Originating in India, what type of weapon is a parashu?

Parashu is the Sanskrit word for a battle-axe, which can be wielded with one or both hands.

The parashu could be double-edge bladed or single-edge bladed with a spike on the non cutting edge. It usually measures between 3–5 ft (0.91–1.52 m), though some are as long as 7 ft (2.1 m). The parashu is usually made of iron or wootz steel. The cutting edge is broader than the edge which is attached to the haft (handle). The haft is often tied with a leather sheet to provide a good grip.

The parashu named "Vidyudabhi" is the weapon of the god Shiva who gave it to Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, whose name means "Rama with the axe" and also taught him its mastery. Parashurama was the guru of Drona, the guru who instructed the Pandavas in the epic Mahabharata. Bhishma and Karna, the half-brother of the Pandavas, also took instruction in weaponry from Parashurama.

Parashurama was known to have a terrible temper, having lost his father to the wicked Kshatriya Kartavirya Arjuna (not to be confused with Arjuna of Mahabharata). Parashurama's weapon had supernatural powers. It had four cutting edges, one on each end of the blade head and one on each end of the shaft.

The parashu was known as the most lethal close combat weapon of the epics. It is one of the weapons of Shiva, Parashurama, and Durga and is still depicted on their idols throughout India. It is also one of the weapons of Ganesha, and the main weapon of Sahadeva and Shakuni.