The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Musalman Conquest c7.s5.138

c7.s5.138

During the constant wars between the Bráhmans and the Kshatriyas, the Bráhmans had been so reduced that at length they could live only in caves and forests. To restore them to power the sixth avatár of Vishnu appeared under the form of the son of a Bráhman named Jamadagni. This avatár, who was afterwards known as Parshurám, from parashu an axe which was his usual weapon, standing on a projecting peak of the Sahyádris, which were then washed by the sea and were a great place of retreat for the persecuted Bráhmans, shot an arrow westward, and commanded the sea to retreat. The sea retreated and gave up a strip about thirty miles in breadth, which has since been known as the Konkan, and of which the persecuted Bráhmans immediately took possession. Parshurám then led them to battle and to victory, and the Kshatriyas in their turn were reduced to extremity.