In ancient India, the tale of King Parikshit’s death is one filled with intrigue, fate, and the complex interplay of dharma (righteousness). It is a story that has been passed down through generations, capturing the imagination and attention of those who hear it. The following account, shared by the wise Sauti, describes how King Janamejaya, Parikshit’s son, sought the truth about his father’s mysterious demise.
The Inquiry of King Janamejaya.
King Janamejaya, known for his quest for justice and righteousness, asked his ministers, “You know what happened to my father. Tell me how that king of great renown met his end. Once I hear the truth from you, I shall decide what is to be done if it benefits the world. Otherwise, I will do nothing and let the matter pass.”
One of the ministers began to recount, “O Rajan, hear about the life of your illustrious father and how he left this world. He was a virtuous and noble Kshatriya who always protected his people, like an embodiment of dharma. He watched over the four varnas, each discharging their svadharma, and protected Bhumi Devi. He was blessed with great prowess and immense fortune.”
The Life and Virtue of King Parikshit.
The minister continued, “No one disliked Parikshit, and he disliked no one. Like Brahma himself, he was equal-minded towards all living beings. He protected all four varnas—Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Sudra—impartially. He supported widows, orphans, the deformed, and the poor. Parikshit was handsome as another Soma Deva, and his Guru at arms was the matchless Saradwat. He was always dear to Lord Govinda and was born to Uttaraa when the Kuru race was almost extinct. Because he was tested with death while in his mother’s womb, he was named Parikshit.”
Parikshit was known for his deep knowledge of the Shastras, which describe the dharma of kings. He possessed a profound intellect, a prodigious memory, and had his passions under control. His knowledge extended to the nuances of dharma and politics. He ruled his people for sixty glorious years, but his life ended tragically, leaving his subjects in mourning. After his death, you, great Janamejaya, were crowned as a mere child, and you have ruled the Kuru kingdom for a thousand years.”
The Tragic Demise of King Parikshit.
Curious about the circumstances of his father’s death, Janamejaya asked again, “But tell me again, how did my father, with all his virtues, meet his death? Describe everything to me as it happened. I want to hear it all.”
Obeying their king’s command, the ministers continued, “Rajan, your father, the guardian of the very Earth and foremost among those who live by the Shastras, became addicted to hunting, much like his ancestor Pandu Mahabaho, the greatest among archers. He would leave the governance of the kingdom to us and wander into the forest for hunting.”
“One day, while hunting, he shot a deer, but when it did not die, he pursued it deep into the jungle, armed with his sword, bow, and quiver. However, he could not find the stag. At sixty years old, he soon grew tired and hungry. In the heart of the forest, he encountered a radiant Rishi, a Sage who had taken a vow of silence. Unaware of the Sage’s vow, the king repeatedly asked if he had seen the deer. Receiving no reply, Parikshit lost his temper and, in a moment of rage, draped a dead snake around the Sage’s neck. The Sage, however, remained calm and unmoved, his heart tranquil.”
The Curse of Shringi to King Parikshit.
The ministers explained further, “The Sage had a son named Shringi, born of a cow, who was known for his spiritual powers and quick temper. One day, a friend informed Sringin about what your father had done. Enraged, Sringin cursed Parikshit, declaring that within seven days, the Naga king Takshaka would burn him with his poison for his disrespect toward his father.”
“When Sringin’s father learned of the curse, he sent a disciple, Gurmukh, to warn Parikshit of his impending fate. Gaurmukha delivered the message to your father: ‘O Rajan, my son has cursed you. Within seven days, Takshaka will burn you with his poison. Be warned, Parikshit, take every care.’”
The Encounter of King Parikshit with Takshaka.
“On the seventh day, the Naga king Takshaka, disguised as a Brahmana, approached Kashyapa Muni, who was on his way to revive your father. Takshaka challenged Kashyapa, demonstrating his power by burning a great tree to ashes with his venom. However, Kashyapa revived the tree with his mantras. Seeing this, Takshaka offered Kashyapa a great treasure to abandon his mission to save Parikshit. Kashyapa accepted the gold and returned home.”
“Takshaka then entered Parikshit’s palace in disguise and, with his deadly venom, reduced your father to ashes. After Parikshit’s last rites, you, Janamejaya, were crowned king. This is how your father met his tragic end.”
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