Every year, the ISODHAN Foundation commemorates Parashurama Jayanti with great devotion and grandeur. The three-day celebration includes special abhishekam, yagnas, and other sacred rituals performed in accordance with the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition. Devotees from far and wide gather to participate in these ceremonies, chanting the Hari Nama of Lord Parashurama, who is revered as an eternal being (Chiranjeevi) and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

This auspicious occasion holds immense spiritual significance, as it marks the birth anniversary of Lord Parashurama, one of the ten incarnations (Dashavataras) of Lord Vishnu. Notably, it was with the Parashurama avatar that Lord Vishnu began taking birth in human form, symbolizing the divine’s deep connection with earthly existence. As a Chiranjeevi, Lord Parashurama continues to uphold dharma, ensuring righteousness.

Coinciding with Akshaya Tritiya, a powerful and sacred day in Vedic culture, Parashurama Jayanti is believed to be a time when all wishes and desires of devotees are fulfilled. Worshipping Lord Parashurama on this day is said to open the path to moksha marga, the ultimate liberation in human life.

ABHISHEKAM TO LORD PARASHURAMA

Abhishekam is the ceremonial bathing of the deity, signifying purification and devotion. On Parashurama Jayanthi, Lord Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, is honored through Abhishekam to his idol or image. Various sacred substances like milk, honey, curd, ghee, coconut water, turmeric paste, and sandalwood paste are used during the Abhishekam. Each offering holds spiritual significance:

• Milk symbolizes purity and peace.
• Honey represents sweetness and harmony in life.
• Ghee signifies nourishment and light.
• Coconut water symbolizes cleansing and removal of negativity.
• Turmeric paste represents protection, auspiciousness, and the removal of impurities.
• Sandalwood paste signifies cooling, peace, and divine grace.

Mantras dedicated to Lord Parashurama, especially those invoking Vishnu's incarnations, are chanted during this process, purifying the devotees and invoking divine blessings.

YAGAM TO LORD PARASHURAMA

Yagam for Parashurama Jayanthi

Yagam (Yajna) is a sacred Vedic fire ritual performed to honor the divine and seek spiritual upliftment. On Parashurama Jayanthi, a special Parashurama Homam or Vishnu Yagam is performed to:

1. Appease Lord Parashurama and Lord Vishnu.
2. Invoke protection and courage in life.
3. Cleanse karmic burdens and negative energies.
4. 1. The yagam involves offerings such as ghee, herbs, and samith (holy sticks) to the sacred fire.
   2. The chanting of Purusha Suktam, Vishnu Sahasranamam, and specific Parashurama mantras intensifies the ritual’s spiritual power.
   3. Devotees meditate on Parashurama's valor, humility, and role in restoring dharma.

Yagam concludes with the Purnahuti, symbolizing the completion of the sacred fire offering and the blessings of Lord Parashurama for spiritual and worldly prosperity.

SPECIAL POOJA TO LORD PARASHURAMA

Special poojas are performed on this auspicious day to commemorate the birth of Parashurama, the warrior-sage. The pooja involves:

1. Alankaram (decorating the idol or image of Parashurama) with fresh flowers, garlands, and sandalwood paste.
2. Parashurama Puja: Since Parashurama is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, traditional Vishnu pooja with Tulsi leaves and Vishnu Sahasranamam is performed.
3. Archana: Devotees chant the 1008 names of Lord Parashurama, highlighting his qualities such as strength, devotion, and upholder of dharma.
4. Offerings: Naivedyam of traditional dishes like Pongal, fruits, and sweets are prepared and offered to the Lord.
5. Parayana: Devotees recite the Parashurama Stotra or relevant sections of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, where Parashurama plays a vital role.

The pooja ends with Aarti, distributing prasadam to devotees, and reflecting on Parashurama's unwavering dedication to dharma and justice.

Ashtottara Sata Kalasa Abhishekam

Why Perform Ashtottara Shata Kalasha Abhishekam for Lord Parashurama?

• Lord Parashurama is the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, known for his penance, divine power, and protection of dharma.
• Performing 108 Kalasha Abhishekam for him brings strength, courage, success, and removal of negative karma.
• It is especially auspicious on Akshaya Tritiya, Parashurama Jayanti, and during Guru Dasha or Mangal Dasha in astrology.