Section XLI - King Parikshit cursed by Rishi Sringin for Insulting Brahmana
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XLI including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Sringin, the son of a Rishi, became enraged when he learned that King Parikshit had placed a dead snake on his father's shoulders while he was observing a vow of silence. In retaliation, Sringin cursed the king, predicting that within seven days he would be killed by the powerful serpent Takshaka. Despite his father's teachings about forgiveness towards kings, Sringin was determined to avenge the insult to his father's honor. However, his father reminded him of the importance of kings in protecting their subjects and upholding Dharma, urging him to reconsider his actions. Sringin realized the error of his ways and regretted cursing the king out of anger, acknowledging the vital role of righteous rulers in maintaining peace and order in society. He was also reminded that the king may have acted out of ignorance and should be forgiven for his mistake. Through this story, the importance of forgiveness, understanding, and the role of kings in upholding justice and order is highlighted.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section XLI - King Parikshit cursed by Rishi Sringin for Insulting Brahmana, have a look at the following articles:
Section XLI, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
Read this and other chapters online.
Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
Buy the latest edition:
FAQ of Mahabharata, Section XLI:
Why did Sringin curse King Parikshit?
Sringin cursed the king for placing a dead snake on his father's shoulders in anger.
What did Sringin's father advise him?
His father advised forgiveness towards the king as kings protect their subjects.
What was the reason behind King Parikshit's actions?
King Parikshit placed the dead snake on the sage's shoulders due to hunger and ignorance of his vow of silence.
Daily life: King Parikshit cursed by Rishi Sringin for Insulting Brahmana:
The story teaches us the importance of patience, understanding, and forgiveness in our interactions with others. It shows how hasty judgments and actions, driven by anger, can lead to harmful outcomes that might be regretted later. Even when we feel wronged or disrespected, it's vital to take a moment to understand the other person's circumstances or limitations that might have led to their actions.
In daily life, this translates to taking a step back when we're upset or angry and trying not to react immediately. By doing so, we give ourselves the chance to cool down and reflect on the situation more objectively. This period of reflection can help us see if the perceived offense was intentional or just a result of unfortunate circumstances. Understanding this can lead to more compassionate responses and prevents unnecessary conflicts or harm.
Furthermore, the story highlights the significance of acting with kindness and forgiveness, recognizing that everyone makes mistakes. When someone does something hurtful, it’s helpful to remember that their actions might not have been aimed at causing harm. Offering forgiveness not only resolves conflicts but also fosters a supportive and understanding environment. In essence, the narrative encourages us to act with empathy and generosity, even in challenging situations, to maintain harmony and goodwill in our communities.