Astika Parva — End of the Serpent-sacrifice

Sauti said : Now hsar, (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 wealth and 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 Horsesacrifice.”

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 morning and evening 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, Asita, 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 had 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.