It begins with the curse given to Parikshit, the grandson of the Pandavas, that he would die in a week’s time by a snake bite. During this time, Shukdev, his Guru chanted the Bhagwata Purana, describing the birth, life and activities of Lord Krishna and his passing away. Many Brahmins and Rishis and Kings came to participate in this great event. In this Assembly, Takshak, the powerful snake, was also present in the form of a Brahmin. When all were engrossed in hearing about Dwarka disappearing into the ocean, he changed into his original form and bit Parikshit, killing him instantaneously. At that time Janmejaya was only eight years of age. For this reason, Queen Aparna took up the responsibilities of the whole Kingdom. But Janmejaya had witnessed how his father had been killed. He was infuriated and wished to destroy these snakes completely. Later on, when he took up the responsibilities of the Kingdom, the terror spread by the snakes became unbearable. They attacked human beings without any reason. On the advice of his Guru, a huge sacrificial ceremony was organised to eradicate them entirely through the power of chants and mantras. The Sarpa Satra or the snake ceremonial pyre was an awe inspiring event. The power of the mantras were such that the snakes were pulled out from wherever they were hiding in the mountains, forests, rivers, oceans, or even in the netherworlds. Then a radiant Rishi appeared there. His name was Astik. With the force of his personality he brought the whole process to a sudden halt. He reminded the Brahmins and the Kings assembled there that not a single creation of Brahma, the Creator, could be completely destroyed, as it would bring His wrath on the world. He assured them that the snakes would proceed to the nether worlds and not trouble humanity any more.

The one dream of Janmejaya was to somehow banish the Kali Yuga and prevent it from harming humanity. Rishi Vyasa told him to spread the Mahabharata in the whole world as people would learn how to remain steadfast to Truth and not fall in the trap of this devilish Age. His efforts were all rendered futile when at the end of his reign he died at the hands of Kali.