Jamadagni killed his wife, Renuka, because he perceived that she harbored corrupted or adulterous thoughts after witnessing King Chitraratha. This mental transgression, in his view, led him to command her death.
The Context of Renuka's Transgression
Sage Jamadagni was a revered ascetic, known for his rigorous spiritual discipline and adherence to dharma. His wife, Renuka, was traditionally pure and devoted, her chastity often symbolized by her ability to fetch water in an unbaked clay pot.
One day, while on her way to collect water, Renuka witnessed King Chitraratha bathing with his wives. This sight reportedly caused her to momentarily entertain impure thoughts or a lapse in her mental purity. This brief deviation from her usual state of concentration and spiritual focus resulted in her unbaked pot disintegrating, making her unable to carry water back to the hermitage.
Upon her return, Jamadagni, through his divine insight, immediately sensed her momentary mental impurity. Considering this internal deviation a grave violation of her chastity and spiritual sanctity, he became enraged.
The Command and Execution
In his fury, Jamadagni summoned his sons and ordered them to execute their mother, Renuka.
- Older Sons' Refusal: Jamadagni first commanded his three elder sons to kill Renuka. However, they hesitated and refused to carry out such a drastic act against their own mother.
- Parashurama's Obedience: Jamadagni then turned to his youngest son, Parashurama, who was renowned for his unwavering devotion and absolute obedience to his father. Without hesitation or questioning the command, Parashurama promptly beheaded his mother.
This act of extreme obedience later led to Parashurama being granted boons by Jamadagni, including the resurrection of Renuka and invincibility for himself. The primary reason for Jamadagni's demand was his perception of Renuka's momentary mental infidelity, which he deemed an unacceptable breach of her purity.
