Parashuram : the ascetic warrior

Chapter 14 : Parashuraam's Pilgrimage Adventure

Raam very happy to have his father's boon,

To have his mother back from death so soon,

Hastily went to keep his weapons,

Rest at home after long beckons.

His axe got stuck in his hand,

Throughout his body ran ailment grand.

Problem in breathing and chest-pain,

Mother's murder's sin his gain.

Parashuraam could not understand a thing,

Why miserable feeling filled his being.

The weight of axe weighed on him,

Great uneasiness to the brim.

His soul tormented for reason unknown,

All peace of mind at once blown.

His anxiety to Jamadagni he reported.

"Mother-murder sin made your body raid.

This sin doesn't go that easily,

You are in a big fix really.

This is a matter of great concern,

Abiding my order your sin you earn.

You will be living dead,

Nothing will come to your aid.

I don't know it's remedy,

For tough life be ready.

Have meal once a day,

Keep bad thoughts at bay.

Control your body and mind,

Peace in heart you will find.

Live likewise throughout a year,

Till that long meekness you bear.

Quit demand for respect,

Quit ego and it's aspect.

Wear matted hair on head,

Visit all holy places made.

Then visit Koshal, my son,

Vishnujashaa you call on.

He is a braahman, very famous,

He will help you to come out of fuss."

Parashuraam did not delay,

For pilgrimage went away.

Gayaa-Gangaa-Vaaraanasee he visited,

To do away the great sin prohibited.

Then he visited Pravaas the holy place,

To make his downed spirit raise.

Then visited Haridwaar the great heart,

With the suffocation ready to part.

Quickly moved to Badarikaashram,

Maan-Lake he went wherefrom.

At Bindukshetra Bindusar he travelled,

Along the way, always, his heart wailed.

For all the holy places falling in North

Bhaargav rapidly paced forth.

Daawarakaa and others in the West

To God he became his bequest.