The Spark of Vengeance: The Story Behind King Janamejaya’s Snake Sacrifice

After parting ways with Rishi Veda, Utanka was consumed by a fiery anger toward Takshaka, the serpent responsible for the death of his master’s king. This anger, far from fading with time, only intensified, fueling his desire for revenge. Determined to seek justice, Utanka set his sights on Hastinapur, where he intended to persuade King Janamejaya to avenge the wrong done to his father, Parikshit, by performing the ultimate act of retribution—a snake sacrifice.

Utanka Meets King Janamejaya

Upon his arrival in Hastinapur, Utanka discovered that King Janamejaya was away, leading a conquest in Takshashila. Though eager, he had no choice but to wait for the king’s return. When Janamejaya finally came back, victorious from his campaign, Utanka seized the opportunity to approach the king.

Utanka explaining to King Janamejaya on the need of Snake Sacrifice

With careful words, Utanka began by praising King Janamejaya’s bravery and success in battle. However, he quickly shifted the conversation, questioning the king’s focus on what he described as trivial pursuits, when more pressing matters, crucial to the kingdom’s honor, awaited his attention.

King Janamejaya, though surprised by Utanka’s bluntness, remained composed. He explained that his actions were in line with his royal duties, carried out with the diligence expected of a king. However, he invited Utanka to share any matters of greater importance that might have been overlooked.

This was the moment Utanka had been waiting for. He reminded the king of the grave injustice done to his father, Parikshit. Cursed by Sarama and ultimately struck down by Takshaka, Parikshit had died not through any fault of his own but because of the malevolent serpent’s bite. Takshaka, in his cunning, had even prevented Parikshit from receiving life-saving treatment from the renowned healer, Kashyapa, sealing his fate.

Utanka proposed solution through snake sacrifice

Utanka then proposed a solution— a snake sacrifice that would bring Takshaka to justice by consigning him to the flames. He emphasized that it was not only a matter of personal revenge but also a royal duty to protect the sages and uphold the kingdom’s honor. Takshaka had long been a menace to the royal sages, and it was time for his reign of terror to end.

Moved by Utanka’s words and the newfound understanding of his father’s tragic end, King Janamejaya felt a surge of anger and sorrow. He immediately sought out his ministers, demanding details of his father’s last journey and the events that led to his untimely demise. When the ministers confirmed the truth of Utanka’s story, the king’s resolve hardened.

With a heart heavy with grief and a mind set on justice, King Janamejaya ordered his royal sages to begin preparations for the snake sacrifice, an event that would become one of the most famous and consequential rituals in ancient history.

And so, the chapter of Paushya in the Adi Parva concludes, revealing the deep-rooted motivations that led King Janamejaya to initiate the legendary snake sacrifice.