Mahabharata - Ādi Parva (महाभारत - आदि पर्व)
01.049
Library: With the intention of stopping the snake sacrifice, Astika reaches the entrance of the sacrificial ground.
Sūta said:
Then, Vasuki, the king of serpents, called his own son Jaratkaru and said this to the serpents.
I am your father's son, given by your brother for a reason. The time has come, so act accordingly.
Āstīka spoke:
Why were you given to me by my uncle? Please tell me the truth, and after hearing it, I will act accordingly.
Sūta said:
Then, the sister of the serpent king, Jaratkaru, who was a well-wisher of her relatives, spoke to him without any hesitation.
Kadru is known as the mother of all serpents. Understand that her sons were cursed by her in anger for that reason.
Uchchaihshravas, the king of horses, was not falsely claimed by me. He was wagered for servitude due to Vinata's cause, O sons.
In the sacrifice conducted by Janamejaya, the wind-charioteer will consume you in flames. There, you will meet your end and proceed to the realm of the departed.
The grandsire of the worlds directly cursed her and approved the statement, saying, "So be it."
Upon hearing the words of the grandfather, Vasuki, when the nectar was churned, sought refuge with the gods, O dear.
The gods, having achieved their goals and obtained the unsurpassed nectar of immortality, approached Prajapati with my brother leading them.
The gods, along with King Vāsuki, appeased the grandfather so that the curse would not take effect.
Vasuki, the king of serpents, is distressed because of his relatives. O Lord, may the curse by his mother not come to pass.
Brahma spoke:
Jaratkaru will marry a woman named Jaratkaru. Their son, a brahmin, will be born and will liberate the serpents from a curse.
Jaratkaru spoke:
Upon hearing these words, Vasuki, the king of serpents, bestowed me, akin to the immortals, upon your noble father.
Before the time had arrived, you were already born in me.
This is the time that has come for you to protect us from fear. Therefore, you should also protect my brother from the fire.
Our deed is infallible, which I have given to your wise self for the liberation of the father; what do you think, my son?
Sūta said:
Astika, having spoken thus, then addressed his mother, appearing to console the grief-stricken Vasuki.
I assure you, O Vasuki, the best of serpents, that I will indeed free you from the curse, O great being.
Be at ease, O serpent, for there is truly no danger for you. I will act in such a way, dear one, that your well-being will be ensured.
My speech is never false, not even in private, so how could it be otherwise?
Uncle, today I will go to the consecrated King Janamejaya and please him with auspicious words.
O noble one, the king's sacrifice will be conducted as planned.
O lord of serpents, consider all in me, O wise one. Your mind should never be false in me.
Vasuki spoke:
O Astika, I am in turmoil, my heart feels like it is breaking. I cannot discern the directions, as I am oppressed by the divine punishment.
Āstīka spoke:
Do not be troubled at all, O best of serpents. I will eliminate your fear that has arisen from the blazing fire.
I will destroy the very terrible staff of Brahma, which is as brilliant as the fire of time. You should not fear in any way.
Sūta said:
Then he quickly went away, having removed the terrible mental fever of Vāsuki and placed it upon himself.
Āstīka, the noble sage, performed the sacrifice of Janamejaya, which was endowed with all virtues, for the liberation of the chief serpents.
He went and saw Āstīka at the excellent sacrificial site, which was surrounded by many members who were as brilliant as the sun and fire.
The best of the twice-born, having been stopped by the gatekeepers there, praised the sacrifice, seeking entry.

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ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय। तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय। मृत्योर्माऽमृतं गमय। ॐ शान्ति: शान्ति: शान्ति: ॥ - बृहदारण्यकोपनिषद् 1.3.28
"Ōm! Lead me from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality. Let there be peace, peace, and peace. Ōm!" - Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28

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