Who is Emperor Parikshit?

A concise summary of Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1 Chapter 12

• He is the son of Abhimanyu and Uttara

• He was saved by the Lord from the fiery iron bow launched by Ashwathama when he was in his mother’s womb

• He succeeded his grand-uncle Yudhisthir to the throne of Hastinapur

• He got the vision of the Super Soul (Paramatma). It is described in the Vedas that the Super Soul form is the size of a human thumb, wearing a crown of shining gold, a beautiful bluish-black complexion, four-armed and present in the region of the heart

• His birth ceremony was performed by Kripacharya, who was a famous priest and a great general of those times

• He used to donate land, cows, food, gold, and elephants to priests, Yogi’s and temples

• He is known as “Vishnurata”, one who is saved by Lord Vishnu

• He is a great devotee of the Lord

• He is compared to Iksvaku for his fame. Iksvaku is the grandson of Sun God

• He is spiritual, a thinker, an artist, a lover, and an athlete

• His name and fame spread like that of Emperor Bharath

• He is a great archer like Arjuna

• He is brave as a lion and tolerant like parents

• He protected the Earth and nature

• He is well-versed in Dharma like Yudhistira

• He is gracious like Lord Shiva

• He provided protection like Lord Vishnu to those who sought refuge in him

• He was good at following the instructions of the Lord in the scriptures

• He is impartial to everyone

• His courage is compared to King Bali

• His devotion is compared to Prahlad

• He is a worshipper of scholars

• He fought for world peace and a protector of religious principles

• He died from the bite of a snake-bird commissioned by a sage’s son

• He got liberated and attained Lord Vishnu after death

• He got married to Iravati (aka Madravati), the daughter of King Uttara

• He had fours sons and Janamajeya succeded the throne. As per Vysadeva's compilation, Janamajeya is the last Kuru. It is believed that Srila Vyasadeva's incarnation ended at that time.

• Some Indian historians traced Kuru lineage and consider King Prithvi Raj Chauhan as the last Kuru while some other say that the son of King Prithvi Raj Chauhan as the last Kuru.