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Library: Shesha asks to be stationed in dharma as boon.
Śaunaka spoke:
O father, the serpents were indeed born powerful and formidable. After knowing about the curse, what else did they do?
Sūta said:
Among them, the divine Śeṣa, greatly renowned, left Kadru and undertook intense penance, living on air and maintaining strict vows.
Having reached Gandhamadana, he engaged in penance in Badari, Gokarna, the forest of Pushkara, and also on the slopes of the Himalayas.
In those holy places and temples, he remains solitary, disciplined, and always in control of his senses.
The grandfather beheld the lord, who was engaged in severe austerities, appearing emaciated with dried-up flesh, skin, and sinews, and adorned with matted hair and bark garments.
The grandfather addressed the suffering Satyadhriti, asking him what he was doing and urging him to ensure the welfare of the remaining people.
O sinless one, you indeed torment the creatures with your intense penance. Please tell me the desire that has remained in your heart for a long time.
Shesha spoke:
All my brothers are indeed dull-minded. I am not capable of living with them, so may you permit me to leave.
They constantly envy each other like enemies. Therefore, I undertook penance so that I would not have to see them.
They never forgive Vinata and her son. Our other brother is Vainateya, the grandfather.
They hate him exceedingly, but he is also very mighty because of the boon given by his father, the great sage Kaśyapa.
I, having undertaken penance, will release this body. How can I avoid association with them even after death?
Brahma spoke:
I am aware of all the remaining actions of your brothers. Moreover, due to the offense committed by the mother, your brothers are in great fear.
A remedy has already been made here, O serpent. You should not mourn for any of your brothers.
Choose any boon from me that you still desire. I will grant you a boon today, as my greatest affection is towards you.
Fortunately, O best of serpents, your intelligence is already established in righteousness. Therefore, may it remain steadfast and even stronger in righteousness.
Shesha spoke:
This is the boon I seek today, O great-grandfather. May my mind find joy in righteousness, peace, and austerity, O Lord.
Brahma spoke:
I am pleased with your remaining restraint and tranquility. Therefore, you must carry out this command of mine for the welfare of the people.
O Shesha, hold this earth, which is endowed with mountains, forests, oceans, and ports, and stay steady so that it remains immovable.
Shesha spoke:
As the god, the boon-giver, and the lord of all realms declared, I am the steadfast supporter of the earth; therefore, grant me that responsibility upon my head, O lord of creatures.
Brahma spoke:
Descend to the earth, O noble serpent; this hole will naturally accommodate you. By supporting the earth, you will indeed fulfill my great favor, O Śeṣa.
Sūta said:
Thus, having created an opening and entered, he, the lord and elder brother of the foremost serpents, stood firm. He supports the goddess on his head, embracing the entire earth with its oceanic boundary from all sides.
Brahma spoke:
You are Shesha, the supreme serpent and god of dharma, who alone supports this earth with your endless coils, encompassing everything, just as I do or as Indra does.
Sūta said:
Below the earth, the mighty serpent Ananta dwells, supporting the earth alone by the command of Brahma, the lord.
The divine and best of the immortals, Suparna, as a friend, gave to Ananta and then to Vinata's son, as the grandsire.
