1. Parashurama is an Ansha Avatar of Vishnu
Unlike Rama, Krishna, or Narasimha, who are Purna Avatars (complete incarnations) of Vishnu, Parashurama is an Ansha Avatar, meaning a partial incarnation who manifested to fulfill a specific purpose—eliminating arrogant and tyrannical Kshatriyas.
2. Parashurama Beheaded His Own Mother
Once, Sage Jamadagni, his father, ordered Parashurama to behead his mother, Renuka, as a test of obedience. Without hesitation, he complied. Later, when his father offered him a boon, he asked for his mother’s resurrection, which was granted.
3. His Real Name Was Rama
Parashurama’s original name was Rama. Since he was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and received an infallible axe (Parashu) as a divine gift, he became known as Parashurama (Rama with an axe).
4. He Wiped Out Kshatriyas 21 Times
To rid the earth of tyrannical rulers, Parashurama annihilated Kshatriya clans 21 times.
5. Kartavirya Arjuna Once Defeated Parashurama
Kartavirya Arjuna, a powerful Kshatriya king with a divine boon, once rendered Parashurama unconscious in battle. Lord Shiva had to revive him. However, Parashurama eventually killed Kartavirya Arjuna with his axe.
6. Lord Rama Took Away His Vishnu Tattva
During Mata Sita’s swayamvara, Parashurama was astonished when Lord Rama broke the divine bow of Shiva. Upon realizing Rama’s supreme cosmic form, he acknowledged him as Vishnu’s complete incarnation. Later, Lord Rama used the Vaishnavastra to absorb Parashurama’s Vishnu energy, as he had become arrogant.
7. Guru of Bhishma, Drona, and Karna
Parashurama trained three key figures of the Mahabharata—Bhishma, Drona, and Karna—in warfare and divine weapons.
8. His Battle with Bhishma Lasted 21 Days
Parashurama and Bhishma fought an intense battle for 21 days, but neither could claim victory. Bhishma was about to use Praswapastra (a weapon inducing deep slumber) against his guru, but Narada stopped him to prevent insult. Parashurama then admitted his inability to counter the weapon. Lord Brahma declared that Bhishma would eventually be defeated by Arjuna.
9. Parashurama’s Curse on Karna Didn’t Work
It is widely believed that Parashurama cursed Karna to forget the Brahmastra at a crucial moment. However, lesser known is the fact that this curse did not actually take effect.
10. Parashurama Is a Chiranjeevi (Immortal)
Unlike most avatars of Vishnu, Parashurama is immortal and is said to still reside on Earth, meditating in Mahendragiri.
11. He Will Be the Guru of Lord Kalki
At the end of Kali Yuga, Parashurama will return as the preceptor of Lord Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu, and train him in warfare.
These lesser-known facts highlight the unique role of Parashurama in Hindu mythology as a warrior, guru, and immortal sage.
