Takshakas

The Takshakas are a prominent clan mentioned in ancient Indian texts, particularly the Mahabharata and the Puranas. They are often depicted as a powerful and serpentine race, associated with the Nagas, a mythical group of serpent deities or beings. The Takshakas are described as dwelling in the underworld or in subterranean realms, and their king is frequently named Takshaka.

In the Mahabharata, the story of the Takshaka clan is central to several key events. King Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna, is famously bitten by the serpent Takshaka, leading to his death. This event triggers a vow of revenge by Parikshit's son, Janamejaya, who then performs a great sacrifice, the Sarpa Satra, to destroy all serpents. However, the sacrifice is ultimately halted by the intervention of the sage Astika, who has ties to both the serpent race and the Kuru dynasty, preventing the complete annihilation of the Takshakas.

The Takshakas are often portrayed with a dual nature, possessing both benevolent and malevolent aspects. While some accounts depict them as guardians of treasures and knowledge, others portray them as vengeful and dangerous beings. Their association with snakes lends them a mystical and powerful aura in Hindu mythology, representing forces of nature and the hidden realms. The exact historical or mythological origins and extent of the Takshaka clan remain subjects of interpretation within ancient Indian literature.