Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 8
Paraśurāma Avenges Jamadagni; Restoration Through Sacrifice; Viśvāmitra’s Line and Devarāta (Śunaḥśepha)
उत्तस्थुस्ते कुशलिनो निद्रापाय इवाञ्जसा । पितुर्विद्वांस्तपोवीर्यं रामश्चक्रे सुहृद्वधम् ॥ ८ ॥
uttasthus te kuśalino nidrāpāya ivāñjasā pitur vidvāṁs tapo-vīryaṁ rāmaś cakre suhṛd-vadham
Thereafter, by the benediction of Jamadagni, Lord Paraśurāma’s mother and brothers immediately came alive and were very happy, as if awakened from sound sleep. Lord Paraśurāma had killed his relatives in accordance with his father’s order because he was fully aware of his father’s power, austerity and learning.
FAQs
This verse highlights that Jamadagni’s tapas created extraordinary potency, and Paraśurāma acted with awareness of that spiritual power, showing tapasya’s real, consequential force in dharmic narratives.
In the chapter’s context, Paraśurāma executes a severe act tied to his father’s command and the unfolding dharmic conflict; the verse stresses he acted knowingly, mindful of Jamadagni’s ascetic potency and the gravity of the situation.
Spiritual discipline has tangible power, and actions taken under authority or duty should be approached with full awareness of consequences—never casually or thoughtlessly.