Bhagavat Katha – Parikshit, Dharma & the Age of Kali Yuga
What is Bhagavat Katha and Why is It So Important?
The Bhagavat Katha is a sacred narration of divine events described in the Srimad Bhagavatam, one of the greatest epics of Hindu philosophy. It reveals profound truths, dharmic principles, and divine stories centered on Shree Krishna and His devotees. This timeless wisdom continues to guide spiritual aspirants towards inner peace and self-realization. One of the most compelling segments in the Bhagavatam is the story of King Parikshit and how the Kali Yuga began.
“शृण्वतां स्वकथाः कृष्णः पुण्यश्रवणकीर्तनः।
हृद्यन्तःस्थो ह्यभद्राणि विदुनोति सुहृत्तमः॥”
"Shree Krishna, who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the most dear friend of the devotee, purifies the heart of those who hear His glories and activities, which are virtuous when heard and chanted. He resides in the hearts of all and removes the impurities from within." (SB 1.2.17)
Who Was Parikshit, and How Did He Meet the Bull and the Crying Cow?
After the Mahabharat war, King Parikshit, the grandson of Arjun, ruled with dharma, compassion, and justice. While inspecting his kingdom, he encountered a disturbing sight:
- A bull standing on one leg, its other three broken.
- A cow weeping beside the bull.
- An evil-looking man struck the bull’s remaining leg with a stick.
These were not ordinary animals. The bull represented Dharma, and the cow symbolized Mother Earth. The four legs of Dharma—Satya (Truth), Daya (Compassion), Tapasya (Austerity), and Shuchi (Cleanliness)—had been broken, leaving only Truth standing.
Lesson: This encounter reveals how the virtues of Dharma begin to crumble with the onset of Kali Yuga.
Why Was Bheeshma Lying on a Bed of Arrows?
Before King Parikshit began his rule, he was deeply inspired by the stories of his noble ancestors. One of the most profound events was the departure of Bhishma Pitamah, the grandsire of the Kuru dynasty.
Bhishma had been mortally wounded during the Mahabharat war and chose to lie on a bed of arrows for months, waiting for the auspicious time of Uttarayana to leave his body.
Meanwhile, in Dwarka, Shree Krishna was found sitting in deep meditation. Seeing this unusual sight, Yudhishthir, who had come to meet Him, asked:
"O Lord, the whole world meditates upon You—whom are You meditating on today?"
Shree Krishna replied:
“I am meditating upon Bhishma.”
“In whatever way people surrender unto Me, I reciprocate accordingly.”
— Bhagavad Gita 4.11
Such was Bhishma’s devotion that the Lord of the Universe Himself was absorbed in thinking of His devotee.
Soon after, Shree Krishna, along with the Pandavas, went to Kurukshetra, where Bhishma lay on the battlefield. This began one of the most sacred exchanges of dharma and devotion in all of history.
When Yudhishthir asked about Dharma, Bhishma replied with conviction:
“Look, the highest Dharma that I know is this Tribhangilal who is standing by your side—developing love at His feet is the highest Dharma.”
Upon hearing this, Draupadi suddenly started laughing, surprising everyone. Bhishma, taken aback, asked why.
She replied:
“Pitamah, you just gave a huge lecture on Dharma. But tell me—when I was being humiliated in the Kaurava assembly, you were present. Where did your Dharma go at that time?”
Bhishma humbly admitted:
“My child, I was eating the grain of Duryodhan, and hence my intellect was clouded. Now, with my blood drained out, my mind is absolutely pure.”
Thus, from Bhishma’s unwavering devotion to Krishna, Draupadi’s bold truth, and the recognition of true Dharma, we learn that real righteousness lies in loving surrender to the Supreme Lord—not in blind duty or social obligation.
📖 Full story: Watch the Bhishma’s departure story
How Was Parikshit Cursed and Why Did He Renounce the World?
One day, Parikshit entered a forest and, feeling thirsty, came across Shamik Rishi, who was in deep meditation. Not receiving a response, Parikshit mistakenly felt insulted and placed a dead snake around the sage’s neck.
The sage's son, Shringi, upon discovering this, cursed Parikshit:
"Within seven days, the king will die from a bite by Takshak, the most venomous snake."
Upon hearing the curse, Parikshit showed no resentment. Instead, he renounced his throne, fasted, and sat by the Ganga to contemplate life’s deeper truths.
Lesson: Even a mistake can become a turning point in one’s spiritual journey if accepted with humility.
📖 Full story: The Curse of Parikshit
What Made Parikshit the Listener of Bhagavat Katha?
Parikshit’s renunciation and spiritual eagerness attracted great sages from all over the universe, including the divine sage Sukadev Goswami, son of Ved Vyas. Parikshit’s sincere question to the sages was:
“What should one do at the time of death?”
Sage Sukadev then narrated the Bhagavat Katha, unfolding the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna, dharma, and the ultimate goal of life.
“Always think of Me, be devoted to Me, worship Me, and offer obeisance to Me. Doing so, you will certainly come to Me.”
Bhagavad Gita 18.65
This beautiful exchange became the foundation of the Srimad Bhagavatam—one of the most sacred scriptures in Hinduism.
How Did Kali Yuga Begin and What Was Its First Act?
The evil man attacking the bull was none other than Kali, the personification of the Kali Yuga, an age marked by:
- Hypocrisy
- Quarrel
- Intoxication
- Moral degradation
When Parikshit confronted Kali, Kali pleaded for a place to reside. The king banished him to four places:
- Gambling dens – where truth is lost
- Slaughter houses – where compassion ends
- Prostitution houses – where cleanliness is gone
- Liquor establishments – where austerity disappears
Kali later begged for a fifth place, and Parikshit reluctantly allowed him to stay in gold, symbolizing greed.
Lesson: Even kings must be vigilant. Kali attacks not by war, but by moral corrosion.
📖 Watch this moment of confrontation with Kali here: Kali Yuga’s Beginning
Why Did Krishna Leave and How Did It Impact the World?
The world’s spiritual anchor, Shree Krishna, eventually left His earthly form and returned to Golok. His departure led to:
- Arjun losing his divine strength
- Queen Kunti leaving her body in grief
- The Pandavas deciding to renounce their kingdom
As Shree Krishna left, Kali Yug took full effect. Even the environment started to reflect disharmony:
- Clouds gathered, but did not rain
- Cows didn’t feed their calves
- People grew selfish and restless
📖 See this moment of departure: Shree Krishna’s Departure
What Lessons Can We Learn from These Divine Stories?
1. Parikshit and Kali – Stay vigilant and reject temptation.
2. Bhishma on Arrows – True knowledge and devotion transcend death.
3. Draupadi’s Question – Dharma must not be lip service; it must be lived.
4. Parikshit’s Curse – Accept hardships with humility.
5. Krishna’s Departure – Anchor your mind to God before the age of Kali clouds your heart.
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📌 FAQs – Bhagavat Katha
What is Bhagavat Katha?
It is the sacred narration from the Srimad Bhagavatam, focusing on Lord Krishna’s divine pastimes and the teachings of saints and sages.
Who is Sage Sukadev?
The 16-year-old sage who narrated the Bhagavat Katha to King Parikshit. He is the son of Ved Vyas.
What does the Bhagavat Katha teach us?
- The fleeting nature of life
- Devotion is the highest dharma
- We must renounce the ego and attachment
How long is the original Bhagavat Katha?
It is traditionally recited over 7 days, as was done during King Parikshit's time.
How can I start listening to Bhagavat Katha?
You can begin right now by subscribing to Swami Mukundananda’s YouTube Channel and exploring his Bhagavat Katha playlist.
🧾 References & Citations:
- Srimad Bhagavatam - Parikshit Story
- Bhagavad Gita Verses & Translations
- Dallas LTP Program Details
- Dallas Retreat Details
🔮 A Glimpse into the Future
In an age clouded by chaos and confusion, Bhagavat Katha offers a ray of light. Whether you’re facing personal dilemmas, spiritual stagnation, or a crisis of purpose, stories like Parikshit’s remind us that every setback can become a sacred turning point.
So, if you’re seeking clarity, strength, or divine connection—dive into the Bhagavat Katha. And join thousands at the upcoming Dallas LTP and Retreat, where Swami Mukundananda will help you unlock your soul’s highest potential.
📢 Join the journey from confusion to clarity. From Kali yuga to Krishna. Let the Bhagavat Katha awaken the divine within.
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Jai Shri Krishna!