Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 17
Paraśurāma Avenges Jamadagni; Restoration Through Sacrifice; Viśvāmitra’s Line and Devarāta (Śunaḥśepha)
गत्वा माहिष्मतीं रामो ब्रह्मघ्नविहतश्रियम् । तेषां स शीर्षभी राजन् मध्ये चक्रे महागिरिम् ॥ १७ ॥
gatvā māhiṣmatīṁ rāmo brahma-ghna-vihata-śriyam teṣāṁ sa śīrṣabhī rājan madhye cakre mahā-girim
Oh rey, Paraśurāma fue a Māhiṣmatī, ya privada de su esplendor por el pecado de matar a un brāhmaṇa; en medio de la ciudad levantó una gran montaña con las cabezas cercenadas de los hijos de Kārtavīryārjuna.
FAQs
This verse states that Māhiṣmatī’s prosperity was ruined due to brahmahatyā, highlighting that violence against brāhmaṇas destroys a kingdom’s auspiciousness and spiritual merit.
In this narrative, Paraśurāma targets the Kṣatriyas responsible for grave wrongdoing; he goes to Māhiṣmatī—linked to brāhmaṇa-slaughter—and punishes them, demonstrating karmic consequence and the restoration of dharma.
The verse teaches that harming the innocent and disrespecting spiritual integrity leads to the fall of prosperity; protecting dharma, honoring genuine wisdom, and avoiding cruelty sustains true well-being.