Vamana Vs Parasurama

If Vamana the Fifth avatar of Vishnu, sent Mahabali the ruler of kerala to patala loka then could it be that Kerala along with mahabali was pushed down below the seas to the Netherlands and then Parasurama the 6^th avatar created kerala, and reclaimed the lands from the sea. The people of kerala are also not the same as Parasurama is believed to have relocated Brahmans by giving them Land as a gift. Though the people may not be the same, the reclaimed land from the sea could be the same. So Mahabali who we believe visits us every year during our harvest festival is not visiting the descendants of his subjects, but a whole new race of people who relocated from far off territories. Today Kerala is called 'Gods own Country'  which is globally famous for its serene and scenic beauty enclosed in the lap of Mother Nature. This beautiful place is adorned with the sheer wonderments of nature and is beautifully nestled in the south western part of India. It is endowed with the exceptional natural beauty that allures tourists from the nook and corner of the globe making wonderful carnivals to be cherished forever. Kerala is the wonderful place which fascinates a beautiful chance to explore its astounding attractions. Popularly Known as “Gods Own Country”Kerala lures tourists from all over the world. The Origin of the Myth of being Gods own country perhaps lies here, in the Story of Parasurama.

A number of myths and legends exist concerning the origin of Kerala. One such myth is the creation of Kerala by Parasuram, a warrior sage. Parasuram was the incarnation of Maha Vishnu. He was the sixth of the ten avatars (incarnation) of Vishnu. The word Parasu means 'axe' in Sanskrit and therefore the name Parasuram means 'Ram with Axe'. The aim of his birth was to deliver the world from the arrogant oppression of the ruling caste, the Kshatriyas. To atone the sin of having killed the erring Kshatriyas. He sat in meditation at Gokarnam. There, he was blessed by Varuna - the God of the Oceans and Bhumidevi - Goddess of Earth. From Gokarnam he reached Kanyakumari and threw his axe northward across the ocean. The place where the axe landed was Kerala. It was 160 katam (an old measure) of land lying between Gokarnam and Kanyakumari. Kerala is also known as Parasurama Kshetram, ie., 'The Land of Parasurama',as the land was reclaimed from sea by him.

The land that was recovered from the seas was not suitable for human habitation as it was filled with poisonous snakes and other wild animals. Later, the great Parasurama invoked the Snake King Vasuki, and  told him that as the snakes are roaming all over the place people are afraid to live there and the water was also contaminated with minerals so nobody can drink water. He requested Vasuki to help him to solve these problems so that the people whom he had given the land as BHOO DANAM can live there happily. Vasuki promised him that he will direct all the snakes to live in the forest where Parasurama sat for worshipping Vasuki said that if some snakes are living outside this forest, they will always be inside the holes and will come out for food only. They will not attack anybody unless and until someone tries to attack them. Moreover he will draw all minerals from the water and put it in the ocean and nearby lakes and except for this water the entire water in the land will become sweet. In turn Vasuki told Parasurama to instruct his people to designate some particular areas in their compound for snakes and start worshipping them as their family god. Vasuki who converted their land into fertile land, and later was appointed as protector and custodian of the new land. People of Kerala have a dedicated place of worship for Vasuki which is Mannarshala. Some Communities dedicated the South West (kanni Moola)Corner of their land to Sarpa Kaavu.

 It is believed that Parasuram planted the 64 Brahmin families in Kerala whom he brought down from the north in order to expiate his slaughter of the Kshatriyas by giving them Bhoo Danam. Thus was born a fertile land with pure minded people. Parusurama was their guiding light, mentor and protector. Soon, when the time was ripe to leave them on their own and return to rumination, he gave them a boon.

What Parasurama said was, whenever the land he had created, and the people inhabiting it, needed him in times of necessity, all of them should get together, and pray. He would immediately be present before them and do all to rid them of their troubles and predicament. Time passed. The people of the land were covered in prosperity and opulence. There was nothing that was petite or diminutive for them all. But as is human nature doubt developed in the minds of the people– if Parasurama sincerely would be there for them, when they needed him? To settle their doubts they decided to invoke Parasurama, they gathered and prayed to him. As promised Parasurama appeared and asked them what the trouble was. They told him that they had prayed for attendance, just to check if the promise that he had given to them was true or not.

Parasurama who is also known for his temper when affronted with this attitude was enraged and cursed the people – “Now, let there be so much infighting and squabbling between you all that even when you need me, all of you cannot sit together and pray, and make my presence obligatory here” Insulted, offended and slighted, Parasurama had left the people behind with never ending battles for land, power, culture and ego. To this day We can never agree on any issue, it holds true for all. Parasurama, being the Chiranjeevi avatar of Vishnu is roaming the earth waiting for the people of his land to call him in unison to rid them of all their tribulations.

We can never conclude in unison and the questions remain. Vishnu avatars are in different Yugas. The Yugantaras are reason for change. Only Change is Constant, Time is the variant and the result is progress. Nothing is eternal.