Which avatar of Vishnu is the axe-wielding Brahmin?

The axe-wielding Brahmin avatar of Vishnu is Parashurama, whose name means “Rama with the axe.”

Parashurama is regarded as Vishnu’s sixth avatar in the Dashavatara. He was born to the sage Jamadagni and Renuka and is portrayed as both a Brahmin and a formidable warrior. His characteristic weapon, the parashu or battle-axe, was given to him by Shiva in many traditional accounts.

Epic and Puranic stories describe Parashurama confronting oppressive Kshatriya rulers who had abused their power. The Mahabharata says that he destroyed Kshatriya lineages twenty-one times, a legendary act intended to restore moral and social order rather than a literal historical record.

Parashurama also appears in both major Sanskrit epics. In the Ramayana, he confronts Rama after Rama breaks Shiva’s bow and recognizes Rama’s divine status. In the Mahabharata, he teaches warriors including Bhishma, Drona, and Karna in different traditions. Unlike most avatars, Parashurama is often described as a Chiranjivi, an immortal who remains present into later ages.