One day, King Parikshit entered the room of treasury of his palace where treasures of his ancestors were safely stored. Parikshit was mesmerized by the wealth present there. He found a magnificent crown that actually belonged to Jarasandha who was killed by Bhima. Parikshit decided to wear it.

On the same afternoon, Parikshit rambled in the forest for hunting. It was a hot sunny day. He started feeling thirsty. He wandered here and there for water. He saw a small hut nearby. Parikshit proceeded to the hut. He saw an old sage meditating calmly and composed.

Parikshit requested the sage for water. He repeatedly asked multiple times. But the Sage was silent and immersed in the devotion of Sri Krishna.

Kali decided to play deceit against Parikshit. The cruel personality decided to take revenge against the one who defeated him. As promised that he would stay only in 5 places which includes Gold, Kali sat on the crown of Parikshit which was made up of glittering gold.

Parikshit immediately became frustrated. He saw a dead snake around and placed it around the neck of the meditating sage.

He furiously said, "Oh Sage, It is the Dharma of a person to respect the guest and serve him. You are arrogant about your penance and decided to unanswered my requests.

A boy of teen came to the hut with firewood and was bewildered to see the scenario. He became vexated at the king.

He took his Kamandal which was filled with pure water and proclaimed, "O Evil King, blinded by your ego, arrogance, and attachment, You dare to insult my father, Rishi Shamika! I, Sringin, Son of Sage Shamika curse you that within 7 days from now, you will be killed by a snake mercilessly."

Sringin started wailing at the feet of his father seeing the grave insult. Hearing the cries of his son, Sage Shamika woke up from his deep meditation and asked his son for his huge cries. He saw a dead snake around his neck and threw it away. Sringin said, "O Father, A cruel King insulted you by placing this dead snake on you."

"Who?". "I think he is the King of Hastinapura." Sage Shamika with his yogic powers realized the incident that happened. He said, "O dear son, what a grave mistake you did?! King Parikshit is the righteous King, a descendant of King Yudhistira. I did not take it as a serious offense. Go and inform him about the curse. Quick!!"

Sringin went to Hasthinapur where he was welcomed greatly. King Parikshit served him and asked who he was and the reason for his arrival. Sringin felt guilty for cursing such a righteous King.

Sringin introduced himself and said to him the incidents. Parikshit was dismayed. Which person would be happy when he comes to know that he will die within a few days?

Sringin advised Parikshit to take penance in his last days and left the place. King Parikshit wept bitterly for his act. He decided to leave the kingdom and penance on the lotus feet of the supreme personality of the Godhead, Sri Krishna.

He had to convince his wife, Iravati to leave. He made his son, Janamejaya as the King of Hastinapur and left to the forests.

TO BE CONTINUED.........

(Published on 29th June 2020, Monday)

NEXT DAY: Parikshit meets Sukadeva

(Image source: Google and the owners of the art)