Mahabharat : The Ancient History
Chapter 4: Janamejaya's Revenge– The snake Sacrifice
Takshak Naag : The mighty serpent king of Pātāla (Hell) , is a being of immense power and cunning. Feared for his lethal venom and unmatched wisdom, he moves between realms with a purpose known only to him. With eyes that burn like embers and a presence that commands both awe and dread, he is not just a ruler but a force of destiny—one who weaves his own path in the grand tapestry of fate.
Note : Naag means Serpent or Snake
Scene: Hastinapura – The Death of King Parikshit
The royal chamber atop the highest tower of Hastinapura is heavily guarded. King Parikshit sits inside, listening to the sacred discourses of learned Brahmins. The air is tense, for this is the seventh day of the curse.
King Parikshit
(calmly) My time has come. Yet, I feel no fear. If Takshaka must claim my life, let it be according to destiny.
Minister
O King, we have ensured no serpent may enter this chamber! Guards surround the palace. No creature can breach these walls.
Parikshit nods, his heart at peace. But outside, in the dense forests, Takshaka, the mighty serpent king, slithers forth. He is accompanied by a group of Nagas, their eyes burning with vengeance.
Takshak Naag
(hissing) The curse of Shringi shall be fulfilled. No walls, no guards can stop the decree of fate.
As Takshaka approaches the city, he encounters a Brahmin, Kashyapa, known for his knowledge of curing poison.
Kashyapa
O King of Serpents, I know why you come. But I also have the power to neutralize your venom and save the king. Let me pass.
Takshak Naag
(laughing) Foolish Brahmin! You do not understand my power. Watch and learn.
Takshaka slithers to a nearby tree and sinks his fangs into its bark. Within seconds, the tree blackens and crumbles into ash.
Takshak Naag
Now, if you can restore this tree, I shall let you pass.
Kashyapa chants powerful mantras, places his hands upon the ashes, and miraculously, the tree is restored, blooming with life once more.
Takshak Naag
(impressed) You are indeed powerful, O Sage. But tell me, why do you wish to save Parikshit?
Kashyapa
It is my dharma to heal.
Takshak Naag
Very well, then. Take this wealth and return home. For fate has already decided Parikshit’s end.
Takshaka offers Kashyapa a fortune in gold. The sage, realizing that destiny cannot be altered, accepts and leaves.
Under the cover of dusk, Takshaka reaches Hastinapura. Using his magic, he transforms into a small insect and enters a fruit meant for the king’s meal. A servant unknowingly presents it to Parikshit.
King Parikshit
(smiling) A simple fruit. Perhaps a fitting last meal.
As he takes a bite, the fruit bursts open. Takshaka emerges in his true form, growing to a massive size, his eyes burning with venom.
Takshak Naag
The curse is fulfilled!
Before Parikshit can react, Takshaka strikes. His fangs pierce the king’s flesh, and the venom spreads instantly. The great king gasps, his body stiffening. Within moments, he collapses—lifeless.
A loud cry echoes through the palace. The king is dead. Messengers rush to inform his son, Janamejaya.
Scene: Janamejaya’s Court – The Oath of Vengeance
The royal court is in chaos. Ministers and sages gather as Prince Janamejaya ascends the throne, grief and fury in his eyes.
King Janamejaya
(voice trembling) My father was a just king! Yet, he was slain by that vile serpent Takshaka! This is an insult to our lineage!
Minister
O King, it was fate that claimed your father. The curse of Sage Shringi could not be undone.
King Janamejaya
(fiercely) Then I shall not rest until I have avenged him! If one serpent has taken my father’s life, then let every serpent pay the price!
He turns to his chief priest.
King Janamejaya
Summon the greatest sages. I shall perform a grand yajna, the Sarpa Satra, a snake sacrifice! Let no Naga be spared! Let Takshaka burn in the sacred fire!
Note : a yajna means a ritual performed in front of fire for a wish, boon or sacrifice with a specific objective.
The ministers murmur among themselves. Some look uneasy, but none dare to challenge the young king’s fury.
Head Priest
As you command, O King. The fire shall be prepared.
The preparations begin. The news of the upcoming snake sacrifice spreads across the land, reaching the ears of the Nagas.
Scene: The Naga Kingdom – Panic Among the Serpents
In the depths of the underworld, the kingdom of the Nagas trembles. The news of the sacrifice spreads fear among them.
Naga Elder
O Takshaka! The Kuru king seeks vengeance! The Sarpa Satra has begun. The sacred fire shall consume us all!
Takshak Naag
(angrily) Fools! I shall not be captured so easily. I will find refuge where no fire can reach me!
He slithers away, seeking protection from Indra, the king of the heavens.
Scene: The Sarpa Satra Begins
A grand sacrificial altar is built in Hastinapura. Sages gather, chanting powerful mantras. The fire blazes high as the priests begin the rituals.
King Janamejaya
Let the Nagas be summoned! Let them be dragged into the fire!
The priests chant their invocations. One by one, serpents from all over the land are drawn by the force of the sacrifice. They wriggle helplessly as they fall into the flames, perishing.
King Janamejaya
(laughing coldly) Let them suffer! Let them feel my father’s pain!
The priests continue chanting, calling Takshaka.
Head Priest
Takshaka! King of Serpents! Come forth and meet your fate!
The fire crackles, but Takshaka does not appear. He is hidden in Indra’s palace, beyond the reach of mortal magic.
Head Priest
(whispering) O King, Takshaka has taken refuge with Indra. He will not come easily.
King Janamejaya
(eyes narrowing) Then we shall summon him even from the heavens! Continue the sacrifice!
The priests intensify their chants. The power of the yajna grows, shaking the heavens themselves.
Devraj Indra : The king of the Devas and ruler of Swarga (heaven), is a mighty warrior and a symbol of authority. Wielding the legendary Vajra, he commands thunder and storms, striking down enemies with divine wrath. His presence radiates power, yet his rule is marked by both valor and flaws—pride, ambition, and moments of doubt. A guardian of cosmic order, he stands at the forefront of celestial battles, ever watchful, ever formidable, shaping the destiny of gods and mortals alike.
Scene: Indra’s Court – Takshaka’s Fear
In Indra’s celestial court, Takshaka coils near Indra’s throne, trembling.
Takshak Naag
O Lord Indra! The Sarpa Satra threatens me! Protect me from the flames of Janamejaya!
Devraj Indra
Fear not, Takshaka. You are under my protection.
But as the sacrifice intensifies, a great force begins pulling Takshaka from Indra’s court.
Takshak Naag
(terrified) No! The fire summons me! Even the heavens cannot shield me!
Indra watches, troubled. Even he cannot ignore the power of a determined king’s sacrifice.
Scene: Vyasa’s Hermitage – The Tale Halts
Ganesha pauses his writing, looking at Vyasa.
Shree Ganesha
A king’s fury, a sacrifice that defies even the gods… The tale grows ever more intense, O Sage.
Sage Vyasa
(nodding) And yet, destiny intervenes in unexpected ways. For just as Takshaka was about to be cast into the flames, a young Brahmin arrived—one who would change the course of the sacrifice.
Shree Ganesha
(curious) Who was he?
Sage Vyasa
A child of wisdom and power. His name was Astika. And he alone had the power to stop the great snake sacrifice.
Vyasa’s voice grows deeper, for the next chapter shall reveal the fate of the Nagas and the resolution of Janamejaya’s vengeance.
See you guys in the next chapter.
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