Significance of King Parikshit
King Parikshit is a central figure in Vaishnavism and Purana narratives, known for his deep inquiry into spiritual matters and the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna. As a renowned ruler of the Kaurava dynasty, he is depicted as an affectionate monarch who seeks wisdom from the sage Shukadeva, asking about the relationships and stories involving Krishna and his queens. Cursed to die by the serpent Takshaka, King Parikshit uses his remaining time to attain enlightenment through the teachings of the Shrimad Bhagavata.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'King Parikshit'
King Parikshit in Hinduism is a pivotal figure representing the quest for knowledge, devotion, and understanding of divine exploits. Cursed by a serpent, he explores spiritual wisdom and the nature of Krishna's actions.
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ruler who is inquiring about the marriage of his grandfather, Arjuna, to Subhadra, the sister of Balarama and Krishna.[1] (2) The King who posed questions about the nature of the Lord and his actions, seeking enlightenment from the sage.[2] (3) A prominent king, referred to in the context of the narrative, who listens to the account of the queens' widowhood.[3] (4) The inquirer seeking information from the sage about the joy surrounding the Riajasuya sacrifice.[4] (5) The ruler who is fascinated by the stories of Krishna and seeks continuous narration from Shuka.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The monarch of the Kuru race, central to the narrative of impending death due to a curse.[6] (2) A king belonging to the race of Ikshvaku, who goes hunting and encounters various challenges and events in the narrative.[7] (3) The monarch who, while hunting, inadvertently insulted Sringin's father by placing a dead snake on his shoulders.[8] (4) The ruler born of the Kaurava lineage, characterized by his prowess in hunting and bravery.[9]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A prominent figure who ruled righteously at Hastinapura and was ultimately cursed to die by the serpent Takshaka.[10] (2) A ruler of Ayodhya who lost his way while hunting, encountered a beautiful girl, and violated her condition of not showing her water, leading to her disappearance.[11] (3) A significant character in the narrative, he was cursed to be bitten by the serpent Takshaka, leading to his eventual demise.[12]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A significant figure in Hindu mythology known for seeking salvation and enlightenment by listening to the teachings of the Shrimad Bhagavata.[13]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The king who has been cursed and is at risk of being killed by the serpent Takshak through a bite.[14]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A descendant of Kuru who faced consequences due to his actions against the car's keepers.[15]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The main character who is affectionate to his mother and becomes immersed in the nectar of divine love.[16] (2) The son of Mother Uttara who was delighted by her pleasing inquiry and responded after offering obeisances.[17]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Maharaja who inquired about the unprecedented love cowherd women had for Krishna, prompting a discussion from Shukadeva.[18] (2) A monarch who was anxious about the safety of Krishna and the children of Vraja due to Putana’s killings.[19]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A renowned ruler in the Kaurava dynasty, noted for his fame.[20]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) A ruler who seeks spiritual knowledge and experiences profound realizations about the divine.[21]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The great king to whom Shri Shukadeva narrates the story and explanations throughout the narrative.[22]