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Parasurama

Parasurama, also spelled Parashurama, is a major figure in Hinduism traditionally regarded as the sixth avatar of the god Vishnu. He is depicted as a warrior sage who wields an axe, the parashu, and who embodies the fusion of ascetic discipline with martial valor. In many traditions he appears in legends set in the Treta Yuga.

Birth and legend describe Parasurama as the son of the sage Jamadagni and his wife Renuka. He

Key episodes in his myth include conflicts with Kshatriya rulers. In some accounts, Kartavirya Arjuna, a powerful

Creation of land from the sea is a prominent folktale associated with Parasurama. In these legends, he

Parasurama is venerated in various Hindu traditions and is recognized as an avatar of Vishnu in many

is
often
portrayed
as
a
Brahmin
who
takes
up
arms
to
defend
dharma.
He
is
associated
with
intense
ascetic
practices
and
is
one
of
the
few
avatars
to
carry
a
weapon
of
immense
power,
the
axe,
which
becomes
emblematic
of
his
name
and
role.
king
who
plundered
Jamadagni’s
hermitage
and
the
divine
cow
Kamadhenu,
is
slain
by
Parasurama
in
retaliation.
The
tales
emphasize
themes
of
filial
piety,
dharma,
and
the
consequences
of
power
misused
by
rulers,
with
Parasurama
sometimes
portrayed
as
restoring
balance
through
decisive
action.
throws
his
axe
from
the
southern
tip
of
India,
and
the
sea
withdraws
to
reveal
land
along
the
western
coast,
traditionally
linked
to
the
region
of
Kerala.
The
myth
is
a
foundational
part
of
Malabar
folklore
and
regional
identity.
lists
of
the
Dashavatara.
His
legend
continues
to
influence
devotional
practices,
temple
traditions,
and
cultural
motifs
in
parts
of
India.