Shloka 1
Rāma–Jāmadagnya-janma-kāraṇa and Kṣatra-kṣaya
Paraśurāma’s origins and the depletion/restoration of kṣatriya lineages
र: अ2 एकोनपज्चाशत्तमो<5्ध्याय: परशुरामजीके उपाख्यानमें क्षत्रियोंक विनाश और पुन: उत्पन्न होनेकी कथा वायुदेव उवाच शृणु कौन्तेय रामस्य प्रभावो यो मया श्रुत: । महर्षीणां कथयतां विक्रमं तस्य जन्म च
Vāyudeva uvāca: Śṛṇu Kaunteya Rāmasya prabhāvo yo mayā śrutaḥ | Maharṣīṇāṁ kathayatāṁ vikramaṁ tasya janma ca ||
Vāyudeva sprach: „Höre, o Sohn der Kuntī. Ich will dir berichten, was ich—aus dem Mund großer ṛṣis—über Rāma (Paraśurāma) vernommen habe: seine außerordentliche Macht, seine Heldentaten und die Kunde von seiner Geburt.“
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames ethical-historical instruction as reliable when received through a lineage of sages: one should listen attentively to accounts of exemplary power and conduct, because such narratives illuminate dharma, the consequences of violence, and the responsibilities tied to social roles.
Vāyudeva begins an account about Paraśurāma, stating that he will narrate—based on what he heard from great seers—Paraśurāma’s extraordinary power, heroic exploits, and birth, introducing the upcoming episode about the destruction and re-emergence of kṣatriyas.