Mahabharat : The Ancient History
Chapter 3: The Curse of King Parikshit
The sound of scratching fills the air as Ganesha continues inscribing Vyasa’s words. The sage’s voice remains steady, his eyes filled with deep wisdom.
Shree Ganesha
You spoke of King Parikshit, the father of Janamejaya. What was his fate? Why did Janamejaya seek to know his ancestors' story?
Sage Vyasa
Ah, Parikshit… A noble king, a descendant of the great Arjuna. His fate was sealed by destiny’s cruel hands. Listen, O Ganesha, and write carefully.
Ganesha’s tusk moves swiftly as Vyasa continues.
Scene: Hastinapura – The Reign of King Parikshit
The grand city of Hastinapura stands proud, its golden palace shining under the morning sun. Inside the royal court, King Parikshit sits upon his throne, surrounded by ministers and sages. He is known as a wise and just ruler, beloved by his people.
Minister
O King, the kingdom prospers under your rule. Your justice and wisdom remind us of your ancestors, the Pandavas.
King Parikshit
(smiling) Dharma must always guide a ruler, for without it, even the mightiest kingdom crumbles. But tell me, are all my people content? Does anyone suffer injustice?
Sage in Court
O King, your reign is righteous. But beware—the age of Kali has begun. Evil spreads its roots, and dharma is in decline.
Parikshit’s face darkens as he hears these words. He is determined to protect his kingdom from the corruption of Kali Yuga.
Scene: The Forest – Parikshit’s Fatal Mistake
One day, while hunting in the forest, Parikshit rides alone, his bow slung across his shoulder. The sun is high, and the forest is dense. After hours of hunting, he grows tired and thirsty.
King Parikshit
(to himself) I must find water. My throat burns, and the sun is relentless.
As he wanders deeper, he spots a small ashram nestled among the trees. Inside, a sage sits in deep meditation. It is Sage Shamika, an ascetic who has renounced worldly ties.
King Parikshit
(relieved) Surely, a sage’s ashram will have water.
He steps inside and approaches the sage, but Shamika remains unmoving, his eyes closed in deep meditation.
King Parikshit
(raising his voice) O Sage, I am King Parikshit, ruler of Hastinapura. I seek water.
The sage does not respond. Parikshit frowns, his patience waning. He speaks again, louder this time.
King Parikshit
O Great Sage, I am your guest! Will you not even acknowledge my presence?
Yet, there is no response. Anger flickers in Parikshit’s eyes. He feels insulted, believing the sage is deliberately ignoring him.
King Parikshit
(gritting his teeth) Very well! If you will not acknowledge a king, let me see if you react to this.
His eyes fall upon a dead snake lying nearby. In a moment of arrogance, he picks it up with the tip of his bow and drapes it around the sage’s neck.
Even then, Sage Shamika does not stir. But the forest seems to fall silent, as if nature itself disapproves of Parikshit’s deed.
King Parikshit
(muttering) Let us see if silence still serves you, O Sage.
He turns and leaves the ashram, but in his heart, a strange unease settles.
Scene: Sage Shamika’s Ashram – The Wrath of Shringi.
Hours pass. A young ascetic, Shringi, returns to the ashram. His eyes widen in fury as he sees his father, the revered sage, sitting motionless with a dead snake around his neck.
Sage Shringi
(shouting) Who has dared to insult my father? Who has committed this sinful act?
Tears of rage well up in his eyes as he realizes the magnitude of the insult. The air around him crackles with energy as he raises his hands in anger.
Sage Shringi
This is an insult not just to my father, but to dharma itself! Whoever has done this shall not go unpunished!
He closes his eyes, his voice trembling with divine fury.
Sage Shringi
By the power of my penance, I curse the perpetrator! Within seven days, the one who placed this serpent upon my father shall meet his death at the hands of Takshaka, the king of serpents!
A loud crack of thunder shakes the ashram, as if the heavens themselves acknowledge the curse.
Scene: Hastinapura – Parikshit Learns of His Fate
In the royal court, Parikshit sits deep in thought when a messenger rushes in, breathless.
Messenger
O King! A great curse has been placed upon you!
Parikshit’s gaze sharpens as he listens.
Messenger
Sage Shringi, the son of Shamika, has cursed you! Within seven days, Takshaka, the mighty serpent, shall take your life!
A heavy silence falls over the court. Ministers exchange anxious glances, but Parikshit remains composed. He closes his eyes for a moment, as if accepting his fate.
King Parikshit
A curse… for a moment of arrogance. I accept the consequences of my actions.
Minister
O King, we must find a way to counter this! You are the ruler of Hastinapura!
King Parikshit
No, my minister. Fate has spoken. But I shall not wait idly for death. If Takshaka must take my life, let it be within the sacred walls of meditation and knowledge.
He rises from his throne, his voice firm.
King Parikshit
Build me a chamber upon the highest tower. Let no creature, no serpent, enter its walls. I shall spend my final days in penance, seeking wisdom and peace.
The minister bows, though his heart is heavy. The king, accepting his fate, prepares for his final days.
End of this chapter here.
See you guys in the next chapter.
Thank You for reading it.
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