01.046
Library: King Janamejaya decides to take revenge on Takshaka.
The ministers spoke:
Then the king, O lord of kings, placed the sage's serpent, which was emaciated by hunger, on his shoulder and returned to his city once more.
The sage's son, Śṛṅgī, was born in a cow and was known for his great energy, sharp prowess, and irritable nature.
The sage approached Brahma and performed worship. With permission, Śṛṅgī went there and heard him. From the presence of the friend, your father was insulted by his father.
O Janamejaya, your father, the best of the Kurus, carried an innocent dead snake on his shoulder.
Then, O king, the ascetic, who was extremely pure and had conquered his senses, stood wonderfully firm in his duties, being the best among sages.
Through penance, one achieves an illuminated self, controlling one's own limbs, thus maintaining auspicious conduct and engaging in auspicious stories, remaining firm and free from greed.
You, who are not small, without envy, and old, situated in a vow of silence, are the refuge of all beings, wronged by your father.
Then, upon hearing that, the greatly powerful son of the sage, though just a boy, was filled with anger and cursed your father, showing himself to be superior even to the elders.
He quickly touched the water and, with anger, said this, as if blazing with energy, intending your father.
The innocent teacher who threw my dead snake will be struck by the angry serpent Takshaka with his energy. Witness the power of my penance against sin after seven nights from now.
After speaking thus, the father went to the place where he was. Upon seeing his father, he conveyed that curse to him.
The sage, like a tiger, sent your father. You have been cursed by my son, so be alert, O king. Takshaka will bring you down with his power, O great king.
Upon hearing those dreadful words, your father Janamejaya became alert and was terrified of Takshaka, the supreme serpent.
On the seventh day, when the time had come, the sage Kashyapa wished to visit the king.
Then, the serpent king Takshaka saw Kashyapa and said to him, 'Kashyapa, go quickly.'
Where are you rushing to and what task do you plan to accomplish?
Kashyapa spoke:
O Brahmin, it is said that there, the king Parikshit, the best of the Kurus, will indeed be bitten by the serpent Takshaka.
I am going quickly to provide immediate relief. The snake will not harm him whom I have approached.
Takshaka spoke:
Why do you wish to revive him whom I have bitten? Tell me your desire, and I will grant it to you today; now go to your own house.
The ministers spoke:
Desiring wealth, he said, 'I will go there.' He spoke to the great soul, honoring him with gentle words.
Take as much wealth as you desire from the king, but take even more from me and return, O sinless one.
Kashyapa, the best among bipeds, was addressed by the serpent and, having obtained the desired wealth, returned from Takshaka.
When the Brahmin returned, Takshaka, in disguise, approached your righteous father, the king, O best of kings.
In the palace, even that was consumed by the poison-fire. Thereafter, you, the tiger among men, were anointed for victory.
O best of kings, we have seen and heard all of this as it is, and have recounted everything to you, which is very terrible.
Upon hearing this, O esteemed king, regarding the defeat of the prince and the sage Uttanka, please take the necessary actions that follow.
Janamejaya spoke:
I wish to hear the conversation that took place between the serpent king and Kashyapa in the desolate forest.
Who saw and heard it, and how did it reach your ears? After hearing it, I will then decide on a plan to end the serpents.
The ministers spoke:
Listen, O king, to how our meeting with the best of Brahmins and the king of serpents on the road was narrated in the past.
In that tree, a certain man climbed up the dry branch searching for firewood, O king.
The serpent-bird, dwelling in the tree, was not aware of him being there.
However, O King, by the influence of the Brahmin, the tree was revived and became alive after being turned to ashes by that very tree.
O best of kings, having gone to this city, he informed everything as it happened, regarding Takshaka and the Brahmin.
This has been narrated to you, O king, exactly as it happened and as it was heard. Now, having listened, O distinguished king, act according to your wishes.
Sūta said:
Upon hearing the ministers' words, King Janamejaya was overwhelmed with sorrow and clasped his hands together in distress.
The lotus-eyed king, overwhelmed with grief and sorrow, repeatedly sighed deeply and shed tears continuously from his eyes. Then, the ruler of the earth spoke.
Upon hearing these words of yours about my father's journey to heaven, this is my firm decision, indeed, understand it.
Afterwards, I believe that it is necessary to retaliate against the wicked Takshaka who harmed my father.
Indeed, if the sinner follows the words of sage Śṛṅga and burns the king, surely my father would survive.
What harm would there be to him if the king continues to live, supported by the grace of Kashyapa and the wise counsel of his ministers?
However, in his delusion, he stopped Kashyapa, the eminent sage, who had come with the intention to revive the undefeated king.
This is indeed a great transgression by Takshaka, the wicked soul, who bribed the Brahmin to ensure that the king would not be revived.
I will do what pleases Uttanka and is greatly pleasing to myself and indeed to all of you, and I shall go to pay respects to my father.