Thread by @varadadya

#storytime

A Tale from #Ramayana.

"When Raama met Parshuraama"

Mithila had witnessed the Divine wedding ceremony of Rama and Sita. It was a blessing to watch Rama and Sita together.

King Dasharatha was returning to Ayodhya, accompanied by his retinue.

On the way, there were some bad omens, a worried Dashratha asked Vashishta about it. Vashishta pacified him by asking him not to worry.

As Dashratha and Vashishta were conversing, there broke out a great storm.

Trees were uprooted and the earth quaked, a cloud of dust went up and hid the sun enveloping everything in its darkness.

Everyone was Terror Struck, however, after a while, they found out the reason for this mayhem.

There stood before them the awe-inspiring figure of PARASHURAMA, the sworn enemy of Kshatriyas, with a bow on one shoulder and battle-axe on another.

He held an arrow shining like lightning in one hand.

With his Matted locks gathered overhead, he looked like Rudra exulting in the destruction of Tripura. His face emitted flame-like radiance.

Brahmanas in Dashrathas retinue started talking amongst each other.

“Because his father was killed by a King, Parashurama vowed to finish the Kshatriya race. We dared to hope that his vengeful wrath had been quenched in the innumerable kings he has slain. Has he begun his cruel campaign again?”

However, they honoured him and welcomed him with customary traditions. They even offered him water and eatables from their side, while Dashratha, Vashishta and the entire entourage bowed to him in respect.

Parasurama addressed Rama “Son of Dashratha, I have heard of your prowess. I was somewhat surprised to learn that you strung the bow in King Janaka's court and that you drew the string till the bow broke. Here is my BOW, equal in all respects to the one you broke.

This is the BOW of VISHNU, which was entrusted to me by my father. If you are able to string this bow, you will be worthy of my Battle”

A worried Dashratha quickly jumped in and requested Parshurama to reconsider the offer.

Parshurama continued unperturbed “Vishwakarma made two exactly similar bows, one was for RUDRA & other was for VISHNU. What you broke in King Janaka's court belonged to RUDRA. Here is a bow belonging to VISHNU...

See, if you string this bow. If u do string this bow, I will honour you by fighting with you”

Parshurama spoke in a loud arrogant tone.

Shri Rama replied in his soft courteous voice “Son of Jamadagni, you have been vengeful because your father was killed by a King. I do not blame you for that. But, you cannot put me down as you did to others. Please give me your bow”

So saying, he took the bow and arrow from Parshurama. He stung the bow and setting the arrow to it, drew the string. Addressing Parshurama he said “The mighty Vaishnava arrow, placed on the string cannot be put back idly...

It must destroy something. Tell me, shall it destroy your powers of Locomotion, or would you rather have it take away fruits of your TAPAS?”

As the Son of Dasharatha stung the bow of Vishnu, the glory of Parshurama faded and no longer stood like a war-like conqueror.

His face had now subdued and softened to look like a Rishi.

Parshurama mildly replied “I realize who you are. I am not sorry that you have quenched my arrogance. Let all my TAPAS go to you. But because of my promise to Kaashyapa, I cannot remain in his domains.

I have to hurry back to Mahendra Mountains before the sunsets. Let me use my power of Locomotion for this single thing.

Subject to this, let the arrow which you have set to the bow consume all my power earned through TAPAS".

So saying, Parashurama went in reverent circumambulation (Pradakshina) around the Prince Shri Rama and Departed.

(Story source: RAMAYANA by C Rajagopalachari)

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