Host:
Gurudev, viewers, welcome to the Gupta Sadhak Shyamakhepa 2.0 channel. We have been discussing the ten avatars (Dashavatara) of Lord Narayan, dedicating an episode to each. So far, Gurudev has told us about the first five avatars. Today, he will speak about the sixth avatar. You can find the link to this entire series on Narayan's Dashavatara in the description box below. As I've mentioned before, you can also watch these on Facebook and Instagram. Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well and chanting the Holy Name (Harinam).
Host:
I will come to Gurudev now. Gurudev, you have told us about the first five avatars. Today, we would like to learn a little from you about Narayan's sixth avatar, Lord Parashurama.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
As you know, the sixth of Narayan's ten avatars is Parashurama. His father was Jamadagni, and his mother was Renuka. He was born from Renuka's womb and sired by Jamadagni. Both parents were incredibly powerful, especially Jamadagni, who was immensely strong. Anyway, Parashurama was a Brahmin-Kshatriya. He performed severe penance to satisfy Lord Mahadev (Shiva). By pleasing Mahadev, he received an axe (Parashu). That axe, which is his most powerful weapon, was a gift from Mahadev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
He annihilated the Kshatriyas 21 times. Among them, Kartavirya Arjuna was a terrifying king. Slaying Kartavirya was no easy task, but Parashurama defeated him. After wiping out the Kshatriya lineage 21 times, he vowed that he would leave no Kshatriya alive on earth.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
However, there is a startling incident. Once, Mother Renuka went to bathe in the Ganges. There, she had a momentary interaction with a man/sage. Jamadagni, sitting at home, sensed this—they were all-knowing, after all. He called Parashurama and said, "I have a task for you."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Parashurama asked, "What is the task?"
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
His father replied, "You must slay your mother. You have to behead her."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Shocked, Parashurama said, "What are you saying? How can I kill my mother?"
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Jamadagni replied, "Do as I say to fulfill your duty to your father. I command you to kill your mother, as she entertained thoughts of another man."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Hearing this, Parashurama was furious, but as his mother approached, he struck her neck with his axe and beheaded her. Immediately after, he broke down completely. He went back to his father and said, "Father, obeying your command, I have killed my mother. I will certainly have to suffer the consequences of this. But you know many mantras. Please chant a mantra so that my mother comes back to life."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
His father said, "Alright, since you listened to me and carried out my order, I will listen to you. I will bring her back to life."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This is a true incident that occurred in Parashurama's life.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Parashurama exists as an avatar in all four Yugas. Just think about the Kurukshetra war—he was the guru of three legendary warriors: Bhishma, Drona, and Karna. Imagine just how incredibly powerful he must have been! Anyway, ultimately, he restored his mother's life, and Jamadagni was assured of his son's devotion. After that, he set out to eliminate the Kshatriyas. He first killed the terrifying Kartavirya, and then went on to annihilate the Kshatriyas 21 times. By the blessing of Lord Narayan and Lord Krishna, he attained immortality. He is present across all four Yugas—Satya, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali—and he is still alive today.
Host:
So, even in this Kali Yuga, Parashurama is still present?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. In South India, along the coastal regions of Kerala and the Konkan coast, there is a place where he saved the land from the sea. That is why there is a place called 'Parashurama Kshetra' (The Land of Parashurama) there.
Host:
Right, right, right.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, it is called Parashurama Kshetra. There isn't much else to add, but as a warrior, he was fearsome. He received his boons through the worship of Lord Shiva, and he is Lord Narayan himself. As the sixth avatar, he is still alive and will remain so for eternity. It is said that he will remain awake until the final day of the Kurukshetra war is completed. By Krishna's blessing, there is still one day of that war left. That future battle will be terrifying, and it will be fought alongside the Kalki avatar. Only after that will they depart from this earth. I cannot say what is entirely true or false, but it is said that he is alive now and will remain alive until that final day of the war concludes.
Host:
So, you just heard from Gurudev about Narayan's sixth avatar, Parashurama. We will return with another avatar in the next episode. As always, I will request Gurudev to conclude the episode with the Harinam Sankirtan (chanting of the Holy Name).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Absolutely, I will end with the Harinam Sankirtan.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare.
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare.
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare.
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Harinam is the only way. Harinamai Kevalam. As the scriptures say, "Kalau Nastyeva, Nastyeva, Nastyeva"—in Kali Yuga, there is no other way. In this era, no deities will speak to you or accept elaborate worship. Only one path remains open: Harinam Sankirtan. This is the ultimate mantra now—just chant the Holy Name. Nothing else is needed. There is no need for extensive rituals or deity worship because the deities are slowly becoming invisible and departing from the earth. Only the Harinam Sankirtan will remain.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare.
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
These 16 words and 32 syllables are all that will remain. The deities will no longer speak; this was foretold long ago. I am saying it again: elaborate rituals are not required. Only one path is open: chant the Harinam. As it is said, "Kalau Nastyeva Nastyeva Nastyeva"—in Kali Yuga, there is absolutely no other path. Everyone, please chant this Harinam. Stay healthy, stay well.
Host:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.