A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.714

c5.714

The mighty Kārta-vīrya, king of the Haihayas, who had a thousand arms, paid a visit to the hermitage of Jamad-agni. The sage and his sons were out, but his wife treated her guest with all proper respect. Unmindful of the hospitality he had received, Kārta-vīrya threw down the trees round the hermitage, and carried of the calf of the sacred cow, Surabhi, which Jamad-agni had acquired by penance. Parasu-rāma returned and discovered what had happened, he then pursued Kārta-vīrya, cut off his thousand arms with arrows, and killed him. The sons of Kārta-vīrya went in revenge to the hermitage of Jamad-agni, and in the absence of Parasu-rāma slew the pious sage without pity. When Parasu-rāma found the lifeless body of his father, he laid it on a funeral pile, and vowed that he would extirpate the whole Kshatriya race. He slew all the sons of Kārta-vīrya, and “thrice seven times” he cleared the earth of the Kshatriya caste.