Story behind the caraNa in raghuvamsha sudhambudhi

[Lakshman]

I received the following query from a rasika. Would someone throw some light on this? Thanks.

jamadagnija=born out of sage jamadagni; garva=conceit; khandana=destroyer;
jaya=praise; rudra+adi=shiva and others; vismita=surprise/astonish; bhandana=bound/arrest;
Meaning:
O destroyer of Parasurama's conceit !
All praise the lord who surprised even Shivaji !

This is the charanam from the Kriti "Raghuvamsa Sudhambudhi". This is the word to word meaning of the line.
I am very sorry, I do not understand what it means by Parasurama's conceit and the lord who surprised even Shiva.
Is there a story behind this line. Can you please let me know. I am very sorry, I am unable to find any story related to this.

[rshankar]

My 2 cents:

Parasurama's garva khaNDana - when the bridal party was returning to Ayodhya with the 4 brothers and their wives, Parasurama stops them, and addressing Rama, very haughtily says "you may consider yourself 'great' for having broken Siva's bow, but here is Vishnu's bow, can you string this one?" Rama does just that, and wants to know where to fire the arrow he's fitted on to the strung bow...this episode, where Parasurama accepts Rama's superior strength and valor is described as "jamadagnija garva khanDana" - the nAma rAmAyaNa also describes this episode as 'bhArgava darpa vinASaka rAm'.
The next line just indicates that all of the gods, including Siva, were amazed by Rama's deeds, and sang his praises - the line means 'hail the one who amazed the gods including Siva, and was praised by them'

[aaaaabbbbb]

In the last line of the posted lyrics, it is *bandhana*Meaning bound arrest.

[Lakshman]

Thanks rshankar & Savitri.

[Lakshman]

rshankar: I have a question: How is it that Parashurama confronts Rama when he himself is an avatar of Vishnu like Rama? How is it possible that two avatars exist at the same time? Thanks.

[mohan]

There are a few instances of Vishnu's avatarams being present at the same time:
- Parasurama and Rama (Valmiki Ramayana: Balakanda: Sarga74-76)
- Parasurama and Krishna (Mahabharata: Udyoga Parva: Bhagwat Yana Parva: Section XCVI)
- Krishna and Vyasa (Mahabharata: Sauptika Parva: Section XIV)
- Krishna and Balarama (thought to be separate avatara-s, Srimad Bhagavatam)

The explantation is that an avatar is just a portion of energy of Lord Vishnu in different form. Vishnu does not use His full energy on the one avatar. Thus, two avatarrs can exisit at the same time. Generally when the period of an avatar ends, the energy merges back with Lord Vishnu.

[Lakshman]

Thanks Mohan. It makes sense.

[Sachi_R]

Lakshman-ji,
Haven't been to the forum for a while.

जमदग्निज-गर्वखण्डन
Parashurama is an amshaavatara of Vishnu, came down for a specific purpose: to restore balance to society by vanquishing the kshatriyas who had become despotic and unrighteous. His nature was one of anger and arrogance. His avatara had to be ended by being segued into Ramavatara.

After wedding Sita, Rama and his entourage are on their way to Ayodhya. Parashurama is incensed to see this kshatriya procession and challenges Rama to handle the Vishnu bow (it makes a pair with Shiva's bow). Rama is courteous but firm that Parashurama's outburst is disorderly. He strings the Vishnu bow and sets an arrow and tells Parashurama this arrow has to find a target... where should it be despatched? As rishis and devas assemble to witness this, Rama removes Parashurama's tejas and arrogance.

The line means "one who broke down the arrogance of Jamadagni's son".

The second line is
जय रुद्रादि-विस्मितभण्डन
In the final battle with Ravana, Rama's incredible onslaught and valour are witnessed by all the devas assembled including Shiva. In fact Shiva praises Rama and blesses him and Sita and Lakshmana.

The line means, "Glory to you Rama, who astonished Shiva and other gods by your valour in battle(= भण्डन)!"

These lines are in accordance with Valmiki Ramayana

[Lakshman]

Thanks Sachi for explaining the context further.