Parashurama Turns His Fury upon Ram
Bala Kanda, Doha 280
Doha 280 · Movement 2 of 2
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Unable to make Lakshmana tremble and unable to release the axe, Parashurama turns toward Ram. Rage that has circled the younger brother now seeks the one who actually broke Shiva's bow.
You shattered the weapon, he says, yet presume to counsel me. Ram's humility appears not as peace but as a further offence, an attempt by the culprit to instruct the injured guardian.
The accusation changes the centre of the confrontation. Until now Lakshmana's speech carried its sharpest movement. He has fallen silent beside the guru. Ram remains with folded hands, ready to receive the full force that his gentleness has delayed. The sage finally addresses breaker rather than defender.
With Lakshmana silent, the wrath of the axe-bearer comes at last to rest upon Ram.
Read the passage from the Manas
परसुरामु तब राम प्रति बोले उर अति क्रोधु। संभु सरासनु तोरि सठ करसि हमार प्रबोधु।।280।।
Then Parashurama, his heart burning with rage, spoke to Rama: 'You fool! You have broken Shiva's bow, and yet you presume to counsel me!'