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Jaratkaru, the Sage, a MythSource painting
Indian

Jaratkaru, the Sage

01Identity

Jaratkaru, the Sage in Indian tradition

In the Mahabharata’s Astika Parva, the sage Jaratkaru has made a life of austerity and resolved not to marry. While travelling, he sees his ancestors hanging in a cave above a rope of grass, already weakened by rats. They say their line is near its end and ask him to have a son. He agrees to change his course, but only on strict terms: he will accept a wife with his own name, given willingly by her family, and will not seek a conventional marriage arrangement.

Jaratkaru searches without success until he meets Vasuki, king of the nagas. Vasuki offers his younger sister, and the sage asks her name before accepting. She is also called Jaratkaru. The two marry, and their son Astika is born; afterward, Jaratkaru and his ancestors attain heaven.

SourceMahabharata Vol. 1 (Penguin Translated Texts): Adi Parva, Astika Parva, Section Five, the sage Jaratkaru’s ancestors, marriage and son

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02Family

Jaratkaru, the Sage’s family, at a glance

Jaratkaru, the Sage
Astika
03The myths

The myths of Jaratkaru, the Sage

1 myth, with sources recorded for each.

The Sage Jaratkaru Marries to Save His Ancestors

The sage Jaratkaru is travelling when he finds a group of ancestors hanging upside down in a cave. A cord of grass, already being eaten through by rats, is all that holds them. They explain that their family has only one descendant left: Jaratkaru, who has chosen austerity over marriage. He identifies himself and asks what he can do. They ask him to marry and have a son so their line can continue.

Jaratkaru says he has long resolved to remain unmarried, but will accept a wife for his ancestors’ sake if she is offered freely and has the same name as he does. He searches the earth and finds no one. In a forest he calls three times for a wife. Vasuki, king of the nagas, offers his younger sister. Jaratkaru first asks her name; when Vasuki confirms it is also Jaratkaru, the sage accepts her and they marry according to the rites.

The couple have a son named Astika, who grows into a learned ascetic. His birth answers the request made in the cave, and afterward Jaratkaru and his ancestors attain heaven.

The Sage Jaratkaru Marries to Save His Ancestors, a MythSource painting of the scene

4 sources· checked 2026-10-03

  1. 1Mahabharata Vol. 1 (Penguin Translated Texts)T1
  2. 2Mahabharata Vol. 1 (Penguin Translated Texts)T1
  3. 3Mahabharata Vol. 1 (Penguin Translated Texts)T1
  4. 4Mahabharata Vol. 1 (Penguin Translated Texts)T1