Parsurameswara

Parsurameswara is a notable Hindu deity, an avatar of Vishnu. He is particularly revered as the sixth avatar of Vishnu, appearing in the Treta Yuga. Parsurameswara is depicted as a warrior sage, wielding a battle axe, known as the Parashu, from which he derives his name. His stories often revolve around his quest to rid the earth of oppressive kshatriya rulers.

The legend states that King Kartavirya Arjuna destroyed a sacred tree and disrespected the sage Jamadagni, Parsurameswara's father. In a fit of rage and filial duty, Parsurameswara avenged his father by killing Kartavirya Arjuna and subsequently waging war against many kshatriyas. This divine retribution is a central theme in his mythology.

Parsurameswara is also associated with the creation of Kerala. According to one popular legend, he threw his axe from the Sahyadri mountains into the sea, causing the land of Kerala to rise. He is worshipped as a patron deity in many temples, particularly in South India. His iconography often shows him with a fierce countenance, symbolizing his righteous anger and his role as a protector of dharma. His legends are found in various Puranas and Hindu scriptures.