The Wrath of Parashurama

When Ram broke the Pinak during Sita's swayamvar, it caused an explosive sound that drew the attention of Lord Parashuram, the son of Sage Jamadagni. Parashurama, born a Brahmin, was the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu and had cleansed the world of Kshatriyas twenty-one times. He was livid when he realized someone had broken the Pinak. He stormed into Emperor Janaka's court with a bow in one hand and an axe in the other. All the kings and princes there were afraid of his wrath.

"O, foolish Janaka," yelled Parashurama. "Which wicked person dared to break the Pinaka? Present him to me, or I will destroy your kingdom."

Out of reverence and fear, Janaka remained silent. The other people at the gathering also remained quiet. Rama stepped forward, joined his hands, and addressed Parashurama. 

"O Lord, the person who broke the Pinaka must be one of your servants," said Rama. "Please command me." 

Parashurama replied that the person who broke the Pinak must be his enemy, not his servant, and that such a person should be killed.

"I have broken many bows during childhood, but you never got angry. What is your special attachment to this bow?" said Lakshmana, trying to lighten the mood. 

These words only served to enrage Parashurama further. 

"Child! Keep your tongue under control." Parashurama yelled at Lakshmana. "It looks like your death is at hand." 

After this, Parashurama stood before Rama. "O Son of Dasharatha!"  Parashuram yelled at Rama. "I have a bow identical to the one you broke. Lord Vishnu had given it to my father. If you mount the bowstring on this bow, I will regard you as the avatar of Vishnu and leave." 

Ram took Parashurama's bow and nocked an arrow in the blink of an eyelid. "This arrow will either destroy your intense speed or the fruits of your penance," said Ram.

Parashurama had an inkling that his era was ending. He realized that Rama was indeed Vishnu's avatar and calmed down. "Let this arrow destroy all the fruits of my penance, but I must reach Mahendra Mountain by sunset," he said. Subsequently, he departed from Janaka's court.