Parashurama Avatar

PARASHURAM AVATAR: In this incarnation Lord Vishnu assumes a form to annihilate the ruling princes. The reason for his incarnation runs as follows: Parashuram was the son of Jamadagni who possessed a wish fulfilling cow (kamadhenu). The monarch of Mahishmati, Kartaviryarjuna wishes to possess the cow. When Jamadagni refused, Kartaviryarjuna assassinated Jamadagni and his wife Renuka. Parashurama who witnessed the scene avenged the death of his parents by not only killing Karthviryarjuna but also all the ruling princes (kshatriyas). The incarnation of Parashuram ends with his being defeated at the hands of Rama.

This print from the Ravi Varma Press derived from a painting by Raja Ravi Varma probably follows the iconographic description as found in the Vishnu-dharmottara and the Agni-purana which prescribes that Parashuram be represented as a sage with an axe in hand. His hair is to be matted and done up like a halo.