The Axe Lies Idle before a Living Enemy
Bala Kanda, Doha 279
Doha 279 · Movement 2 of 2
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Parashurama remembers the terror of his axe. Its dreadful movement has shaken royal houses so deeply that kings tremble at the sound and unborn heirs are lost within the womb.
Yet Lakshmana stands alive before him. The prince has mocked the weapon, challenged the warrior, and continued smiling, while the famous blade remains motionless in its master's hand.
For Parashurama, this restraint feels like an assault upon identity. The axe that made the earth kingless has not fallen upon one insolent youth. Compassion, regard for Vishwamitra, Ram's humility, and the sacred order of the assembly have bound the arm that armies could not stop. He sees the living enemy and experiences mercy as humiliation.
The terror of kings rests unused in his hand, while the smiling prince continues to breathe.
Read the passage from the Manas
गर्भ स्त्रवहिं अवनिप रवनि सुनि कुठार गति घोर। परसु अछत देखउँ जिअत बैरी भूपकिसोर।।279।।
Kings tremble and miscarry at the terrible roar of my axe. Yet here before my eyes, this enemy prince still lives, and my weapon lies idle.