The story of how Parashurama became a Chiranjeevi, or immortal being, is narrated in the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana. This tale unfolds with the exploits of Bhagavan Sri Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who achieved the remarkable feat of breaking the divine bow of Lord Shiva. This bow had been gifted by the sage Parashurama to King Janaka and was central to the Swayamvar of Sita, the daughter of King Janaka. By accomplishing this extraordinary task, Rama won Sita's hand in marriage.
Following their grand wedding celebrations in Mithila, the marriage party, including Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and their entourage, set out for Ayodhya. As they journeyed through the dense forests, they encountered the formidable sage Parashurama, renowned for his fierce temper and unmatched prowess. Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, wielded a bow of immense power and was known for his asceticism and warrior skills.
Parashurama, still harboring a grudge over the breaking of Shiva's bow—an act he considered a slight against both Lord Shiva and himself—challenged Rama. He accused Rama of breaking an old and brittle bow and questioned his true strength and valor. To test Rama's prowess, Parashurama threw his own mighty bow at him with great force, daring him to lift and string it.
With ease and grace, Rama caught the bow with his left hand. Recognizing the challenge, he requested an arrow from Parashurama. Parashurama handed over an arrow, knowing that doing so would transfer all his power to Rama and leave him as an ordinary Brahmin. Rama swiftly lifted and strung the bow, demonstrating his divine strength and skill.
As Rama prepared to release the arrow, he addressed Parashurama with respect, saying, "I will not harm you, as you are a revered Brahman. However, this arrow cannot go in vain. What should I do with it?"
Parashurama, humbled and recognizing Rama's true identity as Narayan (another name for Lord Vishnu), replied, "I acknowledge your divine nature, O Rama. Please use this arrow to stop my path to heaven."
Understanding Parashurama's request, Rama aimed the arrow and stopped Parashurama's way to heaven. With his path to heaven blocked, Parashurama chose to retire to a life of meditation and penance, relinquishing his warrior role and continuing his spiritual practices. Thus, Parashurama became an immortal being, or Chiranjeevi, dedicating himself to eternal asceticism and devotion.
This story emphasizes themes of humility, divine recognition, and the transcendence of mortal ambitions through spiritual dedication. Parashurama's transformation from a warrior sage to an immortal ascetic highlights the profound shift from worldly power to eternal spiritual pursuit.