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Parashurama is one of the chirjivins, one of the seven immortal souls known to Hindu mythology. The Harivamsha mentions Parashurama as the fifth incarnation of Vishnu. The family in which he was born was famous. The kula of the Bhrugus was well known for its learning and integrity. The grandfather of Parashurama, who was also known as Bhargavrama, was Richika, who was the brother-in-law to the great kshatriya sage Vishvamitra. His father, Jamadagni was also married to a kshatriya princess, Renuka, the daughter of King Prasenajit or Renu of the Ikshvaku clan. However, as society was patriarchal, Parashurama was a brahmin. He had four brothers, Rumanvat, Sushena, Vasu and Vishvavasu. Bhargavrama was the youngest of the lot. When he came of age, he devoted great attention to learning. Though he was equally proficient in all the branches of knowledge, his special favourite was dhanurvidya. When his preliminary education was over, he went to the Gandhamadan mountains and there undertook penance to please Shiva.
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