The Wrath of Parashuram

When Ram broke the Sunabh during Seeta's swayamvar, it caused an explosive sound that drew the attention of Lord Parashuram, the son of Rishi Jamadagni. Parashuram, 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 Sunabh. He stormed into Emperor Janak'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.

"Oh, foolish Janak, which wicked person dared to break the Sunabh? Present him to me, or I will destroy your kingdom," Parashuram shouted at Janak.

Out of reverence and fear, Janak remained silent. The other people at the gathering also remained quiet. Ram stepped forward, joined his hands, and addressed Parashuram. 

"Oh Lord, the person who broke the Sunabh must be one of your servants," said Ram. "Please command me." 

Parashuram replied that the person who broke the Sunabh must be his enemy, not his servant, and 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 Lakshman, trying to lighten the mood. 

These words only served to enrage Parashuram further. 

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

After this, Parashuram stood before Ram. "Oh, son of Dasharath!"  Parashuram yelled at Ram. "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 Parashuram'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.

Parashuram had an inkling that his era was ending. He realized that Ram 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 Janak's court.