The Birth of Parikshit, the King Who Hears the Bhagavata
BHAGAVATA PURANA DEEP DIVE - Edition 17 - The King Protected by Vishnu
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After the grand return of Krishna to Dvaraka, the narrative of the Bhagavata Purana shifts focus to the future ruler of Hastinapura—Parikshit, the son of Uttara and Abhimanyu. His birth was no ordinary event. It was marked by divine intervention, as Krishna Himself saved him from certain death while he was still in his mother’s womb. This episode sets the stage for understanding not just the greatness of Parikshit but also the unwavering grace of Krishna upon His devotees.
The Inquiry: A Sage’s Curiosity
As the sages at Naimisharanya continued their discussions, Shounaka Rishi, ever eager to delve deeper into divine mysteries, posed a question to Suta Goswami:
"O wise Suta, tell us the story of Parikshit. We have heard that Ashvatthama, in his fury, released the Brahmashira weapon to destroy Uttara’s unborn child. But we also know that the Lord intervened and saved him. How did this miraculous child come into the world? What kind of ruler did he become? How did he meet his end? And how did he receive the transcendental wisdom of Vyasa’s son, Shuka?"
Shounaka’s questions were profound, for they did not merely seek historical details but aimed at unraveling the workings of divine will through Parikshit’s life.
A Child Saved by the Divine
Suta Goswami began recounting the tale.
When Ashvatthama unleashed the celestial Brahmashira weapon, its fiery energy penetrated Uttara’s womb, aiming to annihilate the last heir of the Pandavas. But within the womb, something extraordinary happened.
The unborn Parikshit saw a luminous being appear before him.
This being was the size of a thumb, yet He radiated a brilliance that outshone everything around Him.
His golden diadem gleamed, and His dark complexion was mesmerizing.
Clad in garments that shone like lightning, He wore earrings of molten gold.
His four hands, carrying divine weapons, symbolized His omnipotence.
With His mace, He effortlessly dispelled the energy of the Brahmashira, just as the sun dissolves the morning mist. Having saved the child, the divine figure disappeared, leaving an indelible impression on the unborn prince’s soul.
Parikshit, even in his fetal state, had been granted the rarest of blessings—a direct vision of Krishna. This divine encounter would shape his entire life, making him constantly seek that form again, thus earning him the name "Parikshit"—one who examines and tests every human in search for the one he saw in the womb.
The Birth of a King
When the child was finally born, the entire kingdom rejoiced. Yudhisthira, overjoyed at the survival of his nephew, ensured that all the proper rites were performed with great splendor. He honored the brahmanas with abundant gifts, recognizing that this child was no ordinary prince but one protected by Krishna Himself.
The learned sages, upon seeing the infant, gave their pronouncements:
"This boy shall be known as Vishnurata—the one protected by Vishnu."
"He will be a king like no other—righteous, wise, and devoted to dharma."
"He will uphold the glory of the Kuru dynasty and be a guardian of the people."
"He will be invincible in battle yet patient and just in rule."
"He will be a chastiser of the wicked and a protector of the noble."
"He will restrain the influence of Kali, preserving righteousness on earth."
"At the end of his reign, he will renounce everything, seek refuge in Krishna, and attain liberation."
These were not mere blessings but divine prophecies, foretelling the destiny of a ruler whose life would be intertwined with both worldly responsibility and spiritual transcendence.
Parikshit’s Upbringing and the Grand Sacrifices
Parikshit grew up under the care of the Pandavas, nurtured in an atmosphere of wisdom, valor, and devotion. He was raised not just as a prince but as a disciple of dharma, learning the subtleties of governance, the discipline of a warrior, and the ultimate truth of Krishna’s supremacy.
Meanwhile, Yudhisthira, though ruling righteously, carried the burden of guilt from the great war. His conscience weighed heavily upon him, for he had witnessed the immense destruction caused by the conflict. Seeking atonement, he wished to perform a grand Ashvamedha Yajna—a horse sacrifice—to cleanse himself of his sins.
But there was a problem. Unlike previous emperors, Yudhisthira had not imposed heavy taxes upon his people. His treasury, therefore, lacked the resources needed for such a large-scale ritual.
It was Krishna, ever the well-wisher of the Pandavas, who provided a solution. He advised the Pandavas to retrieve the immense wealth left behind by King Marutta in the northern lands. Following His guidance, Arjuna and his brothers embarked on this mission, returning with vast riches.
With these resources, Yudhisthira conducted not one but three Ashvamedha Yajnas, dedicating them to Krishna. The rituals were performed with unparalleled grandeur, and Krishna, honored as the Supreme Guest, remained present to bless the proceedings.
For several months, Krishna stayed in Hastinapura, bestowing His divine presence upon His dear devotees. But eventually, the time came for Him to depart. Taking Arjuna along, He returned to Dvaraka, leaving behind a kingdom that flourished under His grace.
A Legacy Foretold
The story of Parikshit’s birth is more than just a tale of divine intervention—it is a testament to Krishna’s unwavering protection of dharma. It reveals the inseparable bond between the Lord and His devotees. Parikshit, even before he took his first breath, had seen Krishna’s form and spent his life seeking Him again.
His rule would be marked by justice, his battles by courage, and his renunciation by wisdom. But most significantly, he would become the listener of the Bhagavata Purana—the sacred discourse that would grant him liberation.
His life, from its miraculous inception to its profound conclusion, was nothing short of a divine play orchestrated by Krishna Himself.
And so, the lineage of the Pandavas continued, protected and guided by the Supreme Lord, as the grand tapestry of the Bhagavata Purana continued to unfold.
This edition of our Bhagavata Purana Deep Dive brings us closer to understanding the profound ways in which Krishna involves Himself in the lives of His devotees. As we move forward, Parikshit’s journey will take us deeper into the heart of bhakti, revealing how true kingship lies not in power but in surrender to the divine.
Stay tuned for the next edition!