Parashurama is the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, He is the son of Renuka and one of the saptarishi Sage Jamadagni. He lived during the last Dvapara Yuga, and is one of the seven immortals or Chiranjivi, of Hinduism.
Parashurama is most known for ridding the world of kshatriyas twenty-one times over after the mighty king Kartavirya killed his father.
The word Parashurama is derived from two words parashu meaning ‘axe’ and Rama. The word Parshuram means ‘Rama with an axe’.
When Jamadagni suspected Renuka of an unchaste thought, he ordered Parashurama to cut off her head, which the obedient son did.
Parshuram is considered one of the Astha Chiranjeevi (Eight Immortals) who has lived from one Satyayuga to another. They will remain alive through Kali Yuga and wait for the next Satya Yuga.
He played important roles in the Mahabharata and Ramayana, serving as mentor to great warriors such as Bhishma, Karna and Drona.
The parashu named Vidyudabhi is the weapon of Lord Shiva who gave it to Parashurama, and also taught him its mastery.
According to Hindu belief unlike all other avatars Parashurama still lives on the Earth. Therefore, unlike Rama and Krishna, Parashurama is not worshipped.