01.034
Library: As per Brahma’s word, Jaratkaru will marry Jaratkaru, Vasuki’s sister to beget Astika, who will free snakes from the curse.
Sūta said:
Elāpatra, having listened to the words of everyone and also to Vāsuki's words, spoke as follows.
He is neither the sacrifice nor the king as such. It is Janamejaya, the descendant of Pandu, from whom our great fear arises.
When afflicted by fate, a Kshatriya here becomes just a man. He relies solely on fate, finding no other refuge or shelter there.
This divine fear is ours, O best of serpents. Here, we take refuge only in the divine, so listen to my words.
O best of serpents, I heard those words when the curse was released, while I was sitting on my mother's lap out of fear.
O lord, the best among the serpents of the gods are indeed sharp. Having approached the grandsire, they are distressed, O great effulgence.
The gods spoke:
Who, having obtained beloved sons, would curse in such a manner, O grandfather, except for Kadrū, who is fierce in form, O lord of lords, in your presence?
Thus, grandfather, you also spoke her words. We wish to know the reason why it was not stopped.
Brahma spoke:
There were many fierce serpents with terrible strength and full of poison. For the welfare of the people, I did not restrain them at that time.
The destruction will come to those who are like serpents, mean, evil-doers, and venomous, but not to those who follow righteousness.
Understand the reason that will bring liberation from great fear to the serpents at the time when the Tathagata (Buddha) arrives.
In the family of wanderers, there will be a wise and great sage named Jaratkaru, who will be known for his brilliance and self-control.
A great ascetic named Āstīka will be born as the son of Jaratkāru. He will then stop that sacrifice, and the righteous serpents will be freed.
The gods spoke:
The great sage Jaratkaru, known for his intense penance, will beget a powerful and noble son. In whom will this occur, O divine one?
Brahma spoke:
O best of the twice-born, in the maiden named Sanama, a powerful offspring will be begotten by the powerful god.
Elapatra spoke:
The gods said to the grandfather, "So be it." After saying this, the gods departed, and the god, the grandfather, remained.
Thus, I see, O Vāsuki, your sister known as Jaratkāru; give her to him.
I have heard this liberation, like a beggar to the one begging, for the pacification of the serpents' fear, to the sage of good vows, you.
