Slumbering snake is within us
We are aware about the story of Parikshit Ji. Let us revise it.
We saw that Parikshit Ji was cursed, for he would die by a snake bite. He accepted his mistake and left the bounties. He meditated for those days, and soon Sukhdev Ji, an eminent young man, appeared. The entire mob of rishis descended from the Himalayas, to listen to the Ambrosia of Sukhdev Ji’s vaani (Divine words). All the elderly rishis bowed before Sukhdev Ji, despite he was younger to them in age. Parikshit Ji received the Divine instruction and was taken to the spiritual heights. When He was dipped in meditation, his son thought of killing all the snakes which could kill his father. But, his father asked him not to take revenge. But, he tried his best to save his father. Soon, he was taken to the ultimate height and his consciousness merged with the Infinite existence. When the discourse ended in seven days, Parikshit Ji was revered by putting garland around his neck. All attempts were made to avoid any hidden snake amongst the petals. But, the curse was uttered by a Yogi, thus it had to unfurl. A snake rose and twisted itself along the garland, and poisoned Parikshit Ji. He left his physical abode, and merged with the Oneness. The Dwaaparyuga ended and Kaliyuga commenced.
But, his son wanted to take revenge. Though, his sanskaaras were potent, but he was dampened out of grief. He began killing all the snakes, through mantra vidya and yajnas. The species underwent an extravagant decline, and became extinct. The snakes prayed to Lord Shiva, to save them. Shiv Ji gave His vision to Janmjay, son of Parikshit Ji, and asked him to stop doing the acts. Janmjay realized his mistake and asked for the divine forgiveness.
From that day onwards, the rites for snakes began, under the title of Naag Punchami. The rituals indicated that all the species and creations are revered, as all are the part of Oneness.
This story has some indications for us. The rites and rituals of offering milk to the serpents and the pooja may appear futile. The snake is not to be found in the forests and the Kundalini, the serpent with three and a half coils, lying in the tip of the tail bone, in our bodies. Once the serpent rises and reaches the Sahasraar, we will be freed. Snakes are not to be served, neither they need circumambulation, but the mind has to circumambulate about the soul for it may merge with it, and the Kundalini rises. Similarly, if the term मन (mind) is adorned with a prefix and suffix ‘न’, we will find naman and manan, which means to revere all and to project our thought towards the soul. The curses by the yogis didn’t indicate their ego, but the words were enunciated to bring us closer to the soul. Parikshit Ji was cursed, but he was unveiled about the destiny, and he left his futile responsibilities and surrendered his life for the Lord. His meal-less seven days made him realize the self. We can realize this very moment, if we have that faith in Allah, which is unstirred even the hell fire. He developed that faith and soon he merged with the Oneness, before his death approached his doorstep. He was ready to die. It was not a curse, but a blessing in disguise. Thus, all curses are blessings.