This regional Indian holiday of Parsurama Jayanti is observed on Tritiya (third day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaishakh according to the Hindu calendar, which will be observed on 7th May 2019. The day celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Parsurama, who is believed to be the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism.
Traditions of Parashurama Jayanti
According to the ancient stories, a region in central India, Mahishmati Nagri, was ruled by the demon king Kiratarjuna and his kingdom of the Kshatriyas. He was very cruel. Goddess Earth was so concerned with his evil deeds that she asked Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu said he will take birth as a son to Renuka and Sage Jamadagni and will destroy the kingdom of the demon. Vishnu reincarnated as the great warrior Parsurama and defeated the king and the Kshatriyas, thus restoring peace on earth.
The day holds special spiritual significance for the Hindus. The devotees fast from the night before the day of Parshuram Jayanti. They visit temples and offer prayer to Lord Vishnu to seek his blessings. Donating food to Brahmans and charity is also considered auspicious on this day. The day is also known as Akshaya Tritiya and is considered good to start any business venture, the new phase of life or anything.
Rituals of the Parashurama Jayanti:
- Like all other festivals, people take bath early in the morning and wear clean clothes for the puja ceremony.
- Puja ceremony includes offering prayer to Lord Vishnu’s idol with Prasad, flowers, kumkum and Chandan. You can offer the tulsi leaves as they are pious.
- People fasting on this day can eat only fruits and milk products.
