The prime purpose of Rama avatar is the killing of Ravana and the establishing of the rule of righteousness. Ravana’s boon gives him total protection from all forces except human beings. Hence Rama incarnates and lives as a human being to vanquish the mighty Ravana. Since Rama limits His infinite powers within the human frame it is shown that He gains extra powers from others such as Vishwamitra and Agastya to augment His valour. In this context, the confrontation with Parasurama, also believed to be an incarnation of the Lord, becomes significant, pointed out Sri Keeranur Ramamurthy in a discourse.
Dasaratha’s retinue is on the way to Ayodhya after the wedding of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna with the daughters of Janaka. A great flurry sweeps across the jubilant group and .Dasaratha perceives ill omens. But Vasishtareassures him that there is no need to worry.
He stands before them, an awe-inspiring figure, with a bow on one shoulder, a battle axe on the other, and with an arrow shining like lightning in his hand. Having heard about Rama’s breaking Siva’s bow in Janaka’s court to win Sita’s hand, Parasurama asks Rama to string the bow of Vishnu that is in his possession. Though Dasaratha is anxious about Parasurama’s presence, Rama remains unperturbed.
Rama easily strings Vishnu’s bow and asks Parasurama for a suitable target for the powerful arrow that is ready to hit its aim. Parasurama recognises Rama’s divinity and prays that he should be granted permission to go back to Mahendra mountain.
