VARNA HIERARCHY
A struggle for class- superiority can
be seen in the conflict between Vasistha and Visvamitra and Parasurama and Rama
.The ego Visvamitra as an unchallenged king is shattered when Visistha refuses
to part with his dear cow Sabala. She was everything for Vasistha and gives him
whatever he wants.
Visvamitra is cresting fallen when the
army for originating from the cow fights with his army flees. His famous word
was that - fie upon the power of Ksatriyas. The power emerging from Brahmana is
indeed the real power. With a single staff all my missiles have been
neutralized’, have great class-significance.
Despite all such impediments,
Visvamitra attains the status of Brahmari by means of persistent penance.
Vasistha and others concede to his attainment. The attainment by a Ksatriya of
a status of Brahmarsi is a historic event with a great social implication. The
ascent of Visvamitra from the status of Rajarsi to Brahmarsi, a king-sage to a
Brahmanasage reveals a veiled affirmation of the Brahmana superiority over the
Kstriyas during the epic days. This event also upholds the Immeasurable power
of self-control and austerities.
Parasurama, son of Jamadagni, who is a
sworn enemy of the Ksatriyas, makes his appearance before Rama while the latter,
accompanied by his gurus and family members, is returning to Ayodhya.
Parasurama appears as an aggressive Brahmana poses a challenge to Rama,
rejecting the entreaties of Dasaratha. He challenges Rama to fix the arrow of
mighty bow of Visnu, falling which he would have single combat with him. Rama
fixes the arrow very easily and leaves Parasurama unpunished.
He says: ‘you are a brahmana and hence
worthy of reverence. You are also related to Visvamitra. Therefore, I am not
shooting an arrow which may kill you. Parasuram is also considered an avatar of
Lord Vishnu similar to Rama.
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