Parīkṣit’s Vigil on the Banks of the Gaṅgā
As Mahārāja Parīkṣit awaited the end of his earthly life under the shadow of Takṣaka’s approaching curse, he sat in renunciation by the Gaṅgā, surrounded by sages, ascetics, and saints from every corner of Bhārata.
There was no fear in his heart. His only desire was to hear and remember the Supreme Lord, to immerse his mind completely in divine truth during the final seven days of his life.
With a peaceful mind and a surrendered heart, he posed the ultimate question:
“O assembled sages, what is the duty of a man who is about to die? How should he spend his final days to attain the highest destination?”
The Arrival of Śukadeva Gosvāmī
As the sages were discussing how best to answer Parīkṣit’s noble inquiry, a radiant figure approached the assembly. His body was effulgent, his eyes deep with compassion and wisdom. He was young, completely naked, with no sign of pride, fear, or attachment.
He was Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī, the son of Vyāsadeva, and one of the most elevated of all devotees—liberated even before birth.
Though detached from the world and absorbed in the Absolute, he had come only for one purpose: to glorify Lord Kṛṣṇa for the benefit of Mahārāja Parīkṣit and all of Kali-yuga.
The sages rose to honor him, and even the elderly and revered ṛṣis bowed their heads in reverence.
Parīkṣit also offered obeisances and said:
“You are the embodiment of brahma-jñāna and bhakti. Please instruct me. What should one do at the time of death? What is the true dharma? What is the goal of life?”
Śukadeva’s Compassionate Response
Seeing the sincerity and humility of Parīkṣit, Śukadeva Gosvāmī sat before him and began to speak—not from theory, but from direct realization of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
He said:
“O King, the ultimate duty of one facing death—and of every living being at all times—is to hear and glorify the Lord. Nothing else matters. All other pursuits are temporary. Fix your mind on Kṛṣṇa and you will be liberated.”
Thus, began the seven-day recitation of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam—the spotless Purāṇa, which contains the essence of all Vedas and is the fruit of Vyāsa’s divine wisdom.
Śukadeva narrated the pastimes of the Supreme Lord, beginning with creation, the incarnations of Viṣṇu, and culminating in the sweet līlās of Śrī Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana and Dvārakā.
Each moment was filled with nectar, and all those assembled were uplifted beyond birth and death.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- In the face of death, the greatest wisdom is to hear about Kṛṣṇa from a realized soul.
- The Bhāgavatam is the eternal light of Kali-yuga, full of divine nectar that purifies the soul.
- Śukadeva Gosvāmī teaches that true renunciation is born of divine love, not mere rejection of the world.
- Mahārāja Parīkṣit’s humility and sincerity brought about the greatest spiritual gift for the whole world.
- The company of saints and the sound vibration of the Lord’s pastimes are the safest shelter at the time of death.
Origin of the Story: Harivamsa Purana 3 – Chapter 145: The Arrival of Śukadeva Gosvāmī and the Beginning of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Recitation
