Blog Archive

Thursday, April 11, 2024

J for Janamejaya’s Snake Sacrifice - Mahabharata Mashup

Namaste, 

King Janamejaya is the son of Parikshit, the son of Abhimanyu and Uttara. He is the great-great-grandson of Arjuna and Krishna and the ruler of Hastinapura. 

We’ll read what happened to King Parikshit in the coming posts. Here, we’ll read about the snake sacrifice Janamejaya organized to avenge his father’s death. 

One day, Rishi Uttanka went to King Janamejaya and shared the story of Takshaka, the Naga Raja who was responsible for the death of the king’s father. After Janamejaya gathered more information, he planned to conduct a large sacrifice to kill Takshaka. Rishi Uttanka wanted this since he also had to face hardships due to Takshaka and wanted revenge. 

The preparations of the sacrifice were made. However, even before the event began, one of the builders had a vision and said the snake sacrifice would not be completed. 

This came true even though Janamejaya ensured adequate reinforcements to protect the area. Rishi Astika (son of Jarakatu and Jarakatu and nephew of Vasuki, a naga) went to the sacrifice and asked for a gift. When Janamejaya agreed, Astika asked the king to stop the sacrifice since many innocent snakes were also dying. The king gave his word and hence stopped the sacrifice. 

So, did Takshasa die? No. 

Takshaka learned of the sacrifice and took refuge in Indra’s garden. However, the Hotri chanted mantras that made Takshaka visible even though he was trying to hide. By using Taksaka’s name, the Hotri could bring him closer to the yagna fire. At this moment, Astika insisted the king grant him the boon. Janamejaya couldn’t (wouldn't) refuse. Hence, Takshaka’s life was saved. 

King Janamejaya realized it wasn’t his job to kill the Naga and let go of his plan. He then requested Vyasa Mahamuni (one of the esteemed guests at the event) to tell him the entire story of his ancestors. Vyasa gestured to his student Vaisampayana, who narrated Mahabharata to the king. 

Note: You can find more details of this episode in Astika Upa Parva of Adi Parva. 

I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z.

The AI images are made on Bing.

8 comments:

  1. Aah, the interwoven web of stories, able to be read at the microcosmic and macrocosmic levels. I like the fact that despite the advocacy of the (ill-intentioned) Rishi Uttanka and the desire of vengeance on the part of King Janamejaya, the snake sacrifice was stopped and Takshaka was not killed. Now Vyasa will impart greater wisdom to the king.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very true! Various events are interlinked and cannot be seen as standalone elements, much like the puzzle piece.

      Delete
  2. Brilliant! There is such a treasure of life lessons in our own kathas! I've said it before (anonymously 😁), you are acing the AI generated cover game... You must consider taking it up professionally!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind words, dear! Oh, that was you. :D I've been playing a guessing game. Once the ethical concerns about AI are sorted, I can do it professionally. :)

      Delete
  3. In the version I read, Takshaka coiled around the throne of Indra. and when mantras were recited, Indra's throne started moving towards sacrificial fire.
    Loving this series, Sri. Who knew we had more shared interests than just writing?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If I remember right, Indra comes in this version too, but to see the yagna (I'll have to check and confirm). Thank you, Priya. Haha, yes! Epics, mysteries, cultures- we have many common interests. :D

      Delete
  4. I do like stories about nagas. Something I have wanted to add more to my own writing.
    --
    Tim Brannan, The Other Side blog
    2024 A to Z of Dungeons & Dragons, Celebrating 50 Years of D&D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nagas are indeed fascinating. Thank you, Tim. :)

      Delete