Why did Parashurama not kill Janaka and Dasharatha?

September 2, 1998


Swami : Who is Parashuram?

Student : Son of Jamadagni.

Swami : (Pointing to one boy) Your brother Parashuram came to Kodaikanal.

Student : Yes, Swami.

Swami : What is the meaning of Parashu ? (Boys kept quiet) Parashu means axe. Parashurama means one who bears axe. What oath has he taken?

Student : Swami, to kill all Kshatriyas.

Swami : Why? A king killed his father. He took an oath to kill all Kshatriyas. Then why did he not kill Dasharatha and Janaka? They are also Kshatriyas. There were two conditions. He would not kill a king who is performing a Yagna or a person who is just married. When Parashurama arrived, Janaka was performing a Yagna and when he came Dasharatha he had just married Kaikeyi. So they were not killed.


Source: Students with Sai: Conversations (1991-2000)

No comments:

Post a Comment

Back to Top