Samika Rishi's son was a young and inexperienced boy. Entering the
ashrama he saw the offense against his father and he was filled with rage. To
show his great powers to his young companions, the boy cast a curse
against Parikshit, condemning him to die within seven days for the bite of a
winged serpent. Shaken from his meditation, Samika Rishi realized what
had happened. He was very sorry for the turn of events, and scolded his
son for behaving childishly in sentencing the protector of the kingdom to
death because of a mere prank.
From his side, Parikshit soon realized he had acted like a fool and
uncivilized person in offending the Rishi, who had simply been unaware of
his arrival. When he heard about the curse, he calmly accepted his destiny,
and retired to the bank of the Ganges to prepare for imminent death. The
news spread and all the great Rishis assembled around Parikshit to assist
him in such a delicate moment. There arrived Narada, Vyasa, Atri, Vasistha,
Visvamitra, Parasara, Angira, Parasurama, Bharadhvaja, Gautama, Maitreya,
Devala, Cyavana and many others. The king immediately took advantage of
the opportunity, and after offering them his homage, asked their advice on
what he should do. At that time also Sukadeva, the son of Vyasa, arrived in
that place, and the glorious assembly of saints and sages offered him the
seat of honor.
