mahabharata stories

 The Suta said: “Then Bhujangame Jaratkaru called her son and told him these words of the Naga king Vasuki . “The time has come for me to fulfill the purpose for which my brother gave me to your father. Therefore, whatever must be done must be done.” Astika said: “For what purpose did your brother give you to my father? Tell me all about it. After hearing it, I will do whatever I want.”” The Suta said: “Jaratkaru, the sister of the Naga king, who was a relative of his, said to the calm-hearted Astika: “Son! The mother of all Nagas is known as Kadru . She became angry and cursed her children. Listen to the reason for that. “Children! When I made a pledge of servitude to Vinata , you did not agree to lie about the colour of the horse Ucchaishrava . Therefore, in the sacrifice of Janamejaya , you will be burnt. In this way, you will join the world of ghosts or pretaloka nd become one with panchabhuta ” Thus, while she was cursing, the Father of the Universe lord Brahma also approv...

  Shaunaka said: “Who were the supreme sages and sages who participated in the sarpasatra of the wise Pandava king Janamejaya ?   Who were the members of that terrible sarpa yagna that intended to cause great fear and sorrow to the Pannagas ?   Suta ! Tell me who was there who knew the methods of the sarpasatra. Explain everything in detail.”   The Suta said: “I will tell that nobleman the names of the Rtvijas and their members.   The famous Brahmin Chanda Bhargava, born in the family of Chyavana and the greatest of the Vedas, was living there.   The old and learned Brahmin Kautsa was the chief, Jaimini was the chief, Brahma was the chief, and Sharava was the chief, and Pingala was the chief.   Vyasa , accompanied by his sons and disciples, Uddalaka, Shamataka, Shvetaketu, Panchama, Asita, Devala, Narada , Parvata, Atreya, Kunda, Jatara, Dvija Kutighat, Vatsya, the old ascetic Srutashrava, the self-taught, Kahodha, Devasarma,...

  The Suta said: “Having said this, the venerable king, approved by the ministers, took the vow of the sarpa-satra or sarpa yagna .   Brahmin! King, the son of Bharatashardula Parikshita , summoned the priests and the Ritvijas, skilled in sacrifices, and spoke these rich words:   “Tell me what I should do to take revenge on the evil spirit Takshaka, who tortured my father.   Tell me a plan by which I, along with my relatives, can drag Takshaka into the blazing fire, just as he burned my father in his poisonous fire before. I also want to burn that sinful Pannaga.”   Ritvijas said: “There is a great weapon created by the gods for you, king! This is described in the Puranas as the sarpa-satra.   King! The legends say that no one else can undertake this sacrifice except you, and we have the method to conduct it.”   The Suta said: “Hearing this, the king imagined that the serpent Takshaka was falling into a blazing fire.   ...

  The ministers said: “the king, who was hungry and tired, lifted the snake on the shoulder of that sage and returned to his city.   That sage had a son born of a cow named Shringi who was Mahayashasvi, Mahatejasvi, Tigmavirya, and short tempered.   O Janamejaya ! Kurushardula! That sage went to Brahma and worshipped him. Once, while he was returning, his friend told him about the insult he had done to his father, saying, “Your father has placed a dead snake on his shoulders!” O king! Your father had insulted that great ascetic, a sage, a virtuous, pure, a man of wondrous deeds, whose soul and limbs were radiant with penance, a man of good fortune, a man of good words, steadfast, free from attachment, unsullied, old, and bound to silence, the refuge of all beings.   Hearing this, the son of the great sage, who was a youth but great, became enraged and cursed your father.   Immediately he touched the water and, blazing with anger, addressed you...

  Shaunaka said: “Tell me again in detail what King Janamejaya heard from his ministers about his father’s heavenly destination.”   The Suta said: “Brahmin! Listen to what Nrupati heard from his ministers about the death of Parikshit and what they told him.   Janamejaya said: “You know very well what my father was like and how he died.   After hearing everything from you about my father, I will do what is beneficial. Otherwise, nothing.”   The Suta said: “Hearing the words of that great king Janamejaya, the wise ministers of all religions said:   “Your father was a righteous man, a great man, and a protector of the people. Listen to how that great man behaved.   He was loyal to his own dharma and protected the people of the four castes. The king was as pious as dharma.   He was rich and extremely brave, protecting the goddess Prithvi. He had no hatred for anyone and no one hated him. Like Prajapati , he saw everyon...

 The Suta said: “Tapodhana! After her husband left, Jaratkaru immediately went to her brother and reported everything that had happened. Hearing these words of great love, the elder Bhujagashreshtha humbled himself and said to his humble sister: “Brother! You know for what reason I gave you to him. For the benefit of the serpents, you were to have a son from him. My father had said to me earlier, when I was with the Suras , that, that brave man would save us all from the serpents. Subha! Have you conceived a child from that sage? I wish that this marriage of yours should not be in vain. It is not really right to question you in this way on this matter. However, since the matter is important, I must ask you this. I know that your ascetic husband gets angry easily. That is why I cannot go after him. He can even curse me. Bhadra! Tell me everything that happened between you and your husband and remove the terrible thorn that has been embedded in my heart for a long time.” Hearing the...

 The Suta said: “Then Vasuki said to the sage Jaratkaru : “This ascetic sister of mine bears your name. Hey bramhin! Take her as your wife. I will take care of her life. Tapodhana! I will protect her using all my powers.” After receiving assurance from the serpent that he would take care of his sister, Jaratkaru went to the serpent Vasuki's house. There, the sage, a master of magic, a great ascetic, and a great vow-observant, held her hand in accordance with the prescribed mantras . With the consent of Pannagendra , the snake he took his wife and went to the abode, where all the sages were praising him. There, Jaratkaru was sleeping with his wife on a bed decorated with precious gems. Jaratkaru made a pact with his wife: "Never do or say anything that is displeasing to me. If you do anything like that, I will leave you and never live in your house. Always keep these words of mine in your mind.” The sister of the serpent, who was very saddened by his words, vowed, “So be it.” ...