According to Hindu faith and mythology, Parshuram is believed to be the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Parshuram is also known as Rama Jamadagnya, Rama Bhargava, and Veerarama. Parshuram Jayanti is believed to be the birthday or appearance day of Lord Parshuram. Thus, Parshuram Jayanti is celebrated to worship the birth anniversary of the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The literal meaning of the Parshuram is Rama with an axe. Lord Vishnu descended on earth as Lord Parshuram to save it from the barbarity of Kshatriyas. His appearance was foretold when overwhelming evil prevailed on the earth. He corrected the equilibrium of the cosmos by destroying the Kshatriya warriors twenty-one times. Lord Parshuram stopped the abuse of power, brute force, and tyranny of Kshatriyas.
The very purpose of the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu is to exterminate the sinful, destructive, and irreligious monarchs that plagued the earth and its resources. Due to the ability to bring the balance of power, end evil and provide retribution, Lord Parshuram is worshiped on the birth anniversary of when Lord Parshuram appeared on earth as him.
When is Parshuram Jayanti celebrated?
Unlike all other avatars of Lord Vishnu, Lord Parshuram still lives on earth. It is believed that Lord Parshuram was born during Pradosh Kala and hence the day when the Tritiya prevails during Pradosh Kala is considered the Parshuram Jayanti celebration.
As per the Hindu calendar, it generally falls on the third day of Shukla paksha in Vaisakh. And according to the Gregorian calendar, this falls in either the month of April or May. The festival is celebrated with enthusiasm and zest throughout the country.
Traditional rituals of Parshuram Jayanti
Since it is believed that Lord Parshuram is immortal, he is not worshiped like other gods or goddesses. Thus, Lord Parshuram is worshiped through having a Laxmi Narayan puja where you can offer Tulsi, fruits, flowers, Chandan (sandalwood), and kumkum to lord Parshuram. This puja is performed to get abundance, prosperity, wealth, good luck, and happiness among many other things.
On the day of Parshuram Jayanti, people chant Vishnu Sahasranamam and sing devotional songs and mantras overnight. People devote themselves to soulful and calming chants and remember Parshuram on this occasion. Some devotees also keep a day-long fast to celebrate the pious occasion of Parshuram Jayanti. The fast start a day before and ends after sunset on Parshuram Jayanti.
Parshuram Jayanti coincides with Akshaya Tritiya, which too is a Hindu festival signifying the third day of unending prosperity. So, people also donate grains, clothes, and other items to Brahmins and the needy for good luck and prosperity.
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