The pious king Parikshit, the sole survivor of the Pandava race who is saved by Krishna, brings on himself the curse that he should die of the serpent Takshsaka’s bite in seven days time because of an indiscreet act. Parikshit observes the vow of starvation as a preparation to face death. Parikshit values the precious time available to him and wishes to seek the feet of the Lord without any other thought in his mind. While this is an exceptional situation, it is symbolic of the truth that death is equally imminent and certain in the case of all beings, although the time and manner of death remain unspecified, said Sri M.V. Anantapadmanabhachariar in a discourse. This should prompt one to live each day as a gift of God without any thought of postponement with regard to the performance of good deeds. For, who can say for certain about the future when one is not sure what is to overtake him in the morrow or even next moment?
It is said that Dharmaputra once promised a Brahmin who approached him for alms that he would be rewarded suitably the next day. When nothing is permanent in this world, what makes his brother say so, wonders Bheema. How could one be so sure that he would live until the next day to fulfil such a promise? Could he be sure that the Brahmin would also live until then? What could be the guarantee that all the wealth and possessions he thinks belongs to him would be his always?
So Bheema announces with great fanfare that his brother is really great for he has conquered Time. Dharmaputra realises the fallacy in his stance and decides to reward the Brahmin straightaway.
