Parshurama and Kartavirya Arjuna

Story

Once, a wise sage named Jamadagni, the father of Bhagwan Parshurama, had a magical cow named Surabhi, also called Kaamdhenu. She could give unlimited food and milk, which the sage used to help others and perform his prayers.

One day, King Kartavirya Arjuna, a powerful but proud ruler, visited the sage’s home with his army. With the help of the divine cow, Jamadagni served the king and his army.

He served all the delicious dishes and necessities to his guests, making them fully satisfied.

Kartavirya Arjuna thought that Jamadagni was more powerful than he was because he possessed the magical cow. Therefore, he wanted to take the cow from Jamadagni. The king, amazed by Kaamdhenu's powers, demanded the cow for himself. But Jamadagni refused, saying he needed her for his prayers and helping others. On this, the king got angry and sent his soldiers to take the cow by force.

Kartavirya forcibly took Kamadhenu and destroyed the peaceful hermitage (Aashram). The king’s men took the crying Kamadhenu and his calf to Haihayas, their home.

Later, when Parshuram returned home and saw the destruction, he was very angry. His father narrated what had happened, and Parashurama got furious and decided to go to Haihayas. When he reached, he saw Kamadhenu, tied up and crying. He went and embraced the cow.

Parshurama rescued the cow by defeating Kartavirya. He brought back Kamadhenu to his father’s ashram, which made his father proud of him.

But the story didn't end there. The king's sons were very angry. While Parashurama was away, they attacked the sage’s home and hurt Jamadagni badly. When Parashurama returned, he saw his mother crying. She told him what had happened and beat her chest 21 times in sorrow.

Filled with sadness and anger, Parashurama vowed to make the world a better place by punishing all the cruel rulers. He travelled across the land 21 times, teaching lessons to the wicked and helping the good.

In the end, Parashurama performed a great sacrifice and gave away all the land he had to wise priests, showing that true strength comes from kindness, not just by showing power.

So, children, from this story we learn that we should never be envious of anyone else’s possessions. True strength lies in using power responsibly and upholding righteousness with courage and compassion.