For he who is born a Kshatriya, and is yet afraid of fighting, is a veritable wretch and brings disgrace upon his family. I tell you the simple truth and make no boast of my lineage; there is not a descendant of Raghu who would fear to meet Death himself in combat.

Such is the glory of the Brahman descent that he fears you who fears none else.’ When he heard Raghupati’s gentle and profound words, the eyes of Parashurama’s mind were opened.

‘O Rama,’ he said, ‘take this bow of Lakshmi’s lord (Vishnu) and draw it, so that my doubts may be ended.’ As Parashurama offered his bow, it passed into Rama’s hands of its own accord; then was Parashurama amazed at this.

He recognized Rama’s might and was thrilled with rapture. His heart bursting with emotion, he thus spoke with folded hands.

‘Glory to Rama, who delights Raghu’s race as the sun delights a cluster of lotuses! Glory to the fire that burns up the dense forest of the demon line! Glory to the benefactor of gods, Brahmans and cows! Glory to the dispeller of all pride and ignorance and wrath and delusion!

Glory to the ocean of humility, amiability, compassion and goodness, to the master of eloquence and delighter of his servants, graceful in every limb and possessed of the charming form of a myriad Kamadevas!

How can I praise you with a single tongue? Glory to the swan that sports in the holy lake of Mahadeva’s soul! In my ignorance I have said much that was unseemly; but pardon me, you two brothers, shrines of forgiveness that you are!