Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.16.6
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesParaśurāma Knew His Father’s Power
“Jamadagni then ordered his youngest son, Paraśurāma, to kill his brothers, who had disobeyed this order, and his mother, who had mentally committed adultery. Lord Paraśurāma, knowing the power of his father, who was practiced in meditation and austerity, killed his mother and brothers immediately.”
What the purport teaches
- Jamadagni ordered Paraśurāma to kill his mother and his disobedient brothers, and Paraśurāma immediately carried out the order.
- The purport emphasizes prabhāva-jñaḥ: Paraśurāma knew his father’s power, gained through meditation and austerity. He thought that refusing the order would bring a curse.
- Paraśurāma was confident that his pleased father would grant a benediction. He intended to ask that his mother and brothers be brought back to life.
Try this today
Reread the purport and write down the specific knowledge on which Paraśurāma’s decision depended.
Ask yourself
How does Paraśurāma’s confidence that his family could be restored explain his action?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.