Parshuram Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Parshuram Jayanti falls during the Shukla Paksha Tritiya in the Hindu month of Vaishakha. Parshuram Jayanti 2019 falls on May 7. According to beliefs, Parashurama was born during Pradosh Kala hence on Tritiya during Pradosh Kala, Parshuram Jayanti is observed. According to Hindu scriptures, the purpose of Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu is to relieve the Earth's burden by eradicating sinful and irreligious monarchs who did not fulfil the duties meant for them.

According to the Hindu beliefs, unlike other avatars of Vishnu, Parashurama still lives on the Earth. Some Hindu texts refer to as Parashurama as Rama Jamadagnya, Rama Bhargava and Veerarama. This day also celebrates Akshaya Tritiya which is considered auspicious for new beginnings. Akshaya Tritiya 2019 Date and Time: When Is Shubh Muhurat to Buy Gold and Silver on Akha Teej This Year.

Parshuram Jayanti significance

According to the legend associated with Parshuram Jayanti, Mahishmati Nagri, a region in central India was ruled by the demon king Kiratarjuna. As his evil deeds prospered, Goddess Earth asked Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu said he would be born as a son to Renuka and Sage Jamadagni and destroy the kingdom from the evil ruler. Vishnu thus reincarnated as the great warrior Parshurama and defeated the king, bringing back peace. This day holds special religious significance among Hindus. Devotees of Parashurama fast from the night before to the day of Parshuram Jayanti.

Parshuram Jayanti Muhurat

Tritiya Tithi Begins = 05:47 on May 7, 2019

Tritiya Tithi Ends = 04:47 on May 8, 2019

Parashurama is widely worshipped in South India where also exists a temple at the holy place of Pajaka near Udupi. Parashurama temples are also present on the western coast of India. According to the Kalki Purana, Parashurama will be the martial guru of Shri Kalki, which is the 10th and final Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

According to Hindu scriptures, the word Parasu means 'axe' in Sanskrit and hence the name Parasurama means 'Ram with Axe'. According to Hindu mythology, the state of Kerala was created by Parasuram. Stories suggest that Kerala was created by Parasuram after he was blessed by Varuna - the God of the Oceans and Bhumidevi - Goddess of Earth. After sitting in meditation at Gokarnam he reached Kanyakumari from where he threw an axe northward across the ocean. The place where the axe landed emerged a place which was named as Kerala. According to the Puranas, Kerala is also known as Parasurama Kshetram, ie., 'The Land of Parasurama', as he reclaimed the land from the sea.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 07, 2019 09:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).