Shri Parashurama Ashtakam
Introduction to Shri Parashurama Ashtakam
The Shri Parashurama Ashtakam beginning with "Shubhradeham Sada" is a powerful eight-verse hymn that glorifies Lord Parashurama, the axe-wielding sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Lord Parashurama, born as the son of sage Jamadagni and Renuka, is the immortal warrior-sage who upholds dharma and annihilates adharma from the face of the earth.
This ashtakam celebrates the unmatched valor, unwavering righteousness, and supreme devotion of Lord Parashurama — who wielded the divine axe (Parashu) gifted by Lord Shiva himself. Each verse pays homage to His role as the eternal guardian of dharma, His mastery over all weapons, and His selfless dedication to restoring cosmic balance and justice.
Reciting this ashtakam with devotion grants the blessings of Lord Parashurama, bestowing valor, righteousness, and inner strength upon the devotee. It is especially beneficial for those seeking courage to stand against injustice, the guru's grace, and the strength to walk the path of dharma in all circumstances of life.
Shri Parashurama Ashtakam: Sanskrit, English & Tamil Verses
॥ अथ श्री परशुरामाष्टकम् ॥
शुभ्रदेहं सदा क्रोधरक्तेक्षणम्
भक्तपालं कृपालुं कृपावारिधिम्
विप्रवंशावतंसं धनुर्धारिणम्
भव्ययज्ञोपवीतं कलाकारिणम्
यस्य हस्ते कुठारं महातीक्ष्णकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥1॥
सौम्यरुपं मनोज्ञं सुरैर्वन्दितम्
जन्मतः ब्रह्मचारिव्रते सुस्थिरम्
पूर्णतेजस्विनं योगयोगीश्वरम्
पापसन्तापरोगादिसंहारिणम्
दिव्यभव्यात्मकं शत्रुसंहारकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥2॥
ऋद्धिसिद्धिप्रदाता विधाता भुवो
ज्ञानविज्ञानदाता प्रदाता सुखम्
विश्वधाता सुत्राताऽखिलं विष्टपम्
तत्त्वज्ञाता सदा पातु माम् निर्बलम्
पूज्यमानं निशानाथभासं विभुम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥3॥
दुःख दारिद्र्यदावाग्नये तोयदम्
बुद्धिजाड्यं विनाशाय चैतन्यदम्
वित्तमैश्वर्यदानाय वित्तेश्वरम्
सर्वशक्तिप्रदानाय लक्ष्मीपतिम्
मङ्गलं ज्ञानगम्यं जगत्पालकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥4॥
यश्च हन्ता सहस्रार्जुनं हैहयम्
त्रैगुणं सप्तकृत्वा महाक्रोधनैः
दुष्टशून्या धरा येन सत्यं कृता
दिव्यदेहं दयादानदेवं भजे
घोररूपं महातेजसं वीरकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥5॥
मारयित्वा महादुष्ट भूपालकान्
येन शोणेन कुण्डेकृतं तर्पणम्
येन शोणीकृता शोणनाम्नी नदी
स्वस्य देशस्य मूढा हताः द्रोहिणः
स्वस्य राष्ट्रस्य शुद्धिःकृता शोभना
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥6॥
दीनत्राता प्रभो पाहि माम् पालक!
रक्ष संसाररक्षाविधौ दक्षक!
देहि संमोहनी भाविनी पावनी
स्वीय पादारविन्दस्य सेवा परा
पूर्णमारुण्यरूपं परं मञ्जुलम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥7॥
ये जयोद्घोषकाः पादसम्पूजकाः
सत्वरं वाञ्छितं ते लभन्ते नराः
देहगेहादिसौख्यं परं प्राप्य वै
दिव्यलोकं तथान्ते प्रियं यान्ति ते
भक्तसंरक्षकं विश्वसम्पालकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥8॥
॥ इति श्रीपरशुरामाष्टकं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
॥ Atha Shri Parashuraamaashtakam ॥
Shubhradheham Sadaa Krodharaktekshanam
Bhaktapaalam Kripaatum Kripaavaaridhim
Vipravamshaavtansam Dhanurdhaaarinam
Bhavyayajnopaveetam Kalaakaaarinam
Yasya Haste Kuthaaram Mahaateekshnakam
Renukaanandanam Jaamadagnyam Bhaje॥1॥
Saumyarupam Manojnam Surairvandiatam
Janmatah Brahmachaarivrate Susthiram
Purnatejasvinam Yogayogeeshvaram
Paapasantaaparogaadisanhaaarinam
Divyabhavyaatmakam Shatrusanhaarakam
Renukaanandanam Jaamadagnyam Bhaje॥2॥
Riddhisiddhipradaataa Vidhaataa Bhuvo
Jnaanaivijnaandaataa Pradaataa Sukham
Vishvadhaataa Sutraataa'khilam Vishtapam
Tattvajnaataa Sadaa Paatu Maam Nirbalam
Pujyamaanam Nishaanathbhaasam Vibhum
Renukaanandanam Jaamadagnyam Bhaje॥3॥
Duhkha Daaridryaadavaagnaye Toydam
Buddhijaadyam Vinaashaaya Chaitanyadam
Vittamaishvaryadaanaaya Vitteshvaram
Sarvashaktipradaanaaya Lakshmiipatim
Mangalam Jnaanagamyam Jagatpaalakam
Renukaanandanam Jaamadagnyam Bhaje॥4॥
Yashcha Hantaa Sahasraarjunam Haihayam
Traigunam Saptakritvaa Mahaakrodhanaih
Dushtashoonyaa Dharaa Yena Satyam Kritaa
Divyadeham Dayaadaaanadevam Bhaje
Ghorarupam Mahaategasam Veerakam
Renukaanandanam Jaamadagnyam Bhaje॥5॥
Maarayitvaa Mahaadushta Bhuupaalakaan
Yena Shonena Kundekritam Tarpanam
Yena Shoneeikritaa Shonanaamnee Nadee
Svasya Deshasya Muudhaa Hataah Drohinah
Svasya Raashhtrasya Shuddhihkritaa Shobhanaa
Renukaanandanam Jaamadagnyam Bhaje॥6॥
Deenatrataa Prabho Paahi Maam Paalaka!
Raksha Samsaararakshaavidhau Dakshaka!
Dehi Sammohanee Bhavinee Paavanee
Sweeya Paadaaravindasya Sevaa Paraa
Purnamaarunyarupam Param Manjulam
Renukaanandanam Jaamadagnyam Bhaje॥7॥
Ye Jayodghoshkaah Paadasmpuujakaah
Satvaram Vaanchhitam Te Labhante Naraah
Dehaghehaadisoukhyam Param Praapya Vai
Divyalokam Tathaante Priyam Yaanti Te
Bhaktasmrakshakam Vishvasmpaalakam
Renukaanandanam Jaamadagnyam Bhaje॥8॥
॥ Iti Shri Parashuraamaashtakam Sampurnam ॥
॥ அத ஶ்ரீ பரஶுராமாஷ்டகம் ॥
ஶுப்ரதேஹம் ஸதா க்ரோதரக்தேக்ஷணம்
பக்தபாலம் க்ருபாலும் க்ருபாவாரிதிம்
விப்ரவம்ஶாவதம்ஸம் தனுர்தாரிணம்
பவ்யயஜ்ஞோபவீதம் கலாகாரிணம்
யஸ்ய ஹஸ்தே குடாரம் மஹாதீக்ஷ்ணகம்
ரேணுகாநந்தனம் ஜாமதக்ன்யம் பஜே॥1॥
ஸௌம்யருபம் மனோஜ்ஞம் ஸுரைர்வந்திதம்
ஜன்மதः ப்ரஹ்மசாரிவ்ரதே ஸுஸ்திரம்
பூர்ணதேஜஸ்வினம் யோகயோகீஶ்வரம்
பாபஸந்தாபரோகாதிஸம்ஹாரிணம்
திவ்யபவ்யாத்மகம் ஶத்ருஸம்ஹாரகம்
ரேணுகாநந்தனம் ஜாமதக்ன்யம் பஜே॥2॥
ருத்திஸித்திப்ரதாதா விதாதா புவோ
ஜ்ஞானவிஜ்ஞானதாதா ப்ரதாதா ஸுகம்
விஶ்வதாதா ஸுத்ராதா(அ)கிலம் விஷ்டபம்
தத்த்வஜ்ஞாதா ஸதா பாது மாம் நிர்பலம்
பூஜ்யமானம் நிஶாநாதபாஸம் விபும்
ரேணுகாநந்தனம் ஜாமதக்ன்யம் பஜே॥3॥
துःக தாரித்ர்யதாவாக்னயே தோயதம்
புத்திஜாட்யம் விநாஶாய சைதன்யதம்
வித்தமைஶ்வர்யதானாய வித்தேஶ்வரம்
ஸர்வஶக்திப்ரதானாய லக்ஷ்மீபதிம்
மங்கலம் ஜ்ஞானகம்யம் ஜகத்பாலகம்
ரேணுகாநந்தனம் ஜாமதக்ன்யம் பஜே॥4॥
யஶ்ச ஹந்தா ஸஹஸ்ரார்ஜுனம் ஹைஹயம்
த்ரைகுணம் ஸப்தக்ருத்வா மஹாக்ரோதனைः
துஷ்டஶூன்யா தரா யேன ஸத்யம் க்ருதா
திவ்யதேஹம் தயாதானதேவம் பஜே
கோரரூபம் மஹாதேஜஸம் வீரகம்
ரேணுகாநந்தனம் ஜாமதக்ன்யம் பஜே॥5॥
மாரயித்வா மஹாதுஷ்ட பூபாலகான்
யேன ஶோணேன குண்டேக்ருதம் தர்பணம்
யேன ஶோணீக்ருதா ஶோணநாம்னீ நதீ
ஸ்வஸ்ய தேஶஸ்ய மூடா ஹதாः த்ரோஹிணः
ஸ்வஸ்ய ராஷ்ட்ரஸ்ய ஶுத்திःக்ருதா ஶோபனா
ரேணுகாநந்தனம் ஜாமதக்ன்யம் பஜே॥6॥
தீனத்ராதா ப்ரபோ பாஹி மாம் பாலக!
ரக்ஷ ஸம்ஸாரரக்ஷாவிதௌ தக்ஷக!
தேஹி ஸம்மோஹனீ பாவினீ பாவனீ
ஸ்வீய பாதாரவிந்தஸ்ய ஸேவா பரா
பூர்ணமாருண்யரூபம் பரம் மஞ்ஜுலம்
ரேணுகாநந்தனம் ஜாமதக்ன்யம் பஜே॥7॥
யே ஜயோத்கோஷகாः பாதஸம்பூஜகாः
ஸத்வரம் வாஞ்சிதம் தே லபந்தே நராः
தேஹகேஹாதிஸௌக்யம் பரம் ப்ராப்ய வை
திவ்யலோகம் ததாந்தே ப்ரியம் யாந்தி தே
பக்தஸம்ரக்ஷகம் விஶ்வஸம்பாலகம்
ரேணுகாநந்தனம் ஜாமதக்ன்யம் பஜே॥8॥
॥ இதி ஶ்ரீபரஶுராமாஷ்டகம் ஸம்பூர்ணம் ॥
॥ అథ శ్రీ పరశురామాష్టకం ॥
శుభ్రదేహం సదా క్రోధరక్తేక్షణం
భక్తపాలం కృపాలుం కృపావారిధిం
విప్రవంశావతంసం ధనుర్ధారిణం
భవ్యయజ్ఞోపవీతం కలాకారిణం
యస్య హస్తే కుఠారం మహాతీక్ష్ణకం
రేణుకానందనం జామదగ్న్యం భజే॥1॥
సౌమ్యరుపం మనోజ్ఞం సురైర్వందితం
జన్మతః బ్రహ్మచారివ్రతే సుస్థిరం
పూర్ణతేజస్వినం యోగయోగీశ్వరం
పాపసంతాపరోగాదిసంహారిణం
దివ్యభవ్యాత్మకం శత్రుసంహారకం
రేణుకానందనం జామదగ్న్యం భజే॥2॥
ఋద్ధిసిద్ధిప్రదాతా విధాతా భువో
జ్ఞానవిజ్ఞానదాతా ప్రదాతా సుఖం
విశ్వధాతా సుత్రాతాఽఖిలం విష్టపం
తత్త్వజ్ఞాతా సదా పాతు మాం నిర్బలం
పూజ్యమానం నిశానాథభాసం విభుం
రేణుకానందనం జామదగ్న్యం భజే॥3॥
దుఃఖ దారిద్ర్యదావాగ్నయే తోయదం
బుద్ధిజాడ్యం వినాశాయ చైతన్యదం
విత్తమైశ్వర్యదానాయ విత్తేశ్వరం
సర్వశక్తిప్రదానాయ లక్ష్మీపతిం
మంగలం జ్ఞానగమ్యం జగత్పాలకం
రేణుకానందనం జామదగ్న్యం భజే॥4॥
యశ్చ హంతా సహస్రార్జునం హైహయం
త్రైగుణం సప్తకృత్వా మహాక్రోధనైః
దుష్టశూన్యా ధరా యేన సత్యం కృతా
దివ్యదేహం దయాదానదేవం భజే
ఘోరరూపం మహాతేజసం వీరకం
రేణుకానందనం జామదగ్న్యం భజే॥5॥
మారయిత్వా మహాదుష్ట భూపాలకాన్
యేన శోణేన కుండేకృతం తర్పణం
యేన శోణీకృతా శోణనామ్నీ నదీ
స్వస్య దేశస్య మూఢా హతాః ద్రోహిణః
స్వస్య రాష్ట్రస్య శుద్ధిఃకృతా శోభనా
రేణుకానందనం జామదగ్న్యం భజే॥6॥
దీనత్రాతా ప్రభో పాహి మాం పాలక!
రక్ష సంసారరక్షావిధౌ దక్షక!
దేహి సంమోహనీ భావినీ పావనీ
స్వీయ పాదారవిందస్య సేవా పరా
పూర్ణమారుణ్యరూపం పరం మంజులం
రేణుకానందనం జామదగ్న్యం భజే॥7॥
యే జయోద్ఘోషకాః పాదసంపూజకాః
సత్వరం వాంఛితం తే లభంతే నరాః
దేహగేహాదిసౌఖ్యం పరం ప్రాప్య వై
దివ్యలోకం తథాంతే ప్రియం యాంతి తే
భక్తసంరక్షకం విశ్వసంపాలకం
రేణుకానందనం జామదగ్న్యం భజే॥8॥
॥ ఇతి శ్రీపరశురామాష్టకం సంపూర్ణం ॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Shri Parashurama Ashtakam
1 First Verse
शुभ्रदेहं सदा क्रोधरक्तेक्षणम्
भक्तपालं कृपालुं कृपावारिधिम्
विप्रवंशावतंसं धनुर्धारिणम्
भव्ययज्ञोपवीतं कलाकारिणम्
यस्य हस्ते कुठारं महातीक्ष्णकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥1॥
भक्तपालं कृपालुं कृपावारिधिम्
विप्रवंशावतंसं धनुर्धारिणम्
भव्ययज्ञोपवीतं कलाकारिणम्
यस्य हस्ते कुठारं महातीक्ष्णकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥1॥
Word Meanings: शुभ्रदेहम् (śubhradeham) = radiant/bright body; सदा (sadā) = always; क्रोध (krodha) = anger; रक्तेक्षणम् (raktekṣaṇam) = red-eyed; भक्तपालम् (bhaktapālam) = protector of devotees; कृपालुम् (kṛpālum) = merciful; कृपावारिधिम् (kṛpāvāridhim) = ocean of compassion; विप्रवंशावतंसम् (vipravaṁśāvataṁsam) = crown jewel of Brahmin lineage; धनुर्धारिणम् (dhanurdhāriṇam) = wielder of the bow; भव्ययज्ञोपवीतम् (bhavyayajñopavītam) = adorned with sacred thread; कलाकारिणम् (kalākāriṇam) = master of all arts; हस्ते (haste) = in hand; कुठारम् (kuṭhāram) = axe; महातीक्ष्णकम् (mahātīkṣṇakam) = supremely sharp; रेणुकानन्दनम् (reṇukānandanam) = delight of Renuka; जामदग्न्यम् (jāmadagnyam) = son of Jamadagni; भजे (bhaje) = I worship
Translation: I worship Lord Parashurama, the son of Renuka and Jamadagni — who has a radiant body, ever red-eyed in righteous anger, who is the protector of devotees, merciful and an ocean of compassion, the crown jewel of the Brahmin lineage, wielder of the bow, adorned with the sacred thread, master of all arts, and in whose hand rests the supremely sharp divine axe.
2 Second Verse
सौम्यरुपं मनोज्ञं सुरैर्वन्दितम्
जन्मतः ब्रह्मचारिव्रते सुस्थिरम्
पूर्णतेजस्विनं योगयोगीश्वरम्
पापसन्तापरोगादिसंहारिणम्
दिव्यभव्यात्मकं शत्रुसंहारकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥2॥
जन्मतः ब्रह्मचारिव्रते सुस्थिरम्
पूर्णतेजस्विनं योगयोगीश्वरम्
पापसन्तापरोगादिसंहारिणम्
दिव्यभव्यात्मकं शत्रुसंहारकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥2॥
Word Meanings: सौम्यरूपम् (saumyarūpam) = gentle form; मनोज्ञम् (manojñam) = captivating; सुरैर्वन्दितम् (surairvanditam) = saluted by gods; जन्मतः (janmataḥ) = from birth; ब्रह्मचारी (brahmachārī) = celibate; व्रते (vrate) = in vow; सुस्थिरम् (susthiram) = firmly established; पूर्णतेजस्विनम् (pūrṇatejasvinaṁ) = fully radiant; योगयोगीश्वरम् (yogayogīśvaram) = lord of yoga and yogis; पापसन्तापरोगादि (pāpasantāparogādi) = sins, distress, diseases etc.; संहारिणम् (saṁhāriṇam) = destroyer; दिव्यभव्यात्मकम् (divyabhavyātmakam) = divine and auspicious-natured; शत्रुसंहारकम् (śatrusaṁhārakam) = destroyer of enemies
Translation: I worship Lord Parashurama, the son of Renuka and Jamadagni — whose form is gentle and captivating, who is saluted by the gods, firmly established in the vow of celibacy from birth, full of radiance, lord of yoga and all yogis, destroyer of sins, suffering, and diseases, divine and auspicious in nature, and the annihilator of all enemies.
3 Third Verse
ऋद्धिसिद्धिप्रदाता विधाता भुवो
ज्ञानविज्ञानदाता प्रदाता सुखम्
विश्वधाता सुत्राता’खिलं विष्टपम्
तत्त्वज्ञाता सदा पातु माम् निर्बलम्
पूज्यमानं निशानाथभासं विभुम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥3॥
ज्ञानविज्ञानदाता प्रदाता सुखम्
विश्वधाता सुत्राता’खिलं विष्टपम्
तत्त्वज्ञाता सदा पातु माम् निर्बलम्
पूज्यमानं निशानाथभासं विभुम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥3॥
Word Meanings: ऋद्धिसिद्धिप्रदाता (ṛddhisiddhipradātā) = bestower of prosperity and spiritual powers; विधाता (vidhātā) = creator/controller; भुवः (bhuvaḥ) = of the earth; ज्ञानविज्ञानदाता (jñānavijñānadātā) = giver of knowledge and science; प्रदाता सुखम् (pradātā sukham) = bestower of happiness; विश्वधाता (viśvadhātā) = sustainer of the universe; सुत्राता (sutrātā) = great protector; अखिलम् विष्टपम् (akhilam viṣṭapam) = entire world; तत्त्वज्ञाता (tattvajñātā) = knower of ultimate truth; सदा पातु माम् (sadā pātu mām) = may He always protect me; निर्बलम् (nirbalam) = weak/helpless; पूज्यमानम् (pūjyamānam) = being worshipped; निशानाथभासम् (niśānāthbhāsam) = shining like the moon; विभुम् (vibhum) = all-pervading
Translation: I worship Lord Parashurama, the all-pervading one who shines like the moon — bestower of prosperity and spiritual powers, controller of the earth, giver of knowledge, science, and happiness, sustainer and protector of the entire universe, the knower of ultimate truth. May He always protect me, the helpless one!
4 Fourth Verse
दुःख दारिद्र्यदावाग्नये तोयदम्
बुद्धिजाड्यं विनाशाय चैतन्यदम्
वित्तमैश्वर्यदानाय वित्तेश्वरम्
सर्वशक्तिप्रदानाय लक्ष्मीपतिम्
मङ्गलं ज्ञानगम्यं जगत्पालकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥4॥
बुद्धिजाड्यं विनाशाय चैतन्यदम्
वित्तमैश्वर्यदानाय वित्तेश्वरम्
सर्वशक्तिप्रदानाय लक्ष्मीपतिम्
मङ्गलं ज्ञानगम्यं जगत्पालकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥4॥
Word Meanings: दुःखदारिद्र्य (duḥkha-dāridrya) = sorrow and poverty; दावाग्नये (dāvāgnaye) = for the forest fire of; तोयदम् (toydam) = rain-cloud/water; बुद्धिजाड्यम् (buddhijāḍyam) = intellectual dullness; विनाशाय (vināśāya) = for destruction; चैतन्यदम् (chaitanyadam) = giver of consciousness; वित्तमैश्वर्यदानाय (vittaiśvarya-dānāya) = for granting wealth and glory; वित्तेश्वरम् (vitteśvaram) = lord of wealth; सर्वशक्तिप्रदानाय (sarvaśakti-pradānāya) = for bestowing all powers; लक्ष्मीपतिम् (lakṣmīpatim) = lord of Lakshmi; मङ्गलम् (maṅgalam) = auspicious; ज्ञानगम्यम् (jñānagamyam) = attainable through knowledge; जगत्पालकम् (jagatpālakam) = protector of the world
Translation: I worship Lord Parashurama, who is like rain-cloud waters for the forest fire of sorrow and poverty, who grants awakened consciousness to destroy intellectual dullness, who as the lord of wealth bestows riches and glory, who as the lord of Lakshmi grants all powers. He is auspicious, attainable through knowledge, and the protector of the world.
5 Fifth Verse
यश्च हन्ता सहस्रार्जुनं हैहयम्
त्रैगुणं सप्तकृत्वा महाक्रोधनैः
दुष्टशून्या धरा येन सत्यं कृता
दिव्यदेहं दयादानदेवं भजे
घोररूपं महातेजसं वीरकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥5॥
त्रैगुणं सप्तकृत्वा महाक्रोधनैः
दुष्टशून्या धरा येन सत्यं कृता
दिव्यदेहं दयादानदेवं भजे
घोररूपं महातेजसं वीरकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥5॥
Word Meanings: यश्च (yaścha) = and who; हन्ता (hantā) = slayer; सहस्रार्जुनम् (sahasrārjunam) = Sahasrarjuna (Kartavirya Arjuna); हैहयम् (haihayam) = of the Haihaya dynasty; त्रैगुणम् (traiguṇam) = thrice; सप्तकृत्वा (saptakṛtvā) = seven times (21 times total); महाक्रोधनैः (mahākrodhanaiḥ) = with great fury; दुष्टशून्या (duṣṭaśūnyā) = free of evil; धरा (dharā) = earth; येन (yena) = by whom; सत्यं कृता (satyaṁ kṛtā) = truly made; दिव्यदेहम् (divyadeham) = divine body; दयादानदेवम् (dayādānadevam) = god of compassion and charity; घोररूपम् (ghorarūpam) = fierce-formed; महातेजसम् (mahātejasam) = greatly radiant; वीरकम् (vīrakam) = heroic
Translation: I worship Lord Parashurama — who slew Sahasrarjuna (Kartavirya Arjuna) of the Haihaya dynasty, and who rid the earth of wicked kshatriyas twenty-one times with great fury, truly making the earth free of evil. He of divine body, the god of compassion and charity, fierce in form, greatly radiant, and supremely heroic.
6 Sixth Verse
मारयित्वा महादुष्ट भूपालकान्
येन शोणेन कुण्डेकृतं तर्पणम्
येन शोणीकृता शोणनाम्नी नदी
स्वस्य देशस्य मूढा हताः द्रोहिणः
स्वस्य राष्ट्रस्य शुद्धिःकृता शोभना
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥6॥
येन शोणेन कुण्डेकृतं तर्पणम्
येन शोणीकृता शोणनाम्नी नदी
स्वस्य देशस्य मूढा हताः द्रोहिणः
स्वस्य राष्ट्रस्य शुद्धिःकृता शोभना
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥6॥
Word Meanings: मारयित्वा (mārayitvā) = having slain; महादुष्ट (mahāduṣṭa) = greatly wicked; भूपालकान् (bhūpālakān) = kings; शोणेन (śoṇena) = with blood; कुण्डेकृतम् (kuṇḍekṛtam) = made in ponds; तर्पणम् (tarpaṇam) = ritual offerings; शोणीकृता (śoṇīkṛtā) = made blood-red; शोणनाम्नी नदी (śoṇanāmnī nadī) = the river named Shona; स्वस्य देशस्य (svasya deśasya) = of his own land; मूढाः हताः (mūḍhāḥ hatāḥ) = foolish traitors destroyed; द्रोहिणः (drohiṇaḥ) = traitors; शुद्धिःकृता (śuddhiḥkṛtā) = purification was done; शोभना (śobhanā) = auspicious/beautiful
Translation: I worship Lord Parashurama — by whom the greatly wicked kings were slain, whose blood-offerings filled the ritual ponds, by whom the river was made crimson (earning the name Shona), by whom the foolish traitors of his land were destroyed, and by whom the auspicious purification of his nation was accomplished.
7 Seventh Verse
दीनत्राता प्रभो पाहि माम् पालक!
रक्ष संसाररक्षाविधौ दक्षक!
देहि संमोहनी भाविनी पावनी
स्वीय पादारविन्दस्य सेवा परा
पूर्णमारुण्यरूपं परं मञ्जुलम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥7॥
रक्ष संसाररक्षाविधौ दक्षक!
देहि संमोहनी भाविनी पावनी
स्वीय पादारविन्दस्य सेवा परा
पूर्णमारुण्यरूपं परं मञ्जुलम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥7॥
Word Meanings: दीनत्राता (dīnatrātā) = protector of the meek; प्रभो (prabho) = O Lord; पाहि माम् (pāhi mām) = protect me; पालक (pālaka) = guardian; रक्ष (rakṣa) = protect; संसाररक्षाविधौ (saṁsārarakṣāvidhau) = in the duty of protecting from worldly bonds; दक्षक (dakṣaka) = capable; देहि (dehi) = give; संमोहनी (saṁmohanī) = enchanting; भाविनी (bhāvinī) = devotional; पावनी (pāvanī) = purifying; स्वीयपादारविन्दस्य (svīyapādāravindasya) = of Your lotus feet; सेवा परा (sevā parā) = supreme service; पूर्णमारुण्यरूपम् (pūrṇamāruṇyarūpam) = dawn-colored form; परं मञ्जुलम् (paraṁ mañjulam) = supremely beautiful
Translation: I worship Lord Parashurama — O protector of the meek, O Lord, protect me! O guardian capable of shielding from worldly bonds! Grant me the enchanting, devotional, and purifying supreme service of Your lotus feet! I worship the one whose dawn-colored form is supremely beautiful.
8 Eighth Verse
ये जयोद्घोषकाः पादसम्पूजकाः
सत्वरं वाञ्छितं ते लभन्ते नराः
देहगेहादिसौख्यं परं प्राप्य वै
दिव्यलोकं तथान्ते प्रियं यान्ति ते
भक्तसंरक्षकं विश्वसम्पालकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥8॥
सत्वरं वाञ्छितं ते लभन्ते नराः
देहगेहादिसौख्यं परं प्राप्य वै
दिव्यलोकं तथान्ते प्रियं यान्ति ते
भक्तसंरक्षकं विश्वसम्पालकम्
रेणुकानन्दनं जामदग्न्यं भजे॥8॥
Word Meanings: ये (ye) = those who; जयोद्घोषकाः (jayodghoṣakāḥ) = proclaimers of victory; पादसम्पूजकाः (pādasaṁpūjakāḥ) = worshippers of the feet; सत्वरम् (satvaram) = swiftly; वाञ्छितम् (vāñchhitam) = desired; लभन्ते (labhante) = attain; नराः (narāḥ) = people; देहगेहादिसौख्यम् (dehagehādisaukhyam) = happiness of body, home etc.; परम् (param) = supreme; प्राप्य (prāpya) = having attained; दिव्यलोकम् (divyalokam) = divine realm; तथान्ते (tathānte) = at the end; प्रियम् (priyam) = beloved; यान्ति (yānti) = go; भक्तसंरक्षकम् (bhaktasaṁrakṣakam) = protector of devotees; विश्वसम्पालकम् (viśvasaṁpālakam) = sustainer of the universe
Translation: I worship Lord Parashurama, protector of devotees and sustainer of the universe — those who proclaim His victory and worship His feet swiftly attain all their desires, experience supreme happiness of body and home, and at the end reach the beloved divine realm.
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Shri Parashurama Ashtakam
- Grants Valor: Bestows immense courage and warrior spirit
- Destroys Adharma: Eliminates unrighteousness and injustice from one's life
- Bestows Righteousness: Strengthens commitment to the path of dharma
- Grants Strength: Provides physical, mental, and spiritual fortitude
- Removes Sins: Purifies accumulated karmic debts and past transgressions
- Establishes Justice: Brings fairness and righteous outcomes in all matters
- Grants Guru's Grace: Invokes the blessings of the eternal guru and warrior-sage
- Leads to Self-Realization: Opens the path to spiritual awakening and inner truth
Chanting Instructions
- Sit in a clean, quiet place facing east or north
- Light a lamp and incense before the image of Lord Parashurama
- Offer flowers, sandalwood paste, or rice grains to the Lord
- Chant with devotion, meditating on the valorous form of Lord Parashurama
- Ideal times: Akshaya Tritiya, Parashurama Jayanti, Ekadashi
- Recite 1, 3, or 11 times for maximum spiritual benefit
- Conclude with surrender to the lotus feet of Lord Parashurama
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Shri Parashurama Ashtakam
What is Parashurama Ashtakam and what does it celebrate?
Parashurama Ashtakam is a sacred eight-verse hymn (ashtakam) dedicated to Lord Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Beginning with "Shubhradeham Sada," it celebrates His radiant form, righteous anger against adharma, supreme valor, mastery of all arts and weapons, and His role as the eternal upholder of dharma. Each verse concludes with "Renukaanandanam Jamadagnyam Bhaje" — I worship the son of Renuka and Jamadagni.
What are the benefits of chanting Parashurama Ashtakam?
Chanting Parashurama Ashtakam grants immense courage and warrior spirit, strengthens commitment to dharma, destroys adharma and unrighteousness, bestows physical and spiritual strength, removes accumulated sins, brings fairness and just outcomes, invokes the guru's grace, and opens the path to spiritual awakening and self-realization.
Who is Lord Parashurama and why is He important?
Lord Parashurama is the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, born as the son of sage Jamadagni and Renuka. He is an immortal warrior-Brahmin (Chiranjeevi) who is said to still exist on earth. He received the divine axe (Parashu) from Lord Shiva and is famed for ridding the earth of wicked Kshatriya kings twenty-one times. He represents the perfect union of Brahminical knowledge and Kshatriya valor in service of dharma.
When is the best time to recite Parashurama Ashtakam?
The most auspicious times are Akshaya Tritiya (Parashurama Jayanti), Ekadashi, and Tuesdays. It can also be chanted during Brahma Muhurta (early morning), at sunrise, or any time when one seeks courage, righteousness, and the guru's blessings. The hymn is particularly beneficial during times when one needs strength to stand against injustice.
Why does each verse end with "Renukaanandanam Jamadagnyam Bhaje"?
This is the refrain (dhruvapad) of the ashtakam. "Renukaanandanam" means "the delight of Renuka" (His mother), and "Jamadagnyam" means "son of Jamadagni" (His father). "Bhaje" means "I worship." This repeated verse anchors the devotee's mind in the identity of Lord Parashurama as the divine son of sage Jamadagni and mother Renuka, emphasizing His dual heritage of spiritual wisdom and warrior dharma.
Can Parashurama Ashtakam help in overcoming injustice and difficulties?
Yes, Lord Parashurama is the supreme embodiment of righteous valor and the destroyer of adharma. The ashtakam specifically describes Him as "dinatrata" (protector of the meek) and "shatrusamharaka" (annihilator of enemies). Chanting this hymn with sincere devotion invokes His protective grace, granting the devotee courage, inner strength, and divine support to overcome injustice and life's difficulties.
Is Parashurama Ashtakam available in Tamil lyrics?
Yes. This page includes Parashurama Ashtakam in Tamil (தமிழ்) script along with Sanskrit and English transliteration for easier recitation.