Story of Mahabharata: Prologue After the righteous reign of Yudhishṭhira, his descendants ruled Hastinapura. But with each generation, dharma — once bright as a steady flame — began to wane. Parīkshit, grandson of Arjuna and son of Abhimanyu, ascended the throne in this twilight of virtue. Brave and learned though he was, humility gave way to pride. One day, while hunting, Parīkshit entered the hermitage of Sage Shamīka. The sage sat in deep meditation and did not rise to greet the king. Angered, Parīkshit placed a dead snake around the sage’s neck in mockery and left. When the sage’s son, Śhringi, heard of this insult, he cursed the king: “Within seven days, the serpent Takshaka shall strike and end your life.” And so it came to pass. Despite every guard and spell, Takshaka entered the palace and bit Parīkshit, reducing him to ashes. When news reached Janamejaya, Parīkshit’s son, his grief hardened into vengeance. He vowed to destroy the entire serpent race. Thus began the...