Sages & Others
Takshaka
तक्षक
King of the Nagas
Who was Takshaka?
Takshaka (तक्षक): King of the Nagas, one of the sages and supporting figures in the Mahabharata. The serpent king of Khandava forest whose home was burned by Arjuna and Agni, kindling an undying enmity with the Kuru line.
Quick Facts
| Sanskrit name | तक्षक |
|---|---|
| Title / Epithet | King of the Nagas |
| Faction | Sages & Others |
| Key traits | Vengeful, Venomous, Ancient, Cunning |
| Notable relationships | Sworn Enemy: Arjuna |
| Featured in | 3 stories |
About Takshaka
The serpent king of Khandava forest whose home was burned by Arjuna and Agni, kindling an undying enmity with the Kuru line. Generations later he slew King Parikshit with his venom, provoking Janamejaya's great snake sacrifice - the very occasion at which the Mahabharata was first recited.
In Their Words
Fire took my home; venom shall take your line.
Takshaka
Traits
- Vengeful
- Venomous
- Ancient
- Cunning
Story Appearances
- When Gods Made WarSerpent king whose forest burns
- Utanka and the EarringsSteals the queen's earrings
Character Arc
- The BurningHis forest home destroyed
- The VenomSlays King Parikshit
Key Relationships
- Sworn EnemyArjuna
Places in Takshaka's Story
Drawn from the stories Takshaka appears in.
Related Characters
Others counted among the Sages & Others.