Bhagwan Parshuram: Avatar of Vishnu

Commemorative Postage Stamp Honours Bhagwan Parshuram – The Warrior Sage of Ancient India

Ancient India is remembered for its great sages, warriors, and reformers who placed Dharma (righteousness) and the welfare of society above personal gain. Among these towering figures is Bhagwan Parshuram, revered as the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and celebrated as the eternal warrior sage. In Indian philosophy, the concept of Avatar symbolizes hope, renewal, and divine intervention for the betterment of humanity—and Parshuram’s life embodies this belief.

Life and Legacy of Bhagwan Parshuram

Born in the Treta Yuga to Sage Jamadagni and Renuka in a Brahmin family, Parshuram was destined to uphold Dharma and restore balance in society. Known for his unparalleled skills in warfare and deep sense of justice, he lived a life dedicated to righteousness. He is believed to have performed the Ashwamedha Yagna, giving away all his possessions to the presiding priest, symbolizing his detachment from material wealth.

Parshuram holds an enduring place in the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. He was the guru to legendary warriors like Bhishma, Dronacharya, and Karna. To Karna, he imparted the knowledge of the powerful Brahmastra but also cursed him, foreseeing his alignment with Duryodhana in the Kurukshetra war—showcasing Parshuram’s uncompromising love for truth and Dharma.

His mission was to free the earth of corrupt and unjust rulers who strayed from their responsibilities. Armed with his bow, arrows, and the divine axe bestowed by Lord Shiva after intense penance, Parshuram stood as the protector of righteousness.

Worship and Temples of Parshuram

Bhagwan Parshuram’s presence is deeply rooted in India’s cultural and religious landscape. Temples dedicated to him are found across the country, especially along the western coast of India—from Bharuch in Gujarat to Kerala.

• In Pajaka, near Udupi (Karnataka), a sacred temple marks his legacy.
• In Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri, Parshuram is venerated as the creator of the Konkan coast, often referred to as Parshuram Bhoomi.
• Temples in Shivpuri (Maharashtra) and Songadh (Gujarat) also preserve his spiritual presence.

Legends narrate how Parshuram reclaimed land from the sea, gifting the Konkan region to his followers, further cementing his place as a reformer and protector of people.

Values and Teachings

Bhagwan Parshuram’s life reflects values of courage, fairness, empathy, objectivity, and unwavering resolve. He believed in reverence for truth and qualities of character, not birth-based privileges. For him, Dharma was supreme, and he stood against anyone who violated societal codes of conduct.

Through his life and actions, Parshuram taught humanity that justice and righteousness must always prevail, even in the face of great adversity.

Parshuram Jayanti

Every year, Parshuram Jayanti is celebrated on Akshaya Tritiya (May), marking his birth and the dawn of the Treta Yuga. The day is considered highly auspicious, as good deeds performed on Akshaya Tritiya are believed to last forever. Devotees observe the day with fasting, prayers, and satsangs, seeking spiritual growth and inner strength.

The Commemorative Stamp

To honour his legacy, the Department of Posts has issued a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Bhagwan Parshuram. This stamp celebrates his role as the eternal warrior sage, whose teachings of righteousness, fairness, and objectivity remain an inspiration for generations.

For philatelists, this stamp is not just a collectible but also a reminder of India’s timeless heritage and the enduring values that continue to guide humanity.