BHAGAWAN PARASURAM OF PHEDE

THE MAHARASHTRA CONTRIBUTION

Many of the places in Maharashtra are associated with Parasurama. Though his birth, education, exploits, conquests took place in this region, he is not so popular, say ardently adored as the other deities like Vithoba, Khandoba, Bhavani etc. May be due to his settlement after giving the conquered land to Kashyap. Yet there is one temple exclusively dedicated to him. And strangely enough it was built by a Muslim woman in token of her gratitude for the benefit received. Sounds odd, isn't it? Nay it is quite in consonance with his equally odd character. Wasn't he catholic in his religious outlook? Did he ever distinguish one from another?

The strangeness sprang up thus-once a Muslim princess belonging to Adilsahi's dynasty dispatched a flotilla of merchant ships with valuable cargo to far off Arab countries. Soon news came to her that powerful gales developed in the high seas all on a sudden. Its onset being sudden, and velocity incredible, it was feared that nothing would reach the destination safe - neither cargo nor persons in charge of it. Perturbed greatly she sought the help of Lord Parasuram; for, she heard the story of Parasuram's cowing down of the sea with his mighty bow. She made tearful appeals and offered soulful prayers taking a vow to erect a temple, if nothing untoward happened to the cargo and men. Her sincerity pleased Parasuram most and by a wave of hand he subsided the fury of the sea. When the news of safe reaching of all, she felt extremely joyous and soon spent lakhs to build a decent temple in memory of his benignity that saved her treasure. Gradually, when the strength of adorers increased and receipt of Navas enriched the temple coffers, expansion programme was undertaken with great fervour. The endowments of the princes and philanthropists too raised it to the level of a primer centre of pilgrimage in the state of Maharashtra. A little bit of history before and after the occurrence of the momentous event is quiet expedient at this stage.

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