Parshuram Jayanti: Celebrating the warrior sage and the sixth avatar of Vishnu

Parshuram Jayanti, an important Hindu festival, commemorates the birth of Lord Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

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It falls on Tritiya Tithi (third day) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaishakh, which usually aligns with April or May in the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, Parshuram Jayanti will be observed on Tuesday, April 29, coinciding with Akshaya Tritiya, a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. This day holds both spiritual and cultural significance and is celebrated with devotion across India, especially in states like Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

WHO IS LORD PARSHURAM? Lord Parshuram, also spelled as Parashurama, is one of the ten primary avatars of Lord Vishnu in Hindu tradition. His name translates to "Rama with the axe" (Parashu meaning axe), symbolizing his role as a divine warrior. He is depicted as a fierce, disciplined, and just figure who eradicated evil and restored Dharma (cosmic order). Parshuram was born to the sage Jamadagni and his wife Renuka, in the lineage of Bhrigu Rishi. Despite being a Brahmin (the priestly class), Parshuram took up arms and is thus considered a Brahma-Kshatriya—a rare combination of wisdom and valor. His life story revolves around duty, justice, penance, and divine mission.

LEGEND AND SIGNIFICANCE THE PURPOSE OF HIS INCARNATION Parshuram's birth is believed to be aimed at destroying corrupt and oppressive Kshatriyas (warrior kings) who had deviated from their path of righteousness. According to the Puranas, the Kshatriya class had become tyrannical, leading to the suffering of sages and common people. Vishnu incarnated as Parshuram to restore balance by eliminating the misuse of power.

It is said that Parshuram wiped out the Kshatriyas 21 times from the earth. However, his actions were not driven by revenge but by divine command and a sense of justice. His axe (Parashu), given to him by Lord Shiva after intense penance, became a symbol of retribution against evil.