Parashurama Takes the Axe in His Hand
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 272
Doha 275 · Movement 1 of 2
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Lakshmana says Parashurama has summoned Death by name through repeated provocation. The sage hears the harsh words and brings the terrible axe down from his shoulder into his hand.
Let no one blame him now. He spared the sharp-tongued prince because he was a child, but the boy has earned death. Vishwamitra intervenes, asking forgiveness and reminding him that saints do not weigh the faults of children.
Parashurama answers that his axe is sharp, his nature merciless, and the offender before him is an enemy of his guru. Only regard for Kaushika's character prevents the blow. Otherwise one stroke would end Lakshmana and repay the debt owed to Shiva. The assembly watches restraint narrow to a single name.
The axe leaves the shoulder, and only Vishwamitra's honour stands between its edge and Lakshmana.
Read the passage from the Manas
तुम्ह तौ कालु हाँक जनु लावा। बार बार मोहि लागि बोलावा।। सुनत लखन के बचन कठोरा। परसु सुधारि धरेउ कर घोरा।। अब जनि देइ दोसु मोहि लोगू। कटुबादी बालकु बधजोगू।। बाल बिलोकि बहुत मैं बाँचा। अब यहु मरनिहार भा साँचा।। कौसिक कहा छमिअ अपराधू। बाल दोष गुन गनहिं न साधू।। खर कुठार मैं अकरुन कोही। आगें अपराधी गुरुद्रोही।। उतर देत छोड़उँ बिनु मारें। केवल कौसिक सील तुम्हारें।। न त एहि काटि कुठार कठोरें। गुरहि उरिन होतेउँ श्रम थोरें।।
You have summoned Death itself, as though calling it by name. Again and again you have provoked me with your words. Hearing Lakshmana's harsh words, Parashurama gripped his terrible axe firmly in hand. 'Now let no one blame me, for this sharp-tongued boy deserves to die. Seeing him as a mere child, I have spared him many times. But now he has truly earned his death.' Vishvamitra said, 'Forgive this offense. Saints do not weigh the faults or virtues of children.' 'My axe is merciless and I am quick to anger. Before me stands an offender, an enemy of his own guru. I let him speak without striking him down only out of regard for your noble character, Kaushika. Otherwise, cutting him with this hard axe, I would have repaid my guru's debt with little effort.'