand is the Vaishnava bow, gifted by the gods to Lord Vishnu.

Long ago, the gods once wondered — between Shiva, the destroyer of Tripura, and Vishnu, who became an arrow in that very destruction — who was truly the mightier? They approached Brahma, who, in his wisdom, allowed events to unfold in a way that brought Shiva and Vishnu into a duel.

In the midst of that battle, Vishnu let out a mighty roar. At the sound of it alone, the great bow of Shiva loosened and fell apart. Realizing what had happened, Lord Shiva stood astonished. The gods, sages, and celestial beings intervened, ending the battle. From that day, it was known that Vishnu’s power was unmatched.

Shiva, pacified, entrusted his bow to King Devarata of the Nimi dynasty. Vishnu, in turn, gave the Vaishnava bow to the sage Richika, who passed it to his son Jamadagni — my father.

When the evil Kartavirya killed my father without cause, I vowed vengeance. In my fury, I destroyed the Kshatriya race twenty-one times over. Then, giving the earth as a gift to Sage Kashyapa, I retired to Mount Mahendra to live in penance.

Rama, I have come here upon hearing of your feat with the Shiva bow. If you are truly capable, string this Vaishnava bow, set an arrow, and prepare to strike. Should you succeed, I shall face you in combat.”

Hearing these words, Rama replied calmly but firmly:“Bhargava, I have heard of your deeds. I respect the righteous cause behind them. But your challenge insults the Kshatriya code I uphold. See now my own prowess.”

In the blink of an eye, Rama took the Vaishnava bow and arrow from Parashurama, strung it, and set the arrow in place. Then, with steady eyes, he said:“You are a Brahmin and kin to my revered Guru Vishwamitra. For these reasons, I will not strike you down. Instead, I give you two choices — surrender the worlds you have won through penance, or forfeit the power of your penance itself. Choose quickly, for this arrow cannot be wasted.”

Overwhelmed by Rama’s divine presence, Parashurama’s strength left him. He bowed his head and spoke softly:“Rama, I have sworn never to dwell upon this earth at night, for I gave it away to Kashyapa. Do not take my penance from me; instead, strike my accumulated merit and let it be destroyed. I now know you are none other than Vishnu himself. Release your arrow and I shall depart to Mount Mahendra.”

Rama released the arrow, shattering Parashurama’s merit. Accepting his loss with no shame — for it was at the hands of the Lord of the Three Worlds — Parashurama turned and left for his mountain abode, never to return.