Takshaka Seeks Indra’s Protection
Table of Contents (The Complete Mahabharata in Simple English)
Previous Post: Names of the Rishis, Priests, and the Ritwika Who Participated in the Snake Sacrifice
| Note: In the previous post, we read the names of the Hotri, Adhvaryu, Brahmana, and the Udgatri who officiated and the Sadasyas who participated in Janamejaya’s snake sacrifice. We also learned the meaning of these roles. In this post, we will read about what Takshaka did when he found out that snakes were perishing in the sacrifice. |
As soon as Takshaka heard about King Janamejaya’s snake sacrifice, he went straight to the palace of Indra and sought refuge from the king of the devas after acknowledging his fault (of killing King Parikshit by deceit).
Indra, the king of the devas, and Takshaka, the king of the serpents, were close friends. Indra was gratified when he heard Takshaka acknowledge his fault and ask for protection. He immediately consoled his friend saying, “O Takshaka, do not be afraid. I have already pacified Brahma Deva on your behalf. You do not need to have any fear from the sacrifice.”
Encouraged and protected by the king of devas, Takshaka stayed joyfully in Indra’s abode.
While Takshaka stayed happily in heaven, Vasuki became filled with sorrow seeing the multitude of snakes falling into the sacrificial fire. Heartbroken seeing the serpent family being destroyed, he called out to his sister for help.
| Note: The difference in how Takshaka and Vasuki responded to the danger is striking. Takshaka cared only for his own safety while Vasuki’s heart broke seeing the plight of the serpents. An interesting detail about both, Takshaka and Vasuki, is that they are mentioned (in Tibetan Buddhism) as two of the eight great dragon kings who attended Shakyamuni Buddha’s preaching of the Lotus Sutra. In the next post, we will read about Vasuki asking his sister’s son, Astika, to save the serpents. |
Table of Contents (The Complete Mahabharata in Simple English)
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