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Mahabharata
Astika Parva (V)
Story of the snake-sacrifice. Astika's arrival in sacrifice. Praise for sacrifice by Astika. Boon for Astika by the king. Narration of the names of snakes. End of the Serpent-sacrifice.
Sauti said:
The illustrious king having said so, the ministers expressed their approbation. The king expressed his determination of performing a Snake-sacrifice.
The Lord of the earth, the best of the Kurus, king (Janamejaya) the son of Parikshit, then called his priest and Ritvijas.
And that accomplished speaker spoke on the accomplishment of his great task. (He said), "I must avenge on that wretch Takshaka.
Tell me what I must do. Do you know any act by which I can throw Takshaka with all his friends and relatives in the blazing fire? I want to burn the wretch of a snake as he burnt my father with his poison.
The Ritwijas said:
O king, there is a sacrifice advised by the celestial for you. It is known as the Snake-sacrifice and is spoken of in the Puranas.
O king, you alone can accomplish it and no one else. The men, learned in the Puranas, have told us that there is such a sacrifice.
Sauti said:
O excellent one, thus addressed, that royal sage thought Takshaka already thrown into the blazing fire and burnt to ashes.
The king then told these Brahmanas, learned in Mantras, "I shall perform that sacrifice.Tell me the things that are necessary.
O best of Brahmanas, thereupon his wise Ritwijas, learned in the Shastras, measured, according to the ordinances, a piece of land for the sacrificial platform.
It was graced by the presence of holy Brahmanas; it was decked with much valuable
wealth; it was full of wealth and paddy. On this sacrificial platform they according to rites installed the king in the Snake-sacrifice. But before the commencement of the sacrifice happened.
An incident which foreboded a hindrance to it. For when the sacrificial platform was being built, a man, Suta by caste, well acquainted with the Puranas and learned in the art of masonry and of laying foundations, said,
"The land in which the platform was made and the time when it was measured indicate that this sacrifice will not be completed. A Brahmana will be its cause."
Having heard this, the king, before he was installed in the sacrifice, ordered the gate keepers, saying, "None must be allowed to enter here without my permission."
The Snake-sacrifice then began in due form. The sacrificial priests, expert in their respective duties according to the ordinance, their bodies with black garments and their eyes red from the smoke, poured ghee in the blazing fire, uttering the Mantras.
Making the hearts of all the snakes tremble in fear, they began to pour ghee in the mouth of the Agni, uttering the names of the snakes.
Thereupon the snakes fell into the blazing fire one after another, each be-numbed and crying piteously to one another.
Breathing hard, swelling to enormous sizes, intwining one another with their heads and tails, they came in large numbers and fell into the blazing fire.
The white, the black, the blue, the old and the young, those measuring a crosa those measuring a Yojana and those measuring a Gokama, all fell violently into that blazing fire uttering various cries.
Hundreds and thousands, tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands came be-numbed and perished on that occasion.
Amongst those that perished, there were some that were like the horse, some like the trunks of elephants and others with the huge bodies and strength of mad elephant.
The snakes of various colours and of virulent poison, of terrible look, like maces furnished with iron spikes, of enormous strength and of the greatest biting propensity, fell into the fire as the result of their mother's curse.
Shaunaka said:
Who were the great Rishis that became the Ritvijas in the Snake-sacrifice of the wise king Janamejaya of the Pandava dynasty?
Who became the Sadasyas in that terrible Snake-sacrifice, so fearful to the snakes and so sorrowful to them?
O child, you should describe all this in detail, so that, O Sauti, we may know who were acquainted with the rituals of the Snake-sacrifice.
Sauti said:
I shall tell you the names of those wise men who became the Ritvijas and Sadasyas of the king.
The Brahmana, named Chand Bhargava, born in the race of Chyavana, greatly illustrious and the foremost man amongst all the learned in the Vedas, became the Hota in that sacrifice.
This learned old Brahmana, Kautsa became the Udgata, Jaimini became the Brahman, Shranagarava and Pingala became the Adhvaryus.
Vyasa with his son and disciple, Uddalaka, Pramataka, Shvetaketu, Pingala Asita, Devala, Narada, Parvata, Atreya, Kundajathara, Kalaghata, Vatsya, old Shrutashrava, ever engaged in Japa and the study of the Vedas, Kohala, Devasharmana, Maudgalya, Samasaurabha.
These and many others, who were vastly learned in the Vedas, became the Sadasyas in the sacrifice of the son of Parikshit.
When the Ritvijas began to pour ghee on the fire in that Snake-sacrifice, fearful snakes, striking fear into every creature, began to fall into its fire.
The fat and the marrow of the snakes, thus burnt in the Sacrificial fire, flowed like rivers and the whole atmosphere was filled with an insufferable stench, owing to this continual burning of the snakes.
Incessant were the piteous cries of tne snakes that fell into the fire and of those that were in the air about to fall into it.
In the meanwhile, as soon as Takshaka heard that Janamejaya had been installed in the sacrifice, he, the king of snakes, went to Indra.
That best of snakes told every thing to Indra and having acknowledged his fault, asked his protection in fear,
Indra, being much pleased, told him, "O Takshaka, O king of the snakes, you have nothing to fear here from the snake-sacrifice.
The Grandfather was pacified by me for your sake. Therefore, you have no fear. Drive away this fever of fear from your mind."
Thus being encouraged by him, the best of snakes, Takshaka, lived in Indra's abode in joy and happiness.
Here did Vasuki become exceedingly sorry, seeing that the snakes were continually falling into the fire and that his race had been reduced to only a few. That best of the snakes were confounded with grief and thus spoke to his sister,
"O amiable sister, my body is burning. I can no longer see the points of the heavens. I am about to fall owing to the loss of consciousness. My mind is whirling.
My sight is falling, my heart is trembling. Being be-numbed, I may fall into the blazing fire (of the sacrifice) today.
This sacrifice of the son of Parikshit is begun for the extermination of our race. It is evident I also shall have (soon) to go to the land of the dead.
That time has come, O sister, for which I bestowed you on the Rishi Jaratkaru; O sister, protect us with all our race.
O best of the women of the snake race, Astika will put an end to this sacrifice which is being. performed. The Grandsire himself told me this in time gone by.
Therefore, O sister, ask your dear son, who is exceedingly learned in the Vedas and respected even by the old, to protect me and those dependent on me.
Sauti said:
The snake-lady, Jaratkaru, then calling her son, told him what was spoken to her by Vasuki, the king of the Nagas.
(She said) "O son, the time has come for the accomplishment of that object for which I was bestowed by my brother on your father. Therefore, do what is needful."
Astika said:
For what object, O mother, were you bestowed by my uncle on my father? Tell me all, so that I may do what is proper.
Sauti said:
Jaratkaru, the sister of the snake-king, ever desirous to do good to her race and much moved by the general distress said,
Jaratkaru said:
O son, the mother of all the snakes was Kadru. Hear, why she cursed her sons in anger.
Addressing her sons she said, "As you have refused to change the colour of Uchchaishrava, the king of horses, thus making me a slave to Vinata according to the wager, the god of fire will consume you all in the sacrifice of Janamejaya. Thus being killed, you will go to the land of the dead.
The Grandsire of all creatures approved her curse and when she was uttering it, he said, "Be it so."
O child, Vasuki, having heard this curse and the words of the Grandsire, sought the protection of the celestial after the completion of the churning of the ocean.
The celestial, having their object gained, for they had obtained the excellent Ambrosia, came to the Grandsire, placing their brother (Vasuki) at the head.
All the celestial, with the snake-king Vasuki, tried to induce the great Deity, born of the lotus to grace in a way so that the curse might be made futile.
The celestial said:
O lord, the king of the snakes, Vasuki, is sorry for his relatives. How may his mother's curse be made futile?
Brahma said:
Jaratkaru will marry a wife named Jaratkaru. That Brahmana, who will be born of her, will save the snakes.
Jaratkaru said:
The best of snakes, Vasuki, having heard this, O illustrious son, bestowed me on your noble father, long before the commencement of this sacrifice.
As the result of that marriage, you were born of me. That time has now come. You should now protect us from this danger.
You should protect my brother and myself from the fire, so that the object (our protection) for which I was bestowed on your wise father, may not remain unfulfilled. O my son, what do you think (proper now)?
Sauti said:
Thus addressed, Astika said to his mother, "Yes, I will (save the snakes)." He then addressed Vasuki, thereby infusing life unto him and said,
"O Vasuki, the best of snakes, I shall protect you, I tell you truly that I shall relieve you from the curse.
O snake, be at your ease. There is no longer any fear. I shall try my utmost to do you good.
None can say that my words even in just have ever been false, not to speak of my words on serious' occasions. O uncle, going to that best of kings, Janamejaya, now installed in the sacrifice, I shall please him with words mixed with blessings, so that, O excellent one, that king will refrain from the sacrifice.
O king of the snakes, O high-minded one, believe all I say. Believe me, my resolve can never remain unfulfilled.
Vasuki said:
O Astika, being afflicted with my mother's curse my head is whirling, my heart is breaking. I cannot see the points of the heavens.
Astika said:
O best of snakes, you should not grieve any longer. I shall dispel your fear of the blazing fire.
I shall extinguish this (fire), this terrible punishment, blazing as the fire of the end of the Yuga. You should not entertain any fear any longer.
Sauti said:
In order to save the king of the snakes, the best of Brahmanas, Astika dispelling the terrible fever of Vasuki's heart and taking it as it were upon himself, went with speed to the sacrifice of Janamejaya which was adorned with all merits.
Having gone there, Astika saw the excellent Yajna place, fall of numerous Sadasyas, as effulgent as the sun or Agni.
But the best of Brahmanas, (Astika) was denied admittance by the door-keepers; and the mighty ascetic, wishing to enter into the (enclosed sacrificial place), pleased them (with blessings and sweet words).
Thus having entered the excellent sacrificial place, that best of Brahmanas, the foremost of all virtuous men, began to adore the king of illustrious deeds, the Ritwijas, the Sadasyas and the sacred fire.
Astika said:
O son of Parikshit, O best of the Bharata race, Soma, Varuna and Prajapati performed sacrifices at Prayaga in the days of yore, but your sacrifice, is in no way inferior to them. Blessing be upon those who are dear to us!
O son of Parikshit, O best of the Bharata race, Indra performed one hundred sacrifices, but your sacrifice, is fally equal to his sacrifice. Blessings be upon those who are dear to us!
O son of Parikshit, O best of the Bharata race, your this sacrifice is like the sacrifices of Yama, Harimedha and king Rantideva. Blessings be upon those who are dear to us!
O son of Parikshit, O best of the Bharata race, your this sacrifice is like the sacrifices of Gaya, king Sashabindu and king Vaishravana. Blessings be upon those who are dear to us
O son of Parikshit, O best of the Bharata race, your this sacrifice is like the sacrifices of Nriga, Ajamida and (Rama) the son of Dasaratha. Blessings be upon those who are dear to us!
O son of Parikshit, O best of the Bharata race, your this sacrifice is like the sacrifice of king Yudhishthira, the son of a deity and a descendant of Ajamida race, famous even in heavens. Blessings upon those who are dear to us!
O son of Parikshit, O best of the Bharata race, your this sacrifice is like the sacrifice of
Krishna Dvaipayana, the son of Satyavati, in which he himself acted as the chief priest. Blessings be upon those who are dear to us!
These (learned men), that are sitting here, are as effulgent as the sun and they make your this sacrifice like the sacrifice of the slayer of Vitra (Indra). There is nothing for them to know and gifts made to them become inexhaustible.
There is not a Ritvija in all the worlds equal to your Ritvija Dvaipayana. His disciples, becoming Ritvijas, competent in their duties, travel over the earth.
The noble bearer of libations, Vibhavasu and Chitrabhanu (Fire), having gold for his vital seed and black smokes on its way, carries these your libations of ghee to the celestial.
There is no other king in this world equal to you in protecting his subjects. I am well pleased with your continual abstinence. You are either Varuna, Yama or Dharmaraja.
You are protector of all creatures in this world, like Indra himself, thunderbolt in hand. There is no man in this world so great as you. There is no king who is your equal in sacrifices.
you are like Khatvanga, Nabhaga and Dilip. You are like Yayati and Mandhata in prowess. You are equal to the sun in splendour. O royal sage of excellent vows, you are like Bhishma.
You are like Valmiki of power concealed. Like Vasishtha you have controlled your anger. Your sovereignty is like that of Indra and your splendour like that of Narayana.
You are learned in the administration of justice like Yama and you are adorned with all qualifications like Krishna. You are the home of the wealth that belongs to the Vasus, you are the main-spring of all sacrifices.
You are equal to Dambhodbhava in strength, you are learned both, in Shastras and arms like Parshurama. You are equal to Aurva and Trita in strength. You inspite terror with your looks like Bhagiratha.
Sauti said:
Having thus adored them, Astika gratified and pleased them all, the king, the Sadasyas, the Ritvijas and the sacrificial fire. And king Janamejaya, seeing the signs and indications manifested on all sides, addressed them thus.
Janamejaya said :
Though this (Rishi) is but a boy, he speaks like a wise old man. He is not a boy; I think he is wise and old. I wish to bestow on him a boon. Therefore, O Brahmanas, give me necessary permission.
The Sadasyas said :
A Brahmana, though he may be a boy, deserves the respect of kings, more so if he is learned. This boy deserves to have his all desires fulfilled, but not before Takshaka is here with all speed.
Sauti said :
The king, being willing to grant a boon to the Brahmana boy, said, "Ask from me a boon." The Hota, being rather displeased at this, said, "Takshaka has not as yet come to this sacrifice.
Janamejaya said :
Try your best to bring this my sacrifice to a successful completion; exert your might, so that Takshaka may come here without father delay. He is my enemy.
The Ritvijas said :
O king, Takshaka is now living in fear in the abode of Indra. The Shastra declares this to us and the Fire also says it.
Sauti said :
The illustrious Suta, Lohitakshya, well-versed in the Puranas, had also said this before. Asked by the king again on this occasion, he told him what he said before.
(He said), "O king, what the Brahmanas have said is true. Knowing as I do the Puranas,
I say, O king, Indra has granted him a boon, saying, 'Live here in concealment and fire will not be able to burn you."
Having heard this, the king, installed in the sacrifice, became very sorry and urged the Hota to do his duty. He too, with Mantras, began to pour the ghee into the fire. Thereupon Indra himself came to the place.
The illustrious god came on his car, adored and worshipped by all the celestial standing around his chariot and entertained by masses of clouds, celestial singers and various classes of celestial dancing girls.
The snake (Takshaka), however, kept himself hidden within the garments of Indra. Thereupon the king, being desirous of the destruction of Takshaka, spoke to his Mantra-knowing Brahmanas thus,
Janamejaya said:
O Brahmanas, if Takshaka be in the abode of Indra, throw him into the fire with Indra also.
Sauti said:
Thus urged by king Janamejaya (to destroy Takshaka), the Hota again and again poured libations (into the fire), calling the snake (Takshaka by name who was then staying there (hidden within the garments of Indra).
As the libations were continually poured into the fire, Takshaka with Indra, anxious and afflicted, became visible in a moment in the sky.
Having seen that sacrifice, Indra was filled with fear and casting off, Takshaka, he hastened back to his own abode.
On the departure of Indra, the king of snakes, Takshaka, insensible with fear, was brought near the sacrificial fire by virtue of the Mantras.
The Ritvijas said:
O king of kings, O Lord, your this act (sacrifice) is being properly performed. It is now proper for you to grant a boon to this best of Brahmanas (Astika).
Janamejaya said:
O immeasurable one, you are of such child-like and handsome features, that I desire to bestow upon you a worthy boon. Therefore, ask that which you desire in your heart to possess. I promise you, I will grant it if it be even ungrantable.
The Ritvijas said:
O king, behold, Takshaka has come under your control. His terrible cries and loud roars are heard.
The snake has been forsaken by the wielder of thunder-bolt (Indra). his body has been disabled by our Mantras. (Behold), he is falling from the heavens, (behold) the king of snakes, deprived of his consciousness, comes rolling in the sky breathing loudly.
Sauti said:
When the king of snakes, Takshaka, was at the point of falling into the sacrificial fire, within that very short moment, Astika spoke thus,
Astika said:
O Janamejaya, if you will at all grant me a boon, let your this sacrifice be stopped and let no more snakes fall into the fire.
Sauti said:
O Brahmana, the son of Parikshit, having been thus addressed, became exceedingly sorry and spoke to Astika thus,
Janamejaya said:
O illustrious man, I shall give you gold, silver, kine, or whatever else you desire to possess. But let not my this sacrifice be stopped.
Astika said:
O king, I do not ask from you gold, silver or kine. Let your this sacrifice be stopped, so that my maternal relatives are saved.
Sauti said:
Thus addressed by Astika, the son of Parikshit (Janamejaya,) again and again said to that best of speakers, Astika,
"O best of the best Brahmanas, O blessed one, O illustrious man, ask some other boon." But, O descendant of the Bhrigu race, he did not ask any other boon.
Thereupon, all the Sadasyas, learned in the Vedas, told the king in one voice, in the Vedas, told the king in one voice, "Let the Brahmana receive the boon (asked by him.")
Shaunaka said:
O son of Suta, I desire to hear the names of those snakes, that fell into the fire of the Snake-sacrifice.
Sauti said:
O best of the twice-born, they were many thousands, tens of thousands and millions and billions; so great was their number that I am unable even to count them.
As far as I remember, hear, I shall mention the names of the principal snakes that fell into the fire.
Hear first the names of the chief ones of Vasuki's family, they were of colour, blue, red and white; they were of terrible forms, huge bodies and dreadful poisons.
Helpless and miserable, affected with their mother's curse, they all fell into that sacrificial fire as libations of ghee. (They were) Kotisha, Manasa, Puma, Shala, Pala, Halimaka, Pichchhala, Kaunapa, Chakra, Kalavega Prakalana, Hiranyabahu, Sharana Kakshaka and Kaladantaka.
These are the snakes, born of Vasuki, that fell into the fire. O Brahmana, numerous other fearful and powerful snakes, born in the family of Takshaka, were burnt in the blazing fire. Hear, I shall mention their names now.
Puchchhandaka, Mandalaka, Pindasektta, Rabhenaka, Uchchhikha, Sharabha, Bhangas, Vilvatejas, Virohana, Shili, Shalakara, Muck, Sukumara, Pravepana, Mudgara, Shishuroman, Suroman and Mahahanu.
These snakes, born of Takshaka, fell into the fire. Paravata, Parijata, Pandara, Harina, Krisha, Vihanga, Sharabha, Meda, Pramoda, Sanhatapan these, born in the family of Airvata, fell into the fire.
Now hear, O best of Brahmanas, the names of the snakes, born in the family of Kauravya, that I mention. Eraka, Kundala Veni, Veniskandha, Kumaraka, Bahuka, Shringavera, Dhurtaka, Pratara and Ataka, these, born in the Kauravya family, fell into the fire.
Now hear, O Brahmana, I mention those born in the family of Dhritarashtra, they were all exceedingly powerful, as swift as the wind and full of virulent poison.
Shankukama, Pitharaka, Kuthara Mukha, Sechaka, Pumangada, Pumamukha, Prahasa, Shakuni, Dari, Amahatha, Kamathaka, Sushena, Manasa, Avyaya, Bhairava, Mundavedanga, Pishanga, Udraparaka, Rishabha, Vegavana Naga, Pindaraka, Mahahanu, Rakttanga, Sarvasaranga, Samridha, Pata, Vasaka, Varahaka, Viranaka, Suchitra, Chitravegika, Parashara, Tarunka, Mani, Skandha and Aruni.
O Brahmana, thus have I recited the names of the chief snakes, all famous for their great deeds. I have not been able to mention all, their number being countless.
I am unable to mention the names of the sons of these and again the sons of their sons that fell into the blazing fire. They are countless.
Some of them had three heads, some seven and some ten. They had poison like the fire at the end of the Yuga and they were all terrible in appearance.
They had huge bodies and great speed, they were as tall as mountain peaks. Some of them were as long as a Yama, some a Yojana and some two Yojanas.
They were capable of assuming any form at will and of mustering any strength at will, they had the poison like the blazing fire, (such were the snakes that) that were burnt in the great sacrifice, affected by Brahma's punishment, (their mother's curse.)
Sauti said:
Now hear, (I shall mention) another wonderful incident in connection with Astika. When the son of Parikshit, the king (Janamejaya) was about to grant the boon (to Astika).
The snake, (Takshaka) though thrown off form Indra's hands, remained in the air without falling. Thereupon, king Janamejaya became thoughtful,
For Takshaka, though benumbed with fear, did not at once fall into the fire, although libations were poured into the blazing sacrificial fire in his name and in the proper form.
Shaunaka said:
O Suta, were not the Mantras of those wise Brahmanas propitious? Why did not Takshaka fall into the fire?"
Sauti said:
Astika had said thrice, "Stay, stay, stay," to the unconscious Takshaka, the best of snakes, when he was cast off from Indra's hands.
And afflicted with grief he remained in the sky like a person who hang between the heaven and the earth.
Being again and again urged by his Sadasyas, the king said, "Let it be done as asked by Astika.
Let the sacrifice be stopped, let the snakes be saved, let this Astika be gratified and let the words of the Suta be true."
When the boon was granted to Astika, loud acclamation of joy rose into the sky and the sacrifice of the son of Parikshit, the king of the Pandavas dynasty, came to an end. And king Janamejaya of the Bharata race was much pleased with himself.
The king bestowed money by hundreds and thousands on the Ritvijas and Sadasyas and on all that were present there (in that great sacrifice).
And he bestowed much wealth on Suta Lohitaksha, who was learned in the science of masonry and foundations and who had said at the very commencement of the Snake-sacrifice that a Brahmana would be the cause of its interruption. He gave him various things, food and wearing apparel.
The king of immeasurable kindness was thus much pleased and he concluded the sacrifice according to the rites of the ordinance.
He sent back home in much joy the wise Astika, whom he treated with every respect. He too was exceedingly pleased, because his object was attained.
The king said to him, "You must come again to become a Sadasya in my great Horse-sacrifice."
And Astika replied, " Yes." He then returned home in great joy, having achieved his great object, by pleasing the king.
Having returned in great joy to his uncle and mother, he touched their feet and told them all that had happened.
Having heard all he said, those snakes, that assembled there, were much delighted and their fear was dispelled. They were greatly pleased with Astika and insisted him to ask a boon.
They all again and again asked him, "O learned one, what good can we do to you? We are exceedingly pleased with you, for we have been all saved by you. O child, (tell us) what can we do for you?
Astika said:
Let those Brahmans and other men, who will cheerfully and with attention read this sacred account of my this act, have no fear from you."
They said in joy, "O nephew, as regards the boon asked by you, let it be exactly as you say. O nephew, we shall all cheerfully do what you ask us to do.
Those that will recall to their minds, Astika, Artiman and Sunitha, in the day or in the night, will have no fear from snakes.
He will have no fear from snakes, who will say, Astika, the son of Jaratkaru, born of Jaratkaru, Astika who saved the snakes from the Snakes-sacrifice. I recall him to my mind.
Therefore, O illustrious snakes, you should not bite me.
O blessed snake, go away, go away, O snake of virulent poison. Remember the words of Astika spoken after the Snake- sacrifice of Janamejaya."
Having heard the words of Astika mentioned, the snake, that will not cease to bite, will have his hood divided into one hundred-fold like the fruit of Shishama tree."
Sauti said:
Thus addressed by the chief snakes, that best of Brahmanas, (Astika), was very much pleased and the illustrious (boy) then thought of going away.
That virtuous and the best of the twice born, having thus saved the snakes from the Snake-sacrifice, died at the proper time, leaving sons and grandsons behind him.
Thus have I narrated to you the history of Astika exactly as it happened, a history, which if narrated, dispels all fear of snakes.
O Brahmana, O best of the Bhrigu-race, as your ancestor Pramati and gladly narrated it to his enquiring son Ruru,
And as I heard it (from my father), I have narrated this blessed history of the learned Astika from the beginning (to the end).
O Brahman, O chastiser of foes, (now you have) heard this sacred history of Astika, a history which increases virtue and which you asked me to narrate after hearing the story of the Dundubha, let now your great curiosity be satisfied.
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