Parasurama Demands Rama Prove Himself

Parasurama challenges Rama's prowess after breaking Shiva's bow. King Dasharatha pleads for peace as the saga of two divine bows unfolds, revealing ancient conflicts and celestial rivalries. 

Parasurama's Arrival and Challenge (1.75.1 - 1.75.4)

Parasurama, ignoring King Dasharatha, addressed Rama directly:

"O Rama, son of Dasharatha, I've heard about your extraordinary strength and how you broke Shiva's bow. This astonishing feat is beyond imagination. Upon hearing this, I've brought another auspicious bow."

He continued, "This mighty bow, obtained through Jamadagni (my father), appears dreadful. Show your prowess by fixing an arrow to it. After witnessing your strength in stringing this bow, I shall engage you in a duel to test your acclaimed prowess."

Dasharatha's Plea (1.75.5 - 1.75.9)

King Dasharatha, hearing these words, became dejected. With a sorrowful face and folded hands, he humbly pleaded:

"O great sage, you've calmed your anger against Kshatriyas and are now a renowned Brahmana (priest class). Please assure the safety of my young sons. You were born in the family of Bhargavas, known for their Vedic studies and vow observance. You promised Indra (the king of gods) to renounce arms."

Dasharatha continued, "You, devoted to righteousness, gave this earth to Kashyapa and retired to the Mahendra mountain. O great ascetic, have you come here for our total destruction? If Rama is killed, none of us will survive."

The Tale of Two Divine Bows (1.75.10 - 1.75.19)

Ignoring Dasharatha's words, Parasurama addressed Rama:

"There are two excellent celestial bows renowned throughout the worlds. Vishwakarma (the divine architect) crafted them to be sturdy and powerful. One bow belonged to Shiva, which you've now broken. The second, equally powerful, belonged to Vishnu."

Parasurama explained the history of these bows:

• The gods once sought to determine the strengths of Shiva and Vishnu.

• Brahma (the creator god) instigated a conflict between them.

• In the ensuing battle, Vishnu's 'Humkara' (war cry) stretched Shiva's bow.

• This left Shiva motionless.

• The gods and sages then acknowledged Vishnu as superior.

The History of the Bows (1.75.20 - 1.75.28)

Parasurama continued his tale:

• The enraged Shiva gave his bow to King Devarata in Videha.

• Vishnu entrusted his bow to Richika of the Bhrigu race.

• Richika passed it to Jamadagni, Parasurama's father.

• Kartavirya Arjuna killed Jamadagni.

• This led Parasurama to decimate the Kshatriya race multiple times.

• After conquering the earth, Parasurama gave it to the sage Kashyapa.

• He then retired to Mount Mahendra.

Parasurama concluded, "O mighty Rama, when I heard you broke the bow, I came here quickly. Now, respecting the duties of a Kshatriya, take this excellent bow of Vishnu, inherited from my ancestors. If you can string it and fix an arrow, I shall engage you in a duel."

Thus ends the Seventy Fifth sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.