01.038
Library: Gauramukha informs the King of Shringi’s curse. He expresses his repentance and his ministers make preparation to save him.
Śṛṅgi spoke:
Dear, if this rash act or wrong deed has been done, whether it is pleasant or unpleasant to you, I have not spoken falsely.
I assure you, O ancestors, that this will not be otherwise. I do not speak falsehood, even in private, how could I while swearing?
Śamīka spoke:
I am aware of your formidable power and your commitment to truth, my son. What you have spoken before has never been false, and this will not be false either.
A father should always advise his son, even if he is grown-up, so that he may develop virtues and achieve great fame.
O lord, even as a child, you were cultivated by penance. The anger of the powerful great souls grows exceedingly.
I see that you, the best among the upholders of dharma, are to be spoken to, considering your sonship, childhood, and boldness.
You, endowed with calmness, should gather wild food and move on, abandoning this anger, so that you do not forsake your duty.
Anger destroys the virtue that ascetics accumulate through suffering. Therefore, those who lack virtue do not have a desired path.
Calmness is truly the cause of success for ascetics and the forgiving. This world and the next belong to those who are patient.
Therefore, always conduct yourself with forgiveness and self-control. Through forgiveness, you will reach the realms close to Brahma.
I will indeed do today what is possible by resorting to peace, O father, and I will send it to the king.
You have been cursed by my son, a boy of undeveloped intellect. O king, having witnessed this insult from you, the intolerant one could not bear it.
Sūta said:
After instructing his disciple in this manner, the virtuous sage, filled with compassion, sent him to King Parikshit, the great ascetic.
After instructing the disciple named Gaurmukha, who was virtuous and attentive, about the welfare inquiry and business matters, the tasks were set in motion.
He quickly approached King Kuruvardhana and entered the palace after being announced by the gatekeepers.
After being worshipped by the king, the Brahmin Gauramukha, having rested, narrated everything completely to the king, including the terrible words of Śamīka, as they were said, in the presence of the ministers.
In your kingdom, O King, there exists a sage named Śamīka, who is of supreme virtue, self-controlled, peaceful, and a great ascetic.
O best of the Bharatas, the snake was deprived of life by you, O tiger among men, as it hung by the bow's end on the shoulder. Your son forgave that act, but his son could not tolerate it.
You have been cursed by him, O King, without your father's knowledge, today indeed. Takshaka will bring about your death in seven days.
There, he repeatedly said, 'Provide protection there.' Otherwise, it is not possible for anyone to do it.
He cannot control his son who is filled with anger, so I have been sent by him for your welfare, O king.
Upon hearing those terrible words, the king, a descendant of Kuru, deeply regretted the sin he had committed, showing great penitence.
Upon hearing the great sage who held a vow of silence, the king once again became deeply saddened.
Realizing the compassionate nature of Śamīka, he felt remorse once more for the sin he had committed against the sage.
The king, upon hearing about death, indeed felt regret. However, he did not grieve, appearing like an immortal, as if he had accomplished that deed here.
Then the king sent Gauramukha, saying, "May the Lord bestow his grace again, indeed this is mine."
At that time, when Gauramukha had just arrived, the king, feeling anxious, consulted with his ministers.
After consulting with his ministers and being well-versed in the essence of counsel, he ordered the construction of a well-protected palace supported by a single pillar.
He ensured protection by arranging for physicians and medicines, and stationed Brahmins skilled in mantras all around.
He, being well-versed in dharma, performed all the royal duties there, well-protected by the ministers all around.
On the seventh day, O esteemed sage, the wise Kashyapa arrived to attend to the king.
It was reported to him that today Takshaka, the foremost of serpents, will take the noble king to the realm of Yama.
Thinking thus, I will cure the one bitten by the king of serpents of fever. Therein lies my purpose and duty.
Takshaka, the king of serpents, noticed the aged Brahmin Kashyapa on his path, who was proceeding with a focused mind.
The king of serpents asked Kashyapa, the eminent sage, where he was hastening to and what task he intended to undertake.
Kashyapa spoke.
Today, Takshaka, the foremost of serpents, will burn King Parikshit, who was born in the Kuru dynasty and is known as the subduer of enemies, with his fiery power.
He, who was bitten by the king of serpents with fire-like brilliance, was the benefactor of the Pandavas' family and a king of immeasurable energy.
I am going quickly, gentle one, to immediately provide relief from the fever.
Takshaka spoke.
I am Takshaka, O Brahman, and I will burn the king. Turn back, for you are not capable of healing someone bitten by me.
Kashyapa spoke.
I intend to cure the king bitten by you, serpent, from fever, relying on the power of knowledge.
