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.
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.
ReplyDeleteVery true! Various events are interlinked and cannot be seen as standalone elements, much like the puzzle piece.
DeleteBrilliant! 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!
ReplyDeleteThank 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. :)
DeleteIn the version I read, Takshaka coiled around the throne of Indra. and when mantras were recited, Indra's throne started moving towards sacrificial fire.
ReplyDeleteLoving this series, Sri. Who knew we had more shared interests than just writing?
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
DeleteI do like stories about nagas. Something I have wanted to add more to my own writing.
ReplyDelete--
Tim Brannan, The Other Side blog
2024 A to Z of Dungeons & Dragons, Celebrating 50 Years of D&D
Nagas are indeed fascinating. Thank you, Tim. :)
Delete