Parshurama and his Axe

Story

In the lands of Kerala, in a small temple, people were gathered to celebrate Parshuram Jayanti, also known as Akshaya Tritiya. The priest in the temple was telling stories and teachings of Bhagwan Parsuram to everyone. A group of small children were sitting in the front row and listening attentively.

As the priest went on, he told them that Bhagwan Parshuram is the immortal God. He is the sixth avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu. He is the son of Rishi Jamadagni and Princess Renuka. 

His birth name was Bhargava Ram. Ram was no ordinary boy—he was brave, kind, and loved learning from his father. He was also a devotee of Bhagwan Shiva. 

One day, Ram prayed to Bhagwan Shiv with all his heart. Pleased by his devotion, Bhagwan Shiva appeared before him. "What do you wish for, dear Ram?" asked Shiva.

Ram bowed and said, "O Shiva, I wish to protect dharma (righteousness) and help the innocent. Please bless me with your guidance and strength."

Bhagwan Shiv became Parshurama’s guru and trained him to become a great warrior. Seeing Parshurama’s great skills, Shiva decided to give him the boon of mastery in weapons called Kalaripayattu. 

Bhagwan Shiv also gave Ram a mighty axe. This was no ordinary axe—it was filled with divine power. 

Shiva blessed him and said, "You are now Parshuram, the one who carries the axe. Use it wisely, only to fight injustice and protect the weak."

In one of the stories, it is said that long ago, the western coast of India faced powerful waves and storms that covered the land. Parashurama asked the sea god, Varuna, to return the land. During their battle, Parashurama threw his divine axe into the sea. A mass of land emerged, but Varuna warned it was barren due to its salty soil.

Parashurama prayed to Nagaraja, the King of Snakes, to help purify the land. Nagaraja agreed, and his serpents spread their venom, which neutralised the salt. The land became green and fertile again.

Parsuram used his strength not for himself but to help others. His axe became a symbol of his bravery and devotion to justice. He used it to destroy all the evil and unjust rulers who troubled the common men and women.

It is also said that a long time ago, there were many kings and warriors, whose duty was to protect people and follow dharma (righteousness). But as time passed, some of them became greedy and cruel. They started troubling the poor, taking away their lands and wealth.

The people cried for help. Parshuram heard their cries and decided to take action. He said, “Those who misuse their power must be taught a lesson.”

He defeated the evil kings with his axe and helped the people. This made Bhagwan Shiv extremely happy with Parshurama!

When the priest finished telling stories of courage, bravery, and righteousness to the people of the village, all were very happy. The children clapped and went home excited and inspired to become brave and righteous like Bhagwan Parshuram.

So, children, we should always use our powers in a good way to help others in distress. Being devoted to God, like Bhagwan Parshurama, helps us always do what is right.