Many people know the story of Yudhishthira becoming the king in the Mahabharata, but very few know what happened after that. After deciding to set out on a journey to heaven, the Pandavas had to appoint a successor to the throne of Hastinapur. Here is what happened after Yudhishthira's reign, with a focus on the king who ruled Hastinapur after the Pandavas left.
Who became the king of Hastinapur after Yudhishthira?
After Lord Krishna left this world, Sage Vyas advised the Pandavas to travel to heaven. Before leaving, Yudhishthira appointed Arjuna's grandson and Abhimanyu's son Parikshit as the king of Hastinapur. Additionally, he appointed Dhritarashtra's son Yuyutsu as Parikshit's advisor. In Dwaraka, Yudhishthira also made Krishna's grandson Vajranabha the king.
Shri Krishna had saved Parikshit's life in the womb
During the Mahabharata war, Ashwatthama killed all their children to end the Pandava dynasty. He also used Brahmastra to kill Abhimanyu's unborn son in Uttara's womb. However, Lord Krishna intervened, protected the unborn child and saved his life. This child grew up to become Parikshit, who later became the king of Hastinapur.
Kalyug appeared before Parikshit
One day, when King Parikshit was travelling, he encountered Kaliyug, who was in the form of a human being. Seeing Kaliyug coming to his kingdom, Parikshit was ready to kill him but Kaliyug apologized and asked for a place to stay. Parikshit gave him five places: where gambling is played, where there is excessive sex, where there is intoxication, where there is violence and where there is sleep.
Parikshit's fall due to the influence of Kaliyug
After being placed in gold, Kaliyug entered Parikshit's golden crown, impairing his intelligence. Under the influence of Kaliyug, Parikshit placed a dead snake around the neck of a sage who was meditating. Enraged by the insult, the sage's son cursed Parikshit that he would die within seven days from the bite of a snake named Takshaka.
Parikshit's last days and death
On realizing his mistake, Parikshit was filled with remorse. On learning about his imminent death, he went to Sukadeva, the son of sage Vyasa, who recited the Srimad Bhagavatam to him for seven days. After completing the sacred recitation, Parikshit finally faced his fate, as predicted, he died from the bite of Takshaka. This was the culmination of Parikshit's reign and his life, as described in both the Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavatam.
