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He pointed to a large gathering of kshatriya princes that had come together to celebrate a sacrifice in Yayatinagar and wanted to know whether it was not proof enough of Parashurama’s powerlessness that so many of the kshatriyas were moving about openly and honourably! The tapa was a convenient guise behind which was hidden the fear of his old enemies. This public ridicule was too much for Bhargavrama to bear. He was by nature warlike and this provocation was more than what was needed. He took up the challenge, dusted the parashu and bow and went after the culprits.
He undertook a regular tour of the land in search of kshatriyas and challenged them to a battle whenever and wherever he met one. The kshatriyas were professional fighters and all were by no means easy preys to the infuriated Rama’saxe. Many offered a tough resistance. The courage and skill of Bhargavrama was extended to the fullest. Scores of kshatriyas were killed. Numerous others absconded and went into hiding. Parashurama lay low for a time and then again went after his foes.
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