The downfall of every great asura lies in the asmita (ego). Sahasrabahu was no exception to this rule. He had been blessed by Lord Dattatreya Himself, who empowered him with the strength of a thousand (‘sahasra’) arms (‘bahu’). An incomparably brilliant warrior with an inclination towards selfless service, the dharma in sim went for a toss with the increasing predominance of the ago. He finally met his end in the hands of Parashurama, His superior in terms of warrior-like qualities, who sought to avenge the murder of His parents, Rishi Jamdagni and Kshatrani Renuka.
The pattachitra that you see on this page captures the moment of Lord Parashurama’s triumph over the egotistical Sahasrabahu. His body language conveys krodha (aggression) and veerya (valour). The thought of His dead father haunts Him as He carries out His revenge, the image of which is part of the painting. Seated at the threshold of their humble hut, a weeping Mother Renuka holds the head of the dead Rishi in Her lap. Note the carelessly laid down pots of water next to Her, indicative of how distraught She is. The river flows quietly in the foreground as battle prevails in the Janapav hills.
The winged cow floating about in the heavens is Surabhi, the celestial bovine and wish-fulfilling pet of Parashurama’s family. Her pristine body stands out against the solid scarlet of the sunset skies. The gradient of the body of the hills and skies, the numerous shades and tints of green in the canopy above the hut, are proof of the artisan’s skill with water colours.
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