King Parikshit, the noble son of Abhimanyu, once incurred the wrath of a sage, leading to a terrible curse. As a result of his transgression, the sage’s son cursed him to die by a serpent’s bite within seven days. The king, desperate to avoid this fatal end, summoned the greatest protectors and scholars to guard him from the curse. Despite all efforts, destiny was set in motion.
According to the curse, Takshaka, the powerful serpent king, was chosen to fulfill the prophecy. As Takshaka slithered through the forest on his way to kill King Parikshit, he encountered a Brahmin named Kashyapa. Seeing the serpent, Kashyapa calmly told him that he was on his way to the king’s palace to save the monarch from the impending death.
Amused by Kashyapa’s boldness, Takshaka laughed. “You think you can save the king from me?” he scoffed. To demonstrate his immense power, Takshaka turned to a towering tree beside them and, in an instant, sank his fangs deep into its trunk. His venom coursed through the tree, and in moments, the once-vibrant tree withered and crumbled into ashes. What’s more, a man who had been sitting on one of the branches was also reduced to ash.
Takshaka, confident in his demonstration, smirked, believing he had proven his superiority. But Kashyapa merely smiled. With a calm demeanor, the wise Brahmin chanted a powerful mantra and sprinkled holy water over the ashes. Before Takshaka’s astonished eyes, the tree slowly reformed, returning to its original, healthy state, and the man was restored to life, unharmed as if nothing had happened.
Takshaka’s jaw dropped in disbelief. Realizing the incredible power Kashyapa possessed, the serpent king was filled with awe and fear. He begged for forgiveness and, knowing the Brahmin could foil his mission, offered Kashyapa vast wealth in exchange for his departure.
Kashyapa, tempted by the offer, accepted the wealth and turned away, leaving Takshaka free to continue his mission. With the Brahmin gone, Takshaka went on to fulfill the curse, biting and killing King Parikshit, as fate had decreed.
What amazes me about Mahabharata is how can someone link so many characters with so many back stories.
If you agree with me, please comment !
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