01.033
Library: Focus shifts to snake sacrifice of Janamejaya. Snakes give inadequate suggestions on overcoming the danger.
Sūta said:
Upon hearing the curse from his mother, Vasuki, the chief of serpents, pondered on how the curse might be averted.
Then he consulted with his brothers and others like Airavata, who were truly devoted to righteousness.
Vasuki spoke:
This curse, as declared, is known to you, O sinless ones. We shall endeavor for the liberation from that curse after consulting.
There is a remedy for all curses, but not for those cursed by their mothers, O serpents.
Hearing that I am cursed in front of the immutable, immeasurable truth, trembling arises in my heart.
Indeed, it is declared that this is our total destruction, for the imperishable god did not stop her from cursing.
Therefore, let us deliberate here for the welfare of the serpents, so that time does not pass us by.
Indeed, while deliberating, we perceive the reason for liberation, just as the gods once discovered the hidden fire that was lost and had gone into a cave.
The sacrifice, intended for the destruction of Janamejaya's serpents, either does not occur or is defeated.
Sūta said:
Thus, having spoken, all the descendants of Kadrava gathered there and made an agreement, being wise in counsel.
Some serpents there proposed, "Let us transform into the best of the twice-born and beg Janamejaya so that his sacrifice does not occur."
The other serpents, considering themselves wise, said that they would all become his highly esteemed ministers.
He will inquire from us about the determination of purpose in all actions. There, we shall explain the wisdom as the ritual comes to an end.
The respected king, known for his wisdom, will inquire clearly for the purpose of the sacrifice, and we shall respond accordingly, saying no.
They show many faults, both in this life and after death, with terrible reasons and causes, ensuring that the sacrifice does not occur.
Alternatively, the teacher who will be present in that sacrifice is knowledgeable in snake sacrifice rituals and is dedicated to the benefit of the king's duties.
After going there, a certain serpent will bite him, and he will die. If the sacrificer is killed, the sacrifice will not take place.
Those who are knowledgeable about the snake sacrifice and will serve as priests, we will kill them all; thus it shall be accomplished.
There, the righteous serpents among them consulted and said, "This act of yours is foolish; killing a Brahmin is not a commendable deed."
Indeed, peace that is rooted in the correct and true dharma is supreme in times of adversity. Unrighteousness, known as excess, can destroy the entire world.
The serpents, on the other hand, declared that they would transform into clouds with lightning and rain to put out the blazing fire.
The best of serpents might stealthily take away the sacrificial vessel at night from the careless ones, thus creating an obstacle.
In the sacrifice, serpents by the hundreds and thousands may bite all the people, and thus fear will arise.
Alternatively, let the serpents ruin the prepared food with their own waste, destroying all that is edible.
Others there said, "We will become his priests and create an obstacle to the sacrifice. Let the gift be given." He has gone under control and will act as we desire.
Others, however, said there, 'The king is playing in the water. Let us bring him home and bind him; thus the sacrifice will not be completed.'
Others, however, said there that the serpents, who are doers of good deeds, will quickly seize this one and his condition will be resolved. The root of troubles will be cut off when he is dead.
This is the ultimate decision accepted by everyone. O king, let it be arranged quickly as you deem fit.
After speaking thus, they gazed at Vasuki, the king of serpents. Vasuki, after contemplating, addressed the serpents.
This final decision of yours, made by the serpents, does not please me at all.
What should be done here that would be beneficial for you? I am greatly troubled by this, as both virtue and vice depend on me.
