The Story of Parikshit’s Curse by Sage Shringi

The Story of Parikshit’s Curse by Sage Shringi

From Canto 1: Creation (Adhikarana) — A Gentle Bedtime Story for Young Vaishnavs

Once Upon a Time…

King Parikshit was a wise and noble ruler, loved by his people and guided by the values of dharma, just like his grandfather Arjuna and the Pandavas. He always tried to protect goodness and listen to the teachings of Lord Krishna.

But one day, a small mistake changed the course of his life and led to a story full of lessons for all of us.

The Fateful Forest Visit

One morning, King Parikshit went out hunting in the forest. As he wandered in search of deer, he became tired, thirsty, and very hungry. Searching for water, he came upon the peaceful ashram of a great sage named Samika Rishi.

The ashram was calm and beautiful, with birds singing and trees swaying in the wind. King Parikshit entered quietly, hoping to find someone who could give him water.

Inside, he saw Sage Samika sitting in deep meditation, lost in thoughts of God. Parikshit waited, but the sage did not notice him, so deep was his meditation. The king called out, but the sage stayed perfectly still, unaware of anything in the world.

Parikshit grew frustrated. In a moment of impatience, he saw a dead snake nearby, picked it up with the tip of his bow, and gently placed it around the sage’s neck, hoping to wake him. Then, realizing what he had done, Parikshit left the ashram and returned to his palace.

The Young Sage’s Anger

Samika Rishi’s young son, Shringi, was away at the river, fetching water. When he returned, he saw his father sitting in meditation, with a lifeless snake draped around his neck. Shringi was shocked and upset. Using his yogic vision, he saw that King Parikshit had done this, not out of hatred, but out of frustration and hunger.

Shringi’s heart filled with anger. Without thinking of forgiveness, he declared a powerful curse: “In seven days, the person who insulted my father—King Parikshit—will die from the bite of the deadly serpent Takshaka!” The words left his lips and became fate.

Sage Samika soon awoke from his meditation and felt the snake on his shoulders. Calmly, he removed it and asked who had done this. When Shringi told him about the curse, the sage was saddened. He knew Parikshit was a good and noble king and that Shringi should have forgiven him. But a curse, once spoken, could not be taken back.

Parikshit’s Acceptance

Back in the palace, King Parikshit heard the news from the sage’s messengers. He realized the gravity of his mistake. Instead of being angry or fearful, Parikshit accepted the curse with humility. He respected the power of sages and knew that everything happens according to the Lord’s plan.

Determined to spend his last days wisely, Parikshit renounced his kingdom and sat by the holy river Ganga. He wanted to use his remaining time to hear about Lord Krishna and prepare his soul for the next journey.

Wise sages and saints gathered by the river to support him. Among them was the great sage Suka, who recited the Srimad Bhagavatam—the story of Lord Krishna and His glories. Parikshit listened with deep devotion, his heart full of gratitude, not fear.

The Lesson of Forgiveness

Even though Parikshit made a mistake, he accepted the consequences bravely and with faith. Shringi’s anger showed how even the young and wise can sometimes lose control. Sage Samika, on the other hand, showed true forgiveness and compassion.

Moral of the Story

Dear children, Parikshit’s story teaches us to be patient, forgive others, and accept our mistakes with courage. It also reminds us that even when life seems difficult, remembering and loving God gives us strength and peace. True greatness is shown not by never making mistakes, but by how we respond to them—with humility, forgiveness, and devotion.

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The Curse of King Parikshit: A Gentle Lesson in Patience, Forgiveness, and Faith

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Discover why King Parikshit was cursed by Shringi and how he turned his final days into a journey of devotion and wisdom.

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