Astika

Jaratkaru, wife of the sage Jaratkaru, tells her son why Vasuki, her brother and king of snakes, gave her to his father. In this telling, Kadru’s curse threatens the snakes with destruction in Janamejaya’s sacrifice. Brahma has said that a son born to parents both named Jaratkaru will save them. Their son Astika hears that the time has come and agrees to help. He reassures Vasuki, then goes to the sacrificial grounds. The gatekeepers stop him, but he praises the king and the ritual until he is admitted.

Astika’s praise delights Janamejaya, who offers him a boon. The assembled priests say the king should grant it only after Takshaka arrives. When they learn that the snake king is hiding in Indra’s palace, Janamejaya orders the priests to bring him. Takshaka falls from the sky under the force of their mantras. As he is about to fall into the fire, Janamejaya again offers Astika a boon. Astika asks him to stop the sacrifice so no more snakes fall. The king offers gold, silver, cattle, or another wish instead, but Astika refuses to substitute wealth for his request.

Astika tells Takshaka to stay three times. The snake remains suspended in the air, and the king finally grants the boon: the sacrifice ends. The story says many snakes have already fallen into the fire, but the rest are saved. Astika returns to his mother and uncle, and the snakes promise that those who remember Astika’s deed will be protected from them.