Parashurama performing penance and propitiating Lord Shiva

Himavan: Parashurama performing penance and propitiating Lord Shiva:

(Brahmanda Purana - 22 to 24)

Lord Parashurama

• Meditation: I meditate on the Parashurama Avatara of Lord Vishnu.

• Himavan - Parashurama performing penance in Himavan: Parashurama went to the Himavan mountain after crossing many countries, mountains, rivers and forests. He stayed in the hermitages of sages on the way or at the holy places and shrines. After reaching the splendid mountain capped with snow and with beautiful forests, Parashurama started climbing the mountain with great joy. He moved about in the forests and caves of the mountain for a long time scrutinizing various spots. Parashurama then reached a beautiful lake with pure water which was beautified by lotuses and swans and other birds. Parashurama created a spacious hermitage on its banks and decided to perform penance there. Parashurama performed penance there following the path initiated by sage Bhrigu. He sustained himself on roots and fruits. He has perfect control of his sense organs. He kept his mind on Lord Shiva and was endowed with great devotion. He performed penance for a long time with steady mind performing pranayama, pratyahara and dharana. He had the vision of the Lord during his meditation and repeating the mantras remained motionless like a steady lamp. He then meditated on the nishkala form of the Lord and had the feeling that "I am He".
(Brahmanda Purana - 22)

• Great sages meeting Parashurama: The great sages like Bhrigu, Atri, Kratu, Jabali, Vamadeva and Mrikandu, who had got rid of their sins through penance, knowing that Parashurama was performing penance in a lonely spot and had attained perfect concentration on Lord Shiva, went to his hermitage and met him. They praised his arduous penance.
(Brahmanda Purana - 23)

• Lord Shiva testing Parashurama: Lord Shiva was pleased with the penance of Parashurama and came there to test him in the guise of a hunter. The hunter was carrying bow and arrows, and flesh dripping with blood. He told Parashurama that he was the master of that land. Parashurama told him to go else where since his presence would disturb his penance. The hunter refused to go and told Parashurama that he may leave the place if he does not like him. Parashurama then became angry and said that he was a sinner killing other animals and hence despised by people. The hunter replied that he kills animals only to sustain his family, but Parashurama had killed his own mother and still calls himself sinless. Listening to his wise words filled with great clarity, and the beauty of his form (even though in the guise of a hunter), Parashurama understood that he was no ordinary person. Parashurama prayed to him to reveal his true form by bowing down to him several times.
(Brahmanda Purana - 23 to 24)

• Parashurama getting the vision of Lord Shiva: Then Parashurama sat down in meditation and contemplated on the Lord within his heart. With his inner eye, he saw the Lord in the guise of a hunter. Parashurama got up quickly and opened his eyes. He saw the Lord standing before him. His hairs stood on its end and his eyes were filled with the tears of delight. With choking voice, Parashurama eulogized Lord Shiva.
(Brahmanda Purana - 24)

• Lord Shiva directing Parashurama to visit holy places: Lord Shiva said that he knows his wish and would grant him those things. However, he still does not have adequate power to grasp the weapons and would require more penance. Therefore, he should visit holy places of the earth and take holy bath there. In due course, he will acquire the weapons. Saying this, Lord Shiva disappeared.
(Brahmanda Purana - 24)

Bharatavarsha - The Land of Gods and Sages:

• Stotras

• Scriptures

• Pilgrimages - by Groups - by Deities - by States - by Geography

• Sacred Geography - Mountains - Rivers

• Festivals

• Sages - Hermitages - Penances

• Saints - Ramakrishna - Vivekananda - Ramana

• Sadhana

• Sanskrit

• Nature

• Arts and Sciences

• Bharatavarsha - Puranic History - Puranic Lineage