Mahabharata episode 43

 

The Sutta said: “Hear about this wonderful event that occurred when King janamejya granted a boon to astika.

When the serpent Takshaka, which had slipped from Indra's hand, remained in the sky without falling, King Janamejaya became worried.

"Although the flames were falling in a regular pattern in the blazing fire, Takshaka, who was overcome with fear and fainting, did not fall into the fire."

Shaunaka said: “Suta! Were the mantras of the wise and wise men there not effective? Why did Takshaka not fall into the blazing fire?”

The Suta said: “Astika shouted three times, “Stop! Stop!” to takshaka, who was falling unconscious after slipping from Indra’s hand. Feeling pain in his heart, he stood there in space, like a man suspended between heaven and earth. When pressure came from the members above, the king said, "Let Astika's wish be fulfilled."

"May this work cease. May the serpents live. May it be as asteeka wishes and may the word of the Suta come true." As soon as asteeka heard the boon, a joyful shout was heard from all sides. The sacrifice of the Pandava king janamejaya was stopped and the Bharata king Janamejaya was pleased with himself.

There, wealth in the hundreds and thousands was given to the entire Ritvija and his members.

Suta Lohitashva, who knew Vastu Shastra and had said at the very beginning of the ceremony that this yagna would stop because of a Brahmin, was also given a lot of wealth as a gift. Then the ritualistic ceremony of ablution was performed. The king, pleased that this good deed had been done, treated Astika well and sent him home.

"Come back and my next task is to become a member of the great ashwamedha," he said. "So be it," said asteeka, satisfied that his deed had not made the mortal very happy, and returned. He was overjoyed and went to his mother and father-in-law, congratulated them, and told them everything that had happened. Hearing all this, all the Pannagas [snakes] who had gathered there lost their fear and became happy. Very pleased with asteeka they said, "Ask for the boon you desire!"

Everyone there shouted, "Sage! What do you want? What should we do? Vatsa! We are happy that you saved us all. Tell us what we should do for you today." Asteeka said: “Let no one, whether a bramhin or any other one, in this world, who, being well-pleased and in the form of a soul, listens to this discourse in the evening or in the morning, fear you in any way.”

The Suta said: “They also said happily: “Sister’s son! We will carry out this task you have asked for in truth. We will do whatever you wish with joy. "Whoever remembers that great ascetic, Satyasandha, who was born in Jaratkaru from Jaratkaru and saved the serpents, as Asita, Aarthimanta and Suneetha, day or night, will have no fear of snakes."

The Suta said: “bramhin! That righteous soul who saved the nagas from the sarpasatra gradually abandoned his sons and grandsons and left this world after a long time. I have told you this story of asteeka in its true form. Those who recite it will have no fear of snakes. "Bramhin! The merit of those who listen to this pious story of asteeka, which includes the meritorious deeds of an astika, will increase."

Shaunaka said: “Child! I am pleased with this great story, which you have narrated in full, beginning with the Bhrigu dynasty. Sutanandana! I am asking you once again. I would like to hear again the stories compiled by the great poet Vyasa, who told the members of that sarpasatra in a ritualistic manner.

"We want to hear stories from you in a way that doesn't change their meaning." The Suta said: “Whenever they had a break from their duties, the bramhins would tell stories based on the Vedas. Vyasa would always tell the story of the Mahabharata.” Shaunaka said: "I wish to hear the Mahabharata story, which describes the success of the Pandavas, as narrated by Krishnadwaipayana, when Janamejaya asked in the middle."

"Sutaja! I am not yet satisfied. Tell me the story that arose in the ocean of the mind of the great sage, the greatest of the truthful, the virtuous." The Sutta said: "Now I will tell you from the beginning the great epic Mahabharata, composed by Krishnadvaipayana." "Bramhin! Enjoy this good story that I am telling you. My heart is also happy to tell it."

This is the fifty-third chapter of the story in the Adi Parva, Astika Parva, of the Mahabharata.

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