Story 16 - Why Parikshit died?

This is the story of how King Parikshit, the only living decendant of Pandavas, died.

One day, King Janmayjay asked his ministers, “Why did my father die? What happened? I want to know the reason. This will help me make my decisions for the welfare of the people.”

His ministers replied, “Your highness! Your father was indeed a virtuous, generous, and kind king. Let us tell you more about him. Your father was an incarnation of dharma itself. He protected all his people equally, ruling them with firmness and kindness. His bravery was incomparable. He protected this entire earth. He had no enemies and he was enemy to none. According to him, all humans were equal. In his rule, people from all sections and castes lived happily and carried their duties. He had established welfare plans for widows, orphans, handicapped, and poor people. His people were healthy and strong. He was a decent and honest man. He had learned archery from Kripacharya. Lord Krishna was very affectionate towards your father. Because your father was born after the possession of Kauravas, he was named Parikshit (after-possess). He was very well-versed in politics and economics. He was an intelligent, good, and gallant king who ruled over 60 years in the kingdom. After that, he died leaving behind a mourning nation and leaving the kingdom to you.”

After listening to this discourse, Janmayjay wondered, “Ministers, you have still not answered my question. All the kings in our dynasty have been good and popular rulers. I want to know why my father died.”

Ministers said, “Your highness! Your father was very fond of hunting. He had left his governance to us. One day, he went to a forest. He targeted a deer but the deer ran. Chasing it, the king went deep into the forest but he could not find the deer anywhere. After all, he was a 60-year old man. So he was tired and hungry. After a while, he came across an ascetic named Shameek. Shameek had taken an oath of silence. The king asked him a question, but did not get a reply. This annoyed the king to a great extent. Without realizing that the ascetic had taken an oath of silence, the king decided to insult him for his impudence. He picked up a dead snake with his bow and placed it on the ascetic’s shoulder. Even then, Shameek was unprovoked and remained in meditation. Finally when he could not get any reaction from the ascetic, the king simply shrugged and returned to his kingdom.”

Now, Shameek had a son named Shringi. He was a splendid and powerful boy. When he heard from a friend that king Parikshit had insulted his father, he was furious. He took some water in his hand and cursed your father, “In seven days, the evil person who put a dead snake on my innocent father will be stabbed by the vicious snake, Takshak. Let the people watch my powers.”

After these words, Shringi went to his father and narrated the entire event to him. Shameek was not happy with this development. He immediately called one of his bright students named Gurumukh and sent a message to your father. When Gurumukh arrived in the palace, he announced, “My teacher has sent you this message, ‘O king! My son has cursed you, so please be careful. According to the curse, Takshak will stab you to death in seven days.’ At this death knell, your father became cautious and raised his vigilance.

On the seventh day when Takshak was on his way to kill your father, he saw a Brahmin named Kashyap hurrying along. He asked, “O good Brahmin! Where are you going in such hurry?” Kashyap replied, “I am going where a snake called Takshak is going to stab king Parikishit. I can revive the king after he is stabbed. If I am there, then Takshak will not be able to harm him.” Takshak was much surprised at the Brahmin’s confidence and he said, “I am Takshak. Why do you want to revive the king after I stab him? Look at my powers. You will not be able to stand in front of them.”

With these words, Takshak stabbed a tree. The tree immediately burned into ashes. Then, Kashyap Brahmin with his knowledge revived the tree and brought it back to life, green and vivid as before.

Realizing that his powers were futile in front of the Brahmin, Takshap decided to bribe him. He said, “Wish for whatever you desire from me.” At this, the Brahmin replied, “I am going for a reward from the king.” Takshak offered, “Take from me the amount you wish to ask from the king but return home.” At this promise, Kashyap Brahmin stated his price, which Takshak immediately paid. Kashyap collected the money and returned home.

After that, Takshak put on a disguise and stealthily entered the palace. He entered your father’s chambers and stabbed him to death. After his death, your coronation ceremony was conducted.
This is a very tragic tale. But since you insisted, we have narrated it to you. Takshak has stabbed your father and Uttank Brahmin is also miffed by him. Please do as you think appropriate.”

Janmayjay replied, “Ministers, this is indeed strange that Takshak stabbed a tree and burned it into ashes and a Brahmin revived the tree. Pray, how do you know this episode? Who told you about it? There is no doubt that Takshak has done a major grievance against my family. If he had not bribed that Brahmin with money and convinced him to return, then my father would have been alive today. I will punish him for this crime. First, you tell me the source of their tale."

His ministered answered, “Your highness! There was a man on the tree which Takshak stabbed. He had climbed the tree to collect dry firewood. Neither Takshak nor Kashyap realized that they had a third person listening in to their conversation. When Takshak stabbed the tree, that man too was burned into ashes along with the tree. The mantra from Kashyap brought him to life along with the tree. He had listened into their conversation and reported it to us. Now, you decide what our next step is going to be.”