Puranic encyclopaedia
by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222
This page describes the Story of Somaka included the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani that was translated into English in 1975. The Puranas have for centuries profoundly influenced Indian life and Culture and are defined by their characteristic features (panca-lakshana, literally, ‘the five characteristics of a Purana’).
Story of Somaka
General information.
A King of Pāñcāla. This generous King was the son of Sahadeva and the grandson of Subhāsa. In accordance with the advice of Brahmins, the King once sacrificed his son. It is mentioned in Mahābhārata, Vana Parva, Chapter 128 that on completion of the sacrifice he got one hundred sons.
Other details.
(i) This King Somaka travelled with his priests, through the holy worlds and hell and returned. (Mahābhārata Vana Parva, Chapter 128, Verse 11).
(ii) King Somaka made offerings of cows as alms and attained heaven. (Mahābhārata Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 76, Verse 25).
(iii) Never had he eaten flesh in his life. (Mahābhārata Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 115, Verse 63).
(iv) Mention is made in Mahābhārata, Sabhā Parva, Chapter 8, Stanza 8, that this Somaka stays in the palace of Yama prasing him.