Samanta-Panchaka!

(Adi Parva- Mahabharata)

As per Mahabharata———- 

One day Ugrashrava Sauti, the son of sage Lomaharshana was roaming around the forest Naimishi. A twelve-year sacred Yajna was going on that forest Naimishi under the supervision of Rishi Saunaka and hundreds of sages gathered there to attend that sacred Yajna. While roaming around, Sauti met the great sages observing rigid vows and all the sages welcomed him. After he took a little rest, the sages addressed  Sauti saying, ‘O son of Lomaharshana! We wish to hear about the place Samanta-Panchaka that you have visited and mentioned now.’ 

Sauti said, ‘O Brahmanas, O best of men! You deserve to know the story of this sacred place Samanta-Panchaka.’ Sauti began the story——-

At the juncture of Treta and Dwapara Yuga (end of Treta and beginning of Dwapara), Lord Parashurama, son of sage Jamadagni, being enraged vanquished all the Kshatriya races of the world. Not once, not twice, but he killed the Kshatriyas for twenty-one times! Kshatriyas's wrongdoings exceeded the limit, empowering the Brahmana sage Parashurama to lift his axe and wipe them out completely!

He became so senseless out of anger that after destroying the entire Kshatriya race, he made five lakes of blood at Samanta-Panchaka. Out of fury, he offered his oblation to his ancestors, standing in the bloody water of these lakes. Thereupon, his grandfather- Richika, and other ancestors appeared before him and said, ‘O Son! O descendant of Bhrigu! We are pleased with your prowess and devotion. May good fortune be upon you, O son! Stop this killing now! Ask a boon of your desire.’ 

Parashurama then said, ‘ O forefathers! If you are pleased with me, then make me free from this dreadful sin that I have accumulated by killing the Kshatriyas! Let these lakes become the holiest  place and be celebrated like holy shrines in the world!’  

The ancestors said, ‘So shall be it as you wish! But be satisfied and cool down now!’

After that Parashurama gave up his weapons and engaged himself in hard penances!

Thenceforth, the region that lies near the bloody lakes became famous with the name called Samanta-Panchaka. Once again, at the end of Dwapara and at the beginning of Kali Yuga, another great battle was fought between the Kauravas and the Pandavas in the same place- Samanta-Panchaka which was also known as Kurukshetra!

At last, Parashurama renounced his warrior life and devoted his life to visiting many Tirtha places. He also performed the Ashwamedha sacrifice and gave all his property and possessions he had to the Brahmins. It is believed that he is still there in Mahendra mountain.

However, both battles were horrendous and gave a shocking impression in the hearts of people for generations to come! But one thing is for sure whenever the wrongdoings become too much, the Almighty always arranges something to counterbalance this injustice. It is believed that Parashurama was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu!

Thus, Ugrashrava Sauti narrated the significance of the name Samanta-Panchaka.

As per other Puranas, the story goes like this———-

Once, Kartavirya (Sahashrarjuna) the king of Mahismati went to a forest with his troop. While they were wandering in the forest, they felt hungry and thirsty. After searching for a long time, they saw the hermitage of Sage Jamadagni. Beholding the tired king, the sage showed him proper hospitality. With the help of his divine cow Kamadhenu, Jamadagni satisfied the king and his troops with delicious food and drink. The king was surprised how could a hermit arrange such type of food which was not even available in the royal palace! Being curious to know, Kartavirya asked about it. Rishi Jamadagni told him about his divine cow Kamadhenu. Knowing the power of the celestial cow, the king desired to have it. As the sage refused to spare his cow, Sahasrarjuna took the cow forcibly. 

Being angry, Parashurama went to Mahishmati and brought back Kamadhenu but killed all the troops with King Kartavirya Sahasrarjuna. In return, the king’s son killed Jamadagni in Parashurama’s absence. To avenge his father’s death, Parsahurama went ahead killing all the king’s sons. He took a vow to make the earth free from the burden of sinful, destructive, and oppressive Kshatriyas to establish Justice and Dharma! Enraged Rama picked up his axe and travelled the whole earth to hunt the sons of Kshatriya and killed them all. Thus he did the same twenty-one times! He made five lakes of blood at Samanta-Panchaka. 

However, it is believed that Parashurama was the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He took his avatar to establish Dharma and to punish the unrighteous, sinful Kshatriyas! He balanced the cosmic equilibrium by destroying all types of evil acts!