End Of Life Care To Attain Nirvana

A concise summary of Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1 Chapter 19

Emperor Parikshit was deeply disturbed by the disrespect he caused to Sage Angiras in anger, under the influence of Kali. While he was repenting, he came to know about his imminent death in 7 days by a snake-bird “Takshaka”. Instead of praying to the Lord for immunity, he took it as a blessing and decided to renounce all attachments immediately. He coronated his son Janamejeya and left to the banks of the Ganges. There he took vows to abstain from food until death and decided to hear the deeds of the Supreme Lord.

There arrived great sages like Parasara, Vyasadeva, Angiras, Vasistha, Parasurama, Agastya, Narada, etc. Parikshit worshipped these sages and described to them what he intends to do. Then he sat down on the kusa grass facing North. The assembled sages spoke that they are pleased with Parikshit’s decision that he decided to spend the last moments of life under the care of the sages and hear about the Lord to attain freedom from the cycle of suffering (Nirvana).

Parikshit enquired from the sages what action one must perform at the time of death. At that moment, Sage Suka, the son of Srila Vysadeva arrived at the scene. All the assembled sages recognized this 16 years old boy and rose from their seats to receive him. Sage Suka was a self-realized soul in his previous life. He took birth to learn Srimad Bhagavatam from his father and pass it on to the upcoming generations through his discourse to Parikshit. It is said that he later attained Vaikuntha Loka (the spiritual abode of no suffering) and became the personal parrot of Sri Radha.

Parikshit paid his respects to Sage Suka and offered the most honorable seat. Then he requested to sage to elaborately describe what a man should hear, chant, and contemplate at the time of death.

Anyone who wants to attain freedom from the cycle of birth should take shelter of the saints and hear about the deeds of the Supreme Lord at the time of death.

Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit had a deep grudge against the serpents because his father was cursed to death by a snake. He performed a sacrifice that would destroy all living serpents including “Takshaka”. Sage Astika who belonged to the Naga family made peace with Janamejeya and got him to end the sacrifice. The day when the sacrifice was stopped is observed as “Naga Panchami”.