Mahabharatha episode - 23

 

The Suta said: "Immediately after hearing his mother's curse, Pannaga Sattama Vasuki began to think about what to do to prevent this curse from happening." Then he consulted with all his brothers, including Dharmaparayana Airavata. Vasuki said: "Anaghare! You all know about the curse that is upon us. We must make some effort to get rid of this curse."

We know that there is salvation for all kinds of curses. But you serpents! They say there is no salvation for the curse of the mother. My heart trembles knowing that this curse was uttered in the presence of the unworthy, the unjust, and the truth itself. Our destruction must be near. Otherwise, that inexhaustible god would have stopped her from cursing like this.

So, without wasting much time, let's meditate on the welfare of all the serpents. "Something must be done to prevent the sacrifice of Janamejaya, which is the cause of the destruction of snakes, from taking place." The Suta said: “Hearing these words, the sons of Kadru, who were well versed in magic, who had gathered there, gave their own instructions. One of the snakes said, "Let us dress up as Brahmins, go to the janamejaya, and beg him not to perform this sacrifice."

The other Nagas, considering themselves scholars, said: “Let us all become ministers who grant his approval.” Then he will listen to our advice in all matters. Then, using the intellect, we can ensure that this sacrifice does not take place. That king, the greatest of wise men, always listens to our opinions regarding the sacrifice. Then let us say not to do it.

Let us show you the terrible evils that will result from it in this world and the next. Let us explain both the cause and the effect of this and prevent the sacrifice from taking place. Or let one of us, a serpent, bite and kill a teacher of Kratu, who knows the method of the sarpasatra, who is not useful for royal duties. When he, the performer of the sacrifice, dies, the sacrifice cannot continue.

"Otherwise, let's kill everyone who knows the sarpasatra and could become its ritualists in the future. This way we can fulfill our purpose." There, a pious Naga, who was sitting in meditation, said: "These words of yours are foolish. Killing is not good." "Righteousness is the source of the best peace for those in need. Unrighteousness destroys the entire world."

The other serpents said: “Let us all become black clouds with lightning and pour down heavy rain and stop Yajneshwara.” Another Bhujagottama said: "Let us go at night and steal the vessels filled with the sacrificial offerings. This way, it will be hindered." Or, let hundreds of thousands of snakes go there and terrorize everyone gathered there by biting them.

"Or let's turn the food that was in the pot into flour with the urine and feces of snakes and destroy all the food." Others said: "Let us all go to him as ritualists. Let us disrupt the sacrifice by asking him to give us the Dakshina. Since he is in our power, he will do whatever we ask." Another of those present said: "Let's take the king to our house and keep him under arrest while he is engaged in water sports. This way, the sacrifice will not take place."

There were some benevolent serpents there. They said: "If you go and catch him immediately and bite him, everything will be over. Once he is dead, the root of all our suffering will be cut off." This is our final instruction and we all agree to this. Rajan! If you agree, let's implement this immediately." Having said this, they all looked at Pannageshwara Vasuki. Vasuki thought for a while and then said to the Bhujangas:

"Bhujangamas! Your final suggestion is not worth implementing. I did not like any of the Pannagas' ideas." "What can I do now for the good of all of you? This is what worries me. Whether it's good or bad, it's mine."