Takshaka was a great Nagaraja who was mentioned in the Indian epic, Mahabharatha. He was known for his great powers, knowledge and wisdom. He gained a lot of popularity among other NAGAS. He is the friend of Lord Indra Deva.
Takshaka belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty. He was a descendant of Shri Rama. Takshaka's son was killed in the battle by Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna.
Takshaka lived in the Khandav forest. Arjuna burned that forest. At that time the Naga chief Takshaka was not there, having gone to Kurukshetra. But Aswasena, the mighty son of Takshaka, was there. Arjuna slew Takshaka's wife, the mother of Aswasena. But Aswasena escaped to revenge upon the slaughter of his mother, Aswasena attacked Arjuna during Kurukshetra War , while he was battling with Karna. However Arjuna was escaped from him.
After King Parikshit was cursed by a sage's son to die by a snake bite for insulting his father, Takshaka came to fulfil the curse. Takshaka did the act by biting Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna and thus slaying him, while he was meditating on Lord Vishnu. He also prevented the possibility of getting any medical aid to the king, by bribing a priest in the Kasyapa clan, who was an expert in curing people from snake-poisoning.
Later King Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit, fought a war at Takshasila and expelled the Nagas headed by Takshaka from there. However Takshaka was saved by Lord Indra and he is still alive. By worshipping Takshaka, we can get relieved from snake bites, severe fevers and other health related problems. He is the chief among the NAGAS.
OM SREE TAKSHAKAYA NAMAHA, OM SREE NAGARAJAVE NAMAHA
