Chapter 12 – Birth of Parīkṣit
Śaunaka said:
1.) The fetus in Uttarā’s womb, struck by the intense energy of Aśvatthāmā’s Brahmāstra, was saved and brought back to life by the Lord Himself.
2-3.) We now wish to hear about the birth of that highly intelligent one (Parīkṣit), the deeds of that great soul, and how his death occurred, and where he went after departing from this world. If you deem it appropriate, we desire to hear all this, as we are full of faith. Please tell us about him (Parīkṣit) to whom Śuka (the son of Vyāsa) imparted this divine Bhāgavata knowledge.
Sūta said:
4.) King Yudhiṣṭhira protected the citizens like a father, pleasing them in every way, remaining free from all desires due to his deep devotion towards the lotus feet of Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
5.) He had (untold) riches and had performed many sacrifices and earned thereby a place in the highest worlds. His consort (queen Draupadī) and brothers were all devoted to him. His supremacy extended over the entire globe, while he enjoyed the sovereignty of Jambūdvīpa, and his fame had reached as far as the heavens.
Special Note – Jambūdvīpa : One of the seven island-continents surrounding Meru. It is so named on account of the abundance of Jambū trees (Eugenia jambolana, also called as Jamun or Black Plum), India forms the major part of this island-continent.
6.) O Brāhmaṇas, what desires, even those coveted by the gods (in the heavens), could attract the mind of the king whose thoughts were fixed constantly on Mukunda (Śrī Kṛṣṇa)? (Such worldly desires) could only bring joy to a hungry person who is fully attached to the non-permanent, and not to the one who has their thoughts constantly fixed on Mukunda (Śrī Kṛṣṇa).
7-8.) O descendant of Bhṛgu (Śaunaka)! While still in the womb, the heroic child (Parīkṣit) saw a certain divine person as he was being burned by the weapon’s energy (Brahmāstra). (He saw a person) the size of a thumb, spotless, with a shining golden crown, having a very beautiful appearance, dark-complexioned, wearing garments that shined like lightning, and imperishable. He saw none other than that Supreme Person (Śrī Kṛṣṇa).
9.) He had four long and graceful arms, was adorned with golden earrings, had bloodshot eyes and held in one of His hands a mace (Kaumodaki Gadā), even as He waved it in a circle again and again, Himself revolving round the child all the time (to protect the fetus from the missile).
10.) He was quenching the fire of the Brahmāstra with His mace (Kaumodaki Gadā), even as the sun dispels fog. Perceiving Him (Śrī Kṛṣṇa) by his side, the child in the womb wondered who that person was.
11.) The immeasurable Śrī Hari, the protector of dharma and the all-pervading one, having warded off that (weapon’s fire), disappeared right there while the ten-month-old fetus was still watching.
12.) Then, when all the planets were in auspicious positions and favorable signs were evident, the child belonging to Pāṇḍu’s lineage was born, possessing splendor (prowess) like Pāṇḍu himself.
13.) Delighted at heart (at the news of the child’s birth), King Yudhiṣṭhira, arranged for the birth rites to be performed by learned Brāhmaṇas like Dhaumya and Kṛpa, he also had auspicious Vedic hymns recited.
14.) The king, who knew the significance of sacred places and occasions, gave gold, cows, land, villages, elephants, excellent horses, and abundant food to the priests on the occasion of the child’s birth.
15-16.) The satisfied priests said to the humble king, “Indeed, this child will be the best among the descendants of Pūru in your dynasty. He was protected by the invincible grace of the powerful Śrī Viṣṇu when he was situated in the womb during a time of great danger.”
Special Note – The Puru dynasty, also known as Paurava dynasty or Kuru-vamsha, was a prominent lineage tracing its roots back to King Pururava. It is considered a branch of the Lunar (Candra) dynasty and a significant ancestor to both the Pandavas and Kauravas, central figures in the epic Mahabharata.
17.) Therefore, he will be widely known in the world by the name of ‘Viṣṇurāta’ (one who has been saved by Śrī Viṣṇu). There is no doubt that he will be a great devotee and highly renowned.
Yudhiṣṭhira said:
18.) Will this child who is so virtuous, follow the glorious and pious deeds of the royal sages (saintly kings) like his ancestors (forefathers) with his own good conduct and fame?
Brāhmaṇas said:
19.) O Yudhiṣṭhira, this grandson of yours will protect his subjects just like Ikṣwāku, the eldest son of Vaivaswata Manu (who presides over the present Manvantara), and will be devoted to the Brāhmaṇas (learned priests) and will be true to his word like Śrī Rāma, the celebrated son of King Daśaratha.
Special Note – As a righteous king, Ikṣwāku protected his people by upholding Dharma, ensuring law and order, and providing for their welfare. He defended his kingdom from all external threats with his army and set a virtuous example through his own conduct. By adhering to these principles of proper governance, Ikṣwāku was celebrated for having created a stable, secure, and harmonious society for his subjects.
20.) He will be generous and kind to those who seek his protection like Śibi, the king of the Uśīnara; and, like Bharata (the son of Duṣyanta), he will extend the fame of his own people as well as of those who perform sacrifices.
Special Note – Śibi—He is said to have saved Agni (the god of fire) in the form of a dove from Indra in the form of a hawk, by offering his own flesh equal to the weight of the dove to be released. When the dove went on increasing weight in the balance, Śibi offered his own body completely.
Bharata—a son of Duṣyanta and Śakuntalā; brought up in his childhood by Kaṇva; became a cakravarti (universal ruler) after his father; performed 55 horse sacrifices on the banks of the Gaṅgā and the Yamunā; he subjugated Kirāta’s, Hūṇa’s, Yavana’s, Andhra’s and all other Mleccha’s. He was such a reputed emperor that India was named after him.
21.) This (Viṣṇurāta will be) the foremost among the archers like both the Arjunas (Arjuna of the Pāṇḍavas, and Kārtavīrya Arjuna the son of Kṛtavīrya of Haihaya dynasty), he will be unassailable as fire and unconquerable as the ocean.
Special Note – Kārtavīrya Arjuna, the son of Kṛtavīrya of the Haihaya dynasty, is widely known as Kārtavīrya Arjuna or Sahasrabahu Arjuna. He was a powerful king of the Haihaya kingdom, with its capital at Mahiśmati on the banks of the Narmada River. According to the Puranas, he was blessed with a thousand arms after propitiating Dattātreya. Kārtavīrya Arjuna was renowned for his strength, invincibility, and extensive conquests, even defeating the powerful Ravana.
Encounter with Ravana – When Kārtavīrya Arjuna was enjoying water sports in the Narmada River with his wives, he stopped the flow of the river with his thousand arms. This caused the water level to rise and disturbed Ravana, who was camped nearby and worshipping Lord Shiva. Enraged, Ravana challenged Kārtavīrya Arjuna to a fight. After a fierce battle, Kārtavīrya Arjuna, being incredibly powerful, defeated Ravana, bound him with chains, and imprisoned him in his capital, Mahishmati.
However, upon the request of Ravana’s grandfather, the sage Pulastya, Kārtavīrya Arjuna eventually released Ravana. Some accounts even mention that they became friends afterward.
22.) He will be brave like the lion, worthy of taking shelter just as the Himālayas (are worth inhabiting), forbearing like the earth, and tolerant like his parents.
23.) In even-mindedness he will compare with Lord Brahmā (the Creator) himself; while in graciousness of disposition he will be equal to Lord Śiva. And he will be the support of all living beings like God Viṣṇu (the shelter of the goddess of wealth).
24.) In high-mindedness accompanied with excellent virtues, he will follow the example of Śrī Kṛṣṇa; he will be generous as king Rantideva and righteous like Yayāti.
Special Note – King Rantideva was celebrated for his extraordinary generosity, giving away all he had and prioritizing the needs of others above his own, even to the point of extreme personal hardship. He practiced unwavering hospitality, seeing the divine in everyone and offering sustenance even when his own family was starving. In a famous act of ultimate sacrifice, he relinquished his and his family’s food and water to a series of guests. When offered boons, he sought the ability to feel and alleviate the suffering of all beings, demonstrating profound compassion and spiritual devotion to Lord Vishnu.
King Yayāti, son of the powerful Lunar race king Nahuṣa, inherited the throne after his elder brother renounced it. He is famously known for being cursed with premature old age by his father-in-law and persuading his youngest son, Puru, to exchange his youth for a thousand years of sensual enjoyment. Ultimately realizing the futility of endless desire, Yayāti returned Puru’s youth, accepted his old age, and attained wisdom, before bestowing the kingdom upon his virtuous son. His story serves as a significant narrative within the Lunar dynasty, exploring themes of desire, aging, sacrifice, and the continuation of important lineages through his sons.
25.) He will be equal to Bali in firmness, and unflinching in his devotion to Śrī Kṛṣṇa as Prahlāda. He will perform a number of Aśwamedha sacrifices and will be respectful to the elders.
Special Note – King Bali was characterized by his immense generosity and unwavering commitment to his word. Despite being an Asura (demon), he was a righteous and benevolent ruler, deeply devoted to Dharma and known for his compassion towards his subjects. His reign was marked by prosperity and harmony, earning him respect from both humans and gods. Even when faced with Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar, Bali remained true to his promise, offering even himself when he had nothing else to give. This exceptional virtue and selflessness led to him being honored by Lord Vishnu despite his defeat.
26.) This (prince will be) the father of royal sages, the dispenser of punishment to persons going astray (taking to the wrong path). He will subdue Kali (the spirit presiding over the Kali age) in the interest of mother Earth as well as of righteousness.
27.) Having heard of his impending death at the hands of Takṣaka (a chief of the Nāgas), impelled by the curse of a sage’s son (Śṛṅgi, the son of Śamīka), he will renounce all attachment and take refuge in the feet of Śrī Hari (in the holy assembly on the bank of the Gaṅgā).
28.) Desiring to know the true nature of the Self from the sage Śuka (son of Vyāsa), he will undoubtedly give up his body on the banks of the river Gaṅgā, and will attain the fearless state (the state of blessedness / liberation).
29.) Having thus told the king (about the future of the new-born baby), the Brāhmaṇas, who were all well-versed in astrology, returned to their own homes after receiving their respective donations.
30.) It was this very child who was known all over the world by the name of Parīkṣit, because this gifted child used to look for (among those whom he saw), the Person whom he had perceived in his mother’s womb before birth and who always lingered in his thoughts.
Special Note – King Viṣṇurāta also called as Parīkṣit, because it is said that he will always look around, as if searching for the one who had saved him in the womb. Hence, Viṣṇurāta was also named as Parīkṣit because of his actions at birth, seemingly “examining” his surroundings for his divine protector, and the prophecy that he would be an “examiner” in his spiritual pursuits.
31.) Being fostered everyday by (the love of) his grandparents, the prince (Parīkṣit) grew up very soon, even as the orb of the moon, waxing by degrees in a bright fortnight everyday, becomes full very soon (waxing moon which is nourished by its phases).
Special Note – Waxing Moon is the phase after the new moon when the illuminated portion visible from Earth gradually increases night after night. Each night, it receives a little more light, growing towards the full moon. The above simile highlights the growth of Parīkṣit in a similar way. As the moon’s growth isn’t external or sudden, it is a direct result of its own sequential phases. Each phase builds upon the previous one, contributing to its increasing luminosity and eventual fullness. Similarly, grew up very soon due to the love and affection
32.) The king now made up his mind to propitiate the Lord through the performance of a horse-sacrifice in order to atone for his hostile conduct towards his own kith and kin; but since he had no money (to defray the expenses of the sacrifice) other than that collected as revenue or fines (which was evidently not much), he became thoughtful.
33.) Perceiving what was in his mind, his younger brothers, at the instance of Acyuta (the immortal Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa) fetched abundant riches that had been left in the north (by king Marutta and his priests).
Special Note – In the line of Diṣṭa (the fourth of the ten sons of Vaivaswata Manu, the Manu presiding over the present Manvantara) there flourished a universal monarch. Marutta by name, who performed a sacrifice which was unequalled by any other sacrifice. All the vessels used in that sacrifice were made of gold and most beautiful in shape (mentioned in Śrīmad Bhāgavata IX. ii. 27). At the conclusion of the sacrifice the king had all the vessels thrown in the north. Besides, he gave untold wealth to the priests by way of their sacrificial fees. It was more than they could carry home; hence they came away leaving a major part of it on the sacrificial ground. Since all unclaimed property vests in the ruler as a matter of right, the Lord had all this wealth transferred to Yudhiṣṭhira and devoted it to a sacred cause.
34.) Having thus equipped himself with all the requisites for the sacrifice (with that accumulated wealth), king Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Dharma (the god of righteousness), who was afraid of sin, propitiated Śrī Hari by performing three Aśvamedha (horse) sacrifices.
35.) Having enabled the king to perform the sacrifices with the help of the Brāhmaṇas, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who had been invited for the occasion, stayed with him for some months for the gratification of his friends and relations.
36.) Then, after taking leave of king (Yudhiṣṭhira) and his younger brothers, as well as of Kṛṣṇa (queen Draupadī), O Śaunaka, He (Śrī Kṛṣṇa) proceeded to Dwāravatī (Dwārakā) accompanied by Arjuna and surrounded by the Yadu chiefs (Uddhava, Sātyaki and others).
Thus ends the twelfth discourse entitled “Birth of Parīkṣit”, forming part of the story relating to the Naimiśa forest, in Book One of the great and glorious Bhāgavata Purāṇa, otherwise known as the Paramahaṁsa-Saṁhitā
(the book of the God-realized souls).
Summarization Of The Entire Chapter :
In the sacred narrative of this chapter of Bhāgavata, Śaunaka and the sages express their eagerness to hear about Parīkṣit, the one miraculously saved by Śrī Kṛṣṇa while still in his mother’s womb. They inquire into his life, deeds, death, and the transcendental knowledge he received from the great sage Śuka. Their interest reflects the longing of pure hearts eager to understand how divine grace manifests even in the mortal world.
Sūta responds by painting a picture of the pious reign of King Yudhiṣṭhira, who governed his kingdom like a compassionate father, free from personal desires, solely devoted to the lotus feet of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Though he possessed wealth, fame, and power that extended across the earth—glories even celestial beings might envy—his heart remained untouched by these fleeting pleasures, fully absorbed in divine remembrance.
When the unborn child in Uttarā’s womb was attacked by the fierce Brahmāstra weapon released by Aśvatthāmā, Śrī Kṛṣṇa personally intervened and saved the fetus, revealing Himself to the child in a divine form. The vision the child beheld—of the Supreme Lord as a radiant thumb-sized being with a golden crown and a glowing mace (Kaumodaki Gadā)—remained etched into his soul. Even before his birth, Parīkṣit had seen the Lord’s form, as the Lord gently circled around him, quelling the weapon’s fury like the sun dispelling fog. This intimate vision of divine intervention marked the child for a life of spiritual purpose.
When Parīkṣit was born under auspicious signs, the kingdom rejoiced. Learned Brāhmaṇas predicted that he would be a glorious and righteous king—protected by Śrī Viṣṇu Himself, he would be known as Viṣṇurāta, the one preserved by the Lord. With Vedic rites, charity, and festivity, Yudhiṣṭhira welcomed his grandson into the world, grateful for the divine mercy that had ensured the survival of the royal lineage.
The sages foretold that Parīkṣit would emulate the great monarchs of old—just as Ikṣvāku upheld dharma, Śibi offered selfless protection, Bharata brought renown to his people, and Arjuna was unmatched in valor. His virtues would mirror the greatness of Śrī Rāma, the righteousness of Yayāti, and the generosity of Rantideva. Spiritually, he would possess the unwavering devotion of Prahlāda and the steadfastness of Bali, making him a king in the world but a devotee in his heart.
In every aspect—tolerance, wisdom, strength, and compassion—Parīkṣit would become a reflection of divine qualities. Such was the promise of his birth. Yet the sages also spoke of the future: how he would face death through a curse, not with fear, but with complete surrender. He would renounce all attachment and sit on the banks of the Gaṅgā to absorb the transcendental wisdom from Śrī Śuka, eventually attaining liberation beyond the fear of death.
His name, Parīkṣit, came from his continual search for that divine protector whom he had glimpsed in the womb. Every face, every soul he encountered, he would examine, hoping once more to behold the Lord who had saved him. This spiritual longing defined his inner world, marking him not just as a ruler, but as a seeker.
As the child Parīkṣit grew swiftly under the loving care of his elders, Yudhiṣṭhira, yearning to atone for the fratricidal war, resolved to perform horse sacrifices in honor of the Lord. Yet lacking sufficient funds, he was at first hesitant. Perceiving his noble desire, Śrī Kṛṣṇa arranged for the retrieval of vast wealth left behind by the generous King Marutta. Thus, with divine support, Yudhiṣṭhira completed three grand Aśvamedha yajñas.
Śrī Kṛṣṇa, ever the well-wisher of the Pāṇḍavas, stayed with them for some time, delighting them with His presence. Finally, having fulfilled His purpose of the visit, He prepared to return to His city of Dvārakā, accompanied by His dear friend Arjuna and the chiefs of the Yadu clan.
This chapter reflects not just the historical continuity of dharma through the lineage of Parīkṣit, but also the unfailing presence of Divine Grace that upholds righteousness even amidst worldly suffering. The birth and life of Parīkṣit remind us that those marked by devotion are always under the Lord’s shelter, and that true kingship lies in selfless service, guided by divine wisdom.
Short Question & Answers :
Q1: How was Parīkṣit saved while still in the womb of his mother Uttarā?
A: When the deadly Brahmāstra weapon was released by Aśvatthāmā and threatened to end the life of the unborn child in Uttarā’s womb, the Supreme Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa Himself appeared in a divine thumb-sized form. With His mace (Kaumodaki Gadā), He encircled the fetus, absorbed the weapon’s fiery energy, and protected the child, demonstrating that divine grace transcends even the subtlest reaches of danger.
Q2: How did King Yudhiṣṭhira respond to the birth of Parīkṣit?
A: Overjoyed by the birth of his grandson, King Yudhiṣṭhira performed Vedic rites with devotion, gave generous gifts to Brāhmaṇas, and ensured that the child was blessed with auspicious omens. Yet, even amidst such royal grandeur, his heart always remained attached with love for Śrī Kṛṣṇa, exemplifying the balance of performing worldly duty and devotion together.
Q3: Why is the child named Viṣṇurāta and later called Parīkṣit?
A: He was named Viṣṇurāta, meaning one who was protected by Lord Viṣṇu, because he was saved by the Lord in the womb. He came to be known as Parīkṣit because, after his birth, he would constantly examine everyone he met, searching for that divine form he had witnessed before birth—always contemplating on the Supreme Lord with deep devotion.
Q4: What spiritual qualities did Parīkṣit exhibit that made him a unique ruler?
A: Parīkṣit was not just a worldly king but a divine instrument of Dharma. He was righteous like Śrī Rāma, generous like Rantideva, forgiving like the earth, and steadfast in his devotion like Prahlāda. His life reflected the greatness of many exalted souls, yet his heart remained always surrendered to the lotus feet of the Lord.
Q5: What prophecy did the sages give about Parīkṣit’s future?
A: The Brāhmaṇas foresaw that Parīkṣit would be the greatest among kings, a protector of Dharma, and the subduer of Kali. Like Ikṣvāku and Śibi, he would be noble and just. He would perform many Aśvamedha sacrifices and ultimately attain liberation by hearing the Bhāgavata from Śrī Śuka on the banks of the Gaṅgā.
Q6: What does the protection of Parīkṣit in the womb symbolize in spiritual terms?
A: It illustrates that the Supreme Lord is the true protector of all beings, even in their most helpless state. Just as Parīkṣit was protected in the womb, the Lord shelters every soul who surrenders in faith, guarding them through the unseen storms of life and karma.
Q7: What is the deeper meaning behind Parīkṣit’s constant search for the Lord after his birth?
A: Parīkṣit represents the ideal seeker—one whose spiritual journey is sparked by divine remembrance. Just as he remembered the Lord from the womb and searched for Him in all beings, so too should the soul remember its divine origin and seek the presence of God in all of life’s experiences.
Q8: How did Parīkṣit attain liberation, and what does it teach us?
A: After being cursed to die by the bite of Takṣaka in 7 days, Parīkṣit accepted his fate with calm detachment. Renouncing his kingdom, he sat on the banks of the Gaṅgā and devoted his final days to hearing Śrīmad Bhāgavatam from Śrī Śuka. This teaches that liberation is attained not merely by rituals, but through surrender, listening to divine wisdom, and fixing the heart upon the eternal truth.
