Parikshit : Son of Abhimanyu

Mahabharata Adiparva astika parva section 39-41

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Parikshit, King of Hastinapur (now Delhi), and son of Abhimanyu, the only surviving Raja of that Kuru lineage, was a just king. He protected his people, established justice.

He went hunting one day and he shot an arrow on a deer. The deer ran away inspite of being pierced by the arrow. He went into deep jungle searching for the deer. He was fatigued with hunger and thirst.

He saw a monastary and a rishi(monk), who was drinking the froth that is left after calves drink the milk of their mother. The King asked him repeatedly where the deer was. The rishi was observing a vow of silence, and hence did not reply. Angered by this silence, King Parikshit has placed a dead snake on that rishi's neck and left. The Rishi has not said a word at this, and he didnt mind the hungry King's insult. The rishi had a son named Sringin, who was also an ascetic. Sringin's friend krisa told him how King has insulted his father. Out of rage, Sringin has cursed the King Parikshit thus "Within seven days , the King will visit the house of Yama(death) bitten by snake. The powerful and venemous snake Takshaka will bite him to death".

Having uttered this curse, Sringin approaches his father tearfully and says what he has done to avenge him.

The rishi says "Son, you have done wrong. An ascetic shouldnt get angry. One shouldnt curse a King, because he protects people. A king is equivalent to ten Veda studying brahmanas. A King establishes religion, dharma, and protects the heaven. He was fatigued by hunger and thirst. Unknowingly he has done this insult. We should forgive him. A king punishes the offenders, criminals, and fear of punishment leads to a peaceful nation. A nation without a ruler descends to chaos. Your act is childish".

My Commentary :

Please pay attention to the line "Fear of punishment leads to peace". This statement holds true in modern management principles also. Are people observing law by choice or by force ?

The person who observes law, ethics, morals by choice is the one on dharmic and right way.

Peace

Prasad