The Mahabharata of Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa by Kisari Mohan Ganguli (Translator)

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'Sauti continued, 'King Janamejaya, that chastiser of enemies, then spake
upto all his ministers. And he said, 'When did ye learn all that happened
upon that, banian reduced to ashes by Takshaka, and which, wonderful as it
is, was afterwards revived by Kasyapa? Assuredly, my father could not have
died, for the poison could have been neutralised by Kasyapa with his
mantras. That worst of snakes, of sinful soul, thought within his mind
that if Kasyapa resuscitated the king bit by him, he, Takshaka, would be
an object of ridicule in the world owing to the neutralisation of his
poison. Assuredly, having thought so, he pacified the Brahmana. I have
devised a way, however, of inflicting punishment upon him. I like to know,
however, what ye saw or heard, what happened in the deep solitude of the
forest,--viz., the words of Takshaka and the speeches of Kasyapa. Having
known it, I shall devise the means of exterminating the snake race.'

"The ministers said, 'Hear, O monarch of him who told us before of the
meeting between that foremost Brahmana and that prince of snakes in the
woods. A certain person, O monarch, had climbed up that tree containing
some dry branches with the object of breaking them for sacrificial fuel.
He was not perceived either by the snake or by the Brahmana. And, O king,
that man was reduced to ashes along with the tree itself. And, O king of
kings, he was revived with the tree by the power of the Brahmana. That man,
a Brahmana's menial, having come to us, represented fully everything as it
happened between Takshaka and the Brahmana. Thus have we told thee, O king,
all that we have seen and heard. And having heard it, O tiger among kings,
ordain that which should follow.'

"Sauti continued, 'King Janamejaya, having listened to the words of his
ministers, was sorely afflicted with grief, and began to weep. And the
monarch began to squeeze his hands. And the lotus-eyed king began to
breathe a long and hot breath, shed tears, and shrieked aloud. And
possessed with grief and sorrow, and shedding copious tears, and touching
water according to the form, the monarch spake. And reflecting for a
moment, as if settling something in his mind, the angry monarch,
addressing all ministers, said these words.

'I have heard your account of my father's ascension to heaven. Know ye now
what my fixed resolve is. I think no time must be lost in avenging this
injury upon the wretch Takshaka that killed my father. He burnt my father
making Sringin only a secondary cause. From malignity alone he made
Kasyapa return. If that Brahmana had arrived, my father assuredly would
have lived. What would he have lost if the king had revived by the grace
of Kasyapa and the precautionary measures of his ministers? From ignorance
of the effects of my wrath, he prevented Kasyapa--that excellent of
Brahmanas--whom he could not defeat, from coming to my father with the
desire of reviving him. The act of aggression is great on the part of the
wretch Takshaka who gave wealth unto that Brahmana in order that he might
not revive the king. I must now avenge myself on my father's enemy to
please myself, the Rishi Utanka and you all.'"

SECTION LI

(Astika Parva continued)

'Sauti said, 'King Janamejaya having said so, his ministers expressed
their approbation. And the monarch then expressed his determination to
perform a snake-sacrifice. And that lord of the Earth--that tiger of the
Bharata race--the son of Parikshit, then called his priest and Ritwiks.
And accomplished in speech, he spake unto them these words relating to the
accomplishment of his great task. 'I must avenge myself on the wretch
Takshaka who killed my father. Tell me what I must do. Do you know any act
by which I may cast into the blazing fire the snake Takshaka with his
relatives? I desire to burn that wretch even as he burnt, of yore, by the
fire of his poison, my father.'

"The chief priest answered, 'There is, O king, a great sacrifice for thee
devised by the gods themselves. It is known as the snake-sacrifice, and is
read of in the Puranas. O king, thou alone canst accomplish it, and no one
else. Men versed in the Puranas have told us, there is such a sacrifice.'

"Sauti continued, 'Thus addressed, the king, O excellent one, thought
Takshaka to be already burnt and thrown into the blazing mouth of Agni,
the eater of the sacrificial butter. The king then said unto those
Brahmanas versed in mantras, 'I shall make preparations for that sacrifice.
Tell me the things that are necessary.' And the king's Ritwiks, O
excellent Brahmana, versed in the Vedas and acquainted with the rites of
that sacrifice measured, according to the scriptures, the land for the
sacrificial platform. And the platform was decked with valuable articles
and with Brahmanas. And it was full of precious things and paddy. And the
Ritwika sat upon it at ease. And after the sacrificial platform had been
thus constructed according to rule and as desired, they installed the king
at the snake-sacrifice for the attainment of its object. And before the
commencement of the snake-Sacrifice that was to come, there occurred this
very important incident foreboding obstruction to the sacrifice. For when
the sacrificial platform was being constructed, a professional builder of
great intelligence and well-versed in the knowledge of laying foundations,
a Suta by caste, well-acquainted with the Puranas, said, 'The soil upon
which and the time at which the measurement for the sacrificial platform
has been made, indicate that this sacrifice will not be completed, a
Brahmana becoming the reason thereof.' Hearing this, the king, before his
installation, gave orders to his gate-keepers not to admit anybody without
his knowledge."

SECTION LII

(Astika Parva continued)

"Sauti said, 'The snake-sacrifice then commenced according to due form.
And the sacrificial priests, competent in their respective duties
according to the ordinance, clad in black garments and their eyes red from
contact with smoke, poured clarified butter into the blazing fire,
uttering the appropriate mantras. And causing the hearts of all the snakes
to tremble with fear, they poured clarified butter into the mouth of Agni
uttering the names of the snakes. And the snakes thereupon began to fall
into the blazing fire, benumbed and piteously calling upon one another.
And swollen and breathing hard, and twining each other with their heads
and tails, they came in large numbers and fell into the fire. The white,
the black, the blue, the old and the young--all fell alike into the fire,
uttering various cries. Those measuring a krosa, and those measuring a
yojana, and those of the measure of a gokarna, fell continuously with
great violence into that first of all fires. And hundreds and thousands
and tens of thousands of snakes, deprived of all control over their limbs,
perished on that occasion. And amongst those that perished, there were
some that were like horses, other like trunks of elephants, and others of
huge bodies and strength like maddened elephants Of various colours and
virulent poison, terrible and looking like maces furnished with iron-
spikes, of great strength, ever inclined to bite, the snakes, afflicted
with their mother's curse, fell into the fire.'"

SECTION LIII

(Astika Parva continued)

"Saunaka asked, 'What great Rishis became the Ritwiks at the snake-
sacrifice of the wise king Janamejaya of the Pandava line? Who also became
the Sadasyas in that terrible snake-sacrifice, so frightful to the snakes,
and begetting such sorrow in them? It behoveth thee to describe all these
in detail, so that, O son of Suta, we may know who were acquainted with
the rituals of the snake-sacrifice.'

"Sauti replied, 'I will recite the names of those wise ones who became the
monarch's Ritwiks and Sadasyas. The Brahmana Chandabhargava became the
Hotri in that sacrifice. He was of great reputation, and was born in the
race of Chyavana and was the foremost of those acquainted with the Vedas.
The learned old Brahmana, Kautsa, became the Udgatri, the chanter of the
Vedic hymns. Jaimini became the Brahmana, and Sarngarva and Pingala the
Adhvaryus, Vyasa with his son and disciples, and Uddalaka, Pramataka,
Swetaketu, Pingala, Asita, Devala, Narada, Parvata, Atreya, Kundajathara,
the Brahmana Kalaghata, Vatsya, old Srutasravas ever engaged in japa and
the study of the Vedas. Kohala Devasarman, Maudgalya, Samasaurava, and
many other Brahmanas who had got through the Vedas became the Sadasyas at
that sacrifice of the son of Parikshit.

"When the Ritwiks in that snake-sacrifice began to pour clarified butter
into the fire, terrible snakes, striking fear into every creature, began
to fall into it. And the fat and the marrow of the snakes thus falling
into the fire began to flow in rivers. And the atmosphere was filled with
an insufferable stench owing to the incessant burning of the snakes. And
incessant also were the cries of the snakes fallen into the fire and those
in the air about to fall into it.

'Meanwhile, Takshaka, that prince of snakes, as soon as he heard that king
Janamejaya was engaged in the sacrifice, went to the palace of Purandara
(Indra). And that best of snakes, having represented all that had taken
place, sought in terror the protection of Indra after having acknowledged
his fault. And Indra, gratified, told him, 'O prince of snakes, O Takshaka,
here thou hast no fear from that snake-sacrifice. The Grandsire was
pacified by me for thy sake. Therefore, thou hast no fear. Let this fear
of thy heart be allayed.'

"Sauti continued, 'Thus encouraged by him, that best of snakes began to
dwell in Indra's abode in joy and happiness. But Vasuki, seeing that the
snakes were incessantly falling into the fire and that his family was
reduced to only a few, became exceedingly sorry. And the king of the
snakes was afflicted with great grief, and his heart was about to break.
And summoning his sister, he spake unto her, saying, 'O amiable one, my
limbs are burning and I no longer see the points of the heavens. I am
about to fall down from loss of consciousness. My mind is turning, my
sight is falling and my heart is breaking. Benumbed, I may fall today into
that blazing fire! This sacrifice of the son of Parikshit is for the
extermination of our race. It is evident I also shall have to go to the
abode of the king of the dead. The time is come, O my sister, on account
of which thou wert bestowed by me on Jaratkaru to protect us with our
relatives. O best of the women of the snake race, Astika will put an end
to the sacrifice that is going on. The Grandsire told me this of old.
Therefore, O child, solicit thy dear son who is fully conversant with the
Vedas and regarded even by the old, for the protection of myself and also
of those dependent on me."'

SECTION LIV

(Astika Parva continued)

"Sauti said, 'Then the snake-dame Jaratkaru, calling her own son, told him
the following words according to the directions of Vasuki, the king of the
snakes. 'O son, the time is come for the accomplishment of that object for
which I was bestowed on thy father by my brother. Therefore, do thou that
which should be done.'

"Astika asked, 'Why wert thou, O mother, bestowed on my father by my
uncle? Tell me all truly so that on hearing it, I may do what is proper.'

"Then Jaratkaru, the sister of the king of the snakes, herself unmoved by
the general distress, and even desirous of the welfare of her relatives,
said unto him, 'O son, it is said that the mother of all the snakes is
Kadru. Know thou why she cursed in anger her sons.' Addressing the snakes
she said, 'As ye have refused to falsely represent Uchchaihsravas, the
prince of horses, for bringing about Vinata's bondage according to the
wager, therefore, shall he whose charioteer is Vayu burn you all in
Janamejaya's sacrifice. And perishing in that sacrifice, ye shall go to
the region of the unredeemed spirits.' The Grandsire of all the worlds
spake unto her while uttering this curse, 'Be it so,' and thus approved of
her speech. Vasuki, having heard that curse and then the words of the
Grandsire, sought the protection of the gods, O child, on the occasion
when the amrita was being churned for. And the gods, their object
fulfilled, for they had obtained the excellent amrita, with Vasuki ahead,
approached the Grandsire. And all the gods, with king Vasuki, sought to
incline Him who was born of the lotus to be propitious, so that the curse
might be made abortive.'

"And the gods said, 'O Lord, Vasuki, the king of the snakes, is sorry on
account of his relatives. How may his mother's curse prove abortive?'

"Brahman thereupon replied, saying, 'Jaratkaru will take unto himself a
wife of the name of Jaratkaru; the Brahmana born of her will relieve the
snakes.'

"Vasuki, the best of snakes, hearing those words, bestowed me, O thou of
godlike looks, on thy high-souled father some time before the commencement
of the sacrifice. And from that marriage thou art born of me. That time
has come. It behoveth thee to protect us from this danger. It behoveth
thee to protect my brother and myself from the fire, so that the object,
viz., our relief, for which I was bestowed on thy wise father, may not be
unfulfilled. What dost thou think, O son?'

"Sauti continued, 'Thus addressed, Astika said unto his mother, 'Yes, I
will.' And he then addressed the afflicted Vasuki, and as if infusing life
into him, said, 'O Vasuki, thou best of snakes, thou great being, truly do
I say, I shall relieve thee from that curse. Be easy, O snake! There is no
fear any longer. I shall strive earnestly so that good may come! Nobody
hath ever said that my speech, even in jest, hath proved false. Hence on
serious occasions like this, I need not say anything more, O uncle, going
thither today I shall gratify, with words mixed with blessings, the
monarch Janamejaya installed at the sacrifice, so that, O excellent one,
the sacrifice may stop. O highminded one, O king of the snakes, believe
all that I say. Believe me, my resolve can never be unfulfilled.'

"And Vasuki then said, 'O Astika, my head swims and my heart breaks. I
cannot discern the points of the earth, as I am afflicted with a mother's
curse.'

"And Astika said, 'Thou best of snakes, it behoveth thee not to grieve any
longer. I shall dispel this fear of thine from the blazing fire. This
terrible punishment, capable of burning like the fire at the end of the
Yuga, I shall extinguish. Nurse not thy fear any longer.'

"Sauti continued, 'Then that best of Brahmanas, Astika, quelling the
terrible fear of the Vasuki's heart, and taking it, as it were, on himself,
wended, for the relief of the king of the snakes, with speed to
Janamejaya's sacrifice blessed with every merit. And Astika having gone
thither, beheld the excellent sacrificial compound with numerous Sadasyas
on it whose splendour was like unto that of the Sun or Agni. But that best
of Brahmanas was refused admittance by the door-keepers. And the mighty
ascetic gratified them, being desirous of entering the sacrificial
compound. And that best of Brahmanas, that foremost of all virtuous men,
having entered the excellent sacrificial compound, began to adore the king
of infinite achievements, Ritwiks, the Sadasyas, and also the sacred
fire.'"

SECTION LV

(Astika Parva continued)

"Astika said, 'Soma and Varuna and Prajapati performed sacrifices of old
in Prayaga. But thy sacrifice, O foremost one of Bharata's race, O son of
Parikshit, is not inferior to any of those. Let those dear unto us be
blessed! Sakra performed a hundred sacrifices. But this sacrifice of thine,
O foremost one of Bharata's race, O son of Parikshit, is fully equal to
ten thousand sacrifices of Sakra. Let those dear unto us be blessed! Like
the sacrifice of Yama, of Harimedha, or of king Rantideva, is the
sacrifice of thine, O foremost one of Bharata's race, O son of Parikshit.
Let those dear unto us be blessed! Like the sacrifice of Maya, of king
Sasavindu, or of king Vaisravana, is this sacrifice of thine, O foremost
one of Bharata's race, O son of Satyavati, in which he himself was the
chief priest, is this sacrifice of Nriga, of Ajamida, of the son of
Dasaratha, is this sacrifice of thine, O foremost one of Bharata's race, O
son of Parikshit. Let those dear unto us be blessed! Like the sacrifice of
king Yudhishthira, the son of a god and belonging to Ajamida race, heard
of (even) in the heavens, is this sacrifice of thine. O foremost one of
Bharata's race, O son of Parikshit, let those dear unto us be blessed!
Like the sacrifice of Krishna (Dwaipayana), the son of Satyavati, in which
he himself was the chief priest, is this sacrifice of thine, O foremost
one of Bharata's race, O son of Parikshit. Let those dear unto us be
blessed! These (Ritwiks and Sadasyas) that are here engaged in making thy
sacrifice, like unto that of the slayer of Vritra, are of splendour equal
to that of the sun. There now remains nothing for them to know, and gifts
made to them become inexhaustible (in merit). It is my conviction that
there is no Ritwik in all the worlds who is equal to thy Ritwik,
Dwaipayana. His disciples, becoming Ritwiks, competent for their duties,
travel over the earth. The high-souled bearer of libation (viz., Agni),
called also Vibhavasu and Chitrabhanu, having gold for his vital seed and
having his path, marked by black smoke, blazing up with flames inclined to
the right, beareth these thy libations of clarified butter to the gods. In
this world of men there is no other monarch equal to thee in the
protection of subjects. I am ever well-pleased with thy abstinence. Indeed,
thou art either Varuna, or Yama, the god of Justice. Like Sakra himself,
thunderbolt in hand, thou art, in this world, the protector of all
creatures. In this earth there is no man so great as thou and no monarch
who is thy equal in sacrifice. Thou art like Khatwanga, Nabhaga, and
Dilipa. In prowess thou art like Yayati and Mandhatri. In splendour equal
to the sun, and of excellent vows, thou art O monarch, like Bhishma! Like
Valmiki thou art of energy concealed. Like Vasishtha thou hast controlled
thy wrath. Like Indra is thy lordship. Thy splendour also shines like that
of Narayana. Like Yama art thou conversant with the dispensation of
justice. Thou art like Krishna adorned with every virtue. Thou art the
home of the good fortune that belongs to the Vasus. Thou art also the
refuge of the sacrifices. In strength thou art equal to Damvodbhava. Like
Rama (the son of Jamadagni) thou art conversant with the scriptures and
arms. In energy thou art equal to Aurva and Trita. Thou inspirest terror
by thy looks like Bhagiratha.'

"Sauti said, 'Astika, having thus adored them, gratified them all, viz.,
the king, the Sadasyas, the Ritwiks and the sacrificial fire. And king
Janamejaya beholding the signs and indications manifested all around,
addressed them as follows.'"

SECTION LVI

(Astika Parva continued)

"Janamejaya said, 'Though this one is but a boy, he speaks yet like a wise
old man. He is not a boy but one wise and old. I think, I desire to bestow
on him a boon. Therefore, ye Brahmanas, give me the necessary permission.'

"The Sadasyas said, 'A Brahmana, though a boy, deserves the respect of
kings. The learned ones do more so. This boy deserves every desire of his
being fulfilled by thee, but not before Takshaka comes with speed.'

"Sauti continued, 'The king, being inclined to grant the Brahmana a boon,
said 'Ask thou a boon.' The Hotri, however, being rather displeased, said,
'Takshaka hath not come as yet into this sacrifice.'

"Janamejaya replied, 'Exert ye to the best of your might, so that this
sacrifice of mine may attain completion, and Takshaka also may soon come
here. He is my enemy.'

"The Ritwiks replied, 'As the scriptures declare unto us, and as the fire
also saith, O monarch, (it seems that) Takshaka is now staying in the
abode of Indra, afflicted with fear.'

"Sauti continued, 'The illustrious Suta named Lohitaksha also, conversant
with the Puranas, had said so before.

"Asked by the king on the present occasion he again told the monarch,
'Sire, it is even so as the Brahmanas have said--Knowing the Puranas, I
say, O monarch, that Indra hath granted him this boon, saying, 'Dwell with
me in concealment, and Agni shall not burn thee.'

"Sauti continued, 'Hearing this, the king installed in the sacrifice
became very sorry and urged the Hotri to do his duty. And as the Hotri,
with mantras, began to pour clarified butter into the fire Indra himself
appeared on the scene. And the illustrious one came in his car, adorned by
all the gods standing around, followed by masses of clouds, celestial
singers, and the several bevies of celestial dancing girls. And Takshaka
anxious with fear, hid himself in the upper garment of Indra and was not
visible. Then the king in his anger again said unto his mantra-knowing
Brahmanas these words, bent upon the destruction of Takshaka, 'If the
snake Takshaka be in the abode of Indra, cast him into the fire with Indra
himself.'

"Sauti continued, 'Urged thus by the king Janamejaya about Takshaka, the
Hotri poured libations, naming that snake then staying there. And even as
the libations were poured, Takshaka, with Purandara himself, anxious and
afflicted, became visible in a moment in the skies. Then Purandara, seeing
that sacrifice, became much alarmed, and quickly casting Takshaka off,
went back to his own abode. After Indra had gone away, Takshaka, the
prince of snakes, insensible with fear, was by virtue of the mantras,
brought near enough the flames of the sacrificial fire.'

"The Ritwiks then said, 'O king of kings, the sacrifice of thine is being
performed duly. It behoveth thee, O Lord, to grant a boon now to this
first of Brahmanas.'

"Janamejaya then said, 'Thou immeasurable one of such handsome and child-
like features, I desire to grant thee a worthy boon. Therefore, ask thou
that which thou desirest in thy heart. I promise thee, that I will grant
it even if it be ungrantable.'

"The Ritwiks said, 'O monarch, behold, Takshaka is soon coming under thy
control! His terrible cries, and loud roar is being heard. Assuredly, the
snake hath been forsaken by the wielder of thunder. His body being
disabled by your mantras, he is falling from heaven. Even now, rolling in
the skies, and deprived of consciousness, the prince of snakes cometh,
breathing loudly.'

"Sauti continued, 'While Takshaka, the prince of snakes was about to fall
into the sacrificial fire, during those few moments Astika spoke as
follows, 'O Janamejaya, if thou wouldst grant me a boon, let this
sacrifice of thine come to an end and let no more snakes fall into the
fire.'

"O Brahmana, the son of Parikshit, being thus addressed by Astika, became
exceedingly sorry and replied unto Astika thus, 'O illustrious one, gold,
silver, kine, whatever other possessions thou desirest I shall give unto
thee. But let not my sacrifice come to an end.'

"Astika thereupon replied, 'Gold, silver or kine, I do not ask of thee, O
monarch! But let thy sacrifice be ended so that my maternal relations be
relieved.'

"Sauti continued, 'The son of Parikshit, being thus addressed by Astika,
repeatedly said this unto that foremost of speakers, 'Best of the
Brahmanas, ask some other boon. O, blessed be thou!' But, O thou of
Bhrigu's race, he did not beg any other boon. Then all the Sadasyas
conversant with the Vedas told the king in one voice, 'Let the Brahmana
receive his boon!'"

SECTION LVII

(Astika Parva continued)

"Saunaka said, 'O son of a Suta, I desire to hear the names of all those
snakes that fell into the fire of this snake-sacrifice!'

"Sauti replied, 'Many thousands and tens of thousands and billions of
snakes fell into the fire. O most excellent Brahmana, so great is the
number that I am unable to count them all. So far, however, as I remember,
hear the names I mention of the principal snakes cast into the fire. Hear
first the names of the principal ones of Vasuki's race alone, of colour
blue, red and white of terrible form and huge body and deadly poison.
Helpless and miserable and afflicted with their mother's curse, they fell
into the sacrificial fire like libations of butter.

"Kotisa, Manasa, Purna, Cala, Pala Halmaka, Pichchala, Kaunapa, Cakra,
Kalavega, Prakalana, Hiranyavahu, Carana, Kakshaka, Kaladantaka--these
snakes born of Vasuki, fell into the fire. And, O Brahmana, numerous other
snakes well-born, and of terrible form and great strength, were burnt in
the blazing fire. I shall now mention those born in the race of Takshaka.
Hear thou their names. Puchchandaka, Mandalaka, Pindasektri, Ravenaka;
Uchochikha, Carava, Bhangas, Vilwatejas, Virohana; Sili, Salakara, Muka,
Sukumara, Pravepana, Mudgara and Sisuroman, Suroman and Mahahanu. These
snakes born of Takshaka fell into the fire. And Paravata, Parijata,
Pandara, Harina, Krisa, Vihanga, Sarabha, Meda, Pramoda, Sauhatapana--
these born in the race of Airavata fell into the fire. Now hear, O best of
Brahmanas, the names of the snakes I mention born in the race of Kauravya:
Eraka, Kundala Veni, Veniskandha, Kumaraka, Vahuka, Sringavera, Dhurtaka,
Pratara and Astaka. There born in the race of Kauravya fell into the fire.
Now hear the names I mention, in order, of those snakes endued with the
speed of the wind and with virulent poison, born in the race of
Dhritarashtra: Sankukarna, Pitharaka, Kuthara, Sukhana, and Shechaka;
Purnangada, Purnamukha, Prahasa, Sakuni, Dari, Amahatha, Kumathaka,
Sushena, Vyaya, Bhairava, Mundavedanga, Pisanga, Udraparaka, Rishabha,
Vegavat, Pindaraka; Raktanga, Sarvasaranga, Samriddha, Patha and Vasaka;
Varahaka, Viranaka, Suchitra, Chitravegika, Parasara, Tarunaka,
Maniskandha and Aruni.