Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.2079

c9.2079

SŌMAKA II.
1) General information. A King of Pāñcāla. This generous King was the son of Sahadeva and the grandson of Subhāsa. In accordance with the advice of Brahmins, the King once sacrificed his son. It is mentioned in Mahābhārata, Vana Parva, Chapter 128 that on completion of the sacrifice he got one hundred sons.
2) Other details.
(i) This King Somaka travelled with his priests, through the holy worlds and hell and returned. (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 128, Verse 11).
(ii) King Somaka made offerings of cows as alms and attained heaven. (M.B. Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 76, Verse 25).
(iii) Never had he eaten flesh in his life. (M.B. Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 115, Verse 63).
(iv) Mention is made in Mahābhārata, Sabhā Parva, Chapter 8, Stanza 8, that this Somaka stays in the palace of Yama praising him.