Parikshit was the descendent of the Pandavas and the son of Abhimanyu and Uttara. He was cursed by Rishi Shringi, to die in the next 7 days by a snake bite. Follow along this article to know exactly what happened, and how Kali Yuga influenced Parikshit to do a henious act which led to this curse.
KALI PURUSHA MEETS PARIKSHIT
With Lord Shree Krishna returning to his abode and the Pandavas’ mahaprasthana, dwaparayuga had technically ended and it was time for Kali yuga to take his position among the people of earth. But King Parikshit, Just like his grandparents, was strong, brave, powerful and ruled with wisdom and righteousness. Hence, it was not being possible for Kali to enter amongst the common people as Kali was weak and feeble back then, and Parikshit had strong good influence on the people.
It is written in many scriptures that once when King Parikshit was hunting, he encountered with a weak Kali Purusha. Kali tells Parikshit that, it is the rule of nature for him to enter into earth. But Parikshit strongly refuses to permit Kali during his rule. But on Kali insisting Parikshit that he can’t change the rule of nature, Parikshit allows Kali to stay at places where there is a presence of lust, greed, anger, pride etc. Since the want for gold comes under greed, Kali starts to reside on the head of Parikshit where he wore a golden crown.
Did you know archaeologists found a bronze chariot which dates back to the Mahabharata period?
KALI’s BAD INFLUENCE ON PARIKSHIT BEGINS
After the hunt, Parikshit enroute back to his palace felt really thirsty. He found an ashram nearby and called out for water. When nobody replied, King Parikshit went inside to see Rishi Shamika meditating. When Rishi Shamika didn’t respond to Parikshit upon continuous requests for water, Under the bad influence of Kali, King Parikshit in his own pride felt extreme anger and tossed a dead snake around the neck of Rishi Shamika and left.
Read more about Bhima and Ghatotkacha
RISHI SHRINGI CURSES PARIKSHIT
Rishi Shamika had a son named Rishi Shringi who was away during this time. When he returned he was narrated about this incident which was witnessed by another disciple of Rishi Shamika. This infuriated RISHI SHRINGI and he cursed that whoever has done this ill deed will die within 7 days of a snakebite. When Rishi Shamika woke up from his meditation, he immediately realised with his divine abilities that what happened was under the influence of Kali. And was disappointed by his son’s irresponsible act, as the death of Parikshit would lead to the strengthening of Kali.
PARIKSHIT’s DEATH
Rishi Shamika sends one of his disciple to let Parikshit know about his curse. Knowing this the ministers of hastinapur protect Parikshit in a tower fully guarded for keeping snakes away.
Eventually Sage Shuka the son of Veda Vyasa reaches Parikshit and recites the divine Bhagavata purana, and the way to moksha. Finally on the seventh day Snake Takshak who had a deep hatred towards the family Pandavas for generations, enters in the form of insects in fruits and bites King Parikshit leading to his death. Although Shuka doesn’t avoid the death of Parikshit, he successfully removes the fear of death in the king. This hatred towards Takshak is carried forward by King Parikshit’s son brave King Janamejaya.
