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Library: Boon granted to Astika from snakes. Shaunaka asks Sauti to narrate Bharata as composed by Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa.
Sūta said:
We have heard another very wonderful story of Āstīka. Thus, King Parīkṣit was indeed pleased by the boons.
The serpent fell from Indra's hand and remained suspended in the sky. Then King Janamejaya became anxious.
During the intense and proper offering into the blazing fire, Takshaka, overwhelmed by fear, did not fall into it.
Śaunaka spoke:
O Sūta, why did the collection of mantras of the wise not manifest in the fire, preventing Takshaka from falling?
Sūta said:
Āstīka, seeing the best of serpents fallen unconscious from Indra's hand, uttered three times the words 'Stay, stay' to halt the proceedings.
He stood in the sky with a troubled heart, just as a man might stand within the circle of cows.
Then the king, strongly urged by the members, agreed to the words spoken by Āstīka, saying, "Indeed, let it be so."
Let this act be completed, and may the serpents be unharmed. May Āstīka be pleased, and let the words of Sūta be true.
Then, a joyous tumultuous sound arose. With the boon granted to Āstīka, it similarly ceased.
The sacrifice performed by King Parikshit, a descendant of Pandu, indeed pleased King Janamejaya, the Bharata.
He generously distributed wealth in hundreds and thousands to the priests and members who were gathered there.
The lord addressed Lohitaksha, the charioteer, and the architect, declaring the cessation of the sacrifice at the beginning of the session.
He gave much wealth to the Brahmin as a token. Then, he performed the concluding bath according to the prescribed rites.
The king, delighted and feeling accomplished, sent the honored Āstīka back to the houses, recognizing his wisdom and the fulfillment of his duties.
He instructed him to return, stating that it was his duty, and assured him that he would be a member in his great horse sacrifice ritual.
Thus, having spoken, Āstīka joyfully departed, having accomplished his unparalleled task and having satisfied the king.
He went to his mother and uncle, very pleased, and after approaching and embracing them, he reported everything as it had happened.
Upon hearing this, the delighted serpents gathered; those who were present there, free from delusion, became pleased with Astika and said to him, "Choose the boon you desire."
Repeatedly, everyone said to him: "What can we do for you today, wise one?" We are pleased and all liberated; what desire of yours shall we fulfill today, dear child?
Āstīka spoke:
In the evening and morning, those who are of a clear and pleasant nature, whether wise men, humans, or others in the world, who speak this tale of righteousness of mine, shall have no fear from you.
Sūta said:
The pleased ones also spoke to the nephew: 'Indeed, this is the truth, acting thus. Engaged with affection, they are inclined to fulfill every desire, O nephew.'
Astika, the illustrious son of Jaratkaru and Jaratkarva, known for his truthfulness, may he protect me from the serpents.
If one remembers Asita, Ārtimant, and Sunītha, whether during the day or at night, they will be free from the fear of snakes.
Sūta said:
Having freed the serpents from the serpent sacrifice, the noble sage eventually passed away, a righteous soul, surrounded by his sons and grandsons.
Thus, I have narrated to you the story of Astika as it was. By reciting this, one is protected from the fear of snakes anywhere.
Upon hearing the virtuous tale of Āstīka, which enhances one's merit, O wise one, the illustrious narrative of the sage Āstīka is recounted from the start.
Śaunaka spoke:
O Suta, dear father, you have narrated to me the entire great story starting from the Bhrigu lineage. I am pleased with your narration.
O son of Sūta, I will ask you once more to narrate the story as it was told by Vyāsa.
In that serpent sacrifice, which was extremely difficult to attain and was conducted by the great souls, during the intervals of the rituals, O great poet, the members followed the rules.
We wish to hear from you, O Sauti, the wonderful stories which truly contain meanings, as you are indeed wise.
Sūta said:
During the intervals of rituals, the learned Brahmins refrained from telling stories based on the Vedas. However, Vyasa continuously narrated the grand tale of the Mahabharata.
Śaunaka spoke:
The Mahabharata story, which brings glory to the Pandavas, was narrated by Krishna Dvaipayana when asked by Janamejaya.
He narrated the sacred story properly during the intervals of the rituals. I indeed wish to hear that sacred story properly.
O son of Sūta, please narrate the stories arising from the ocean of the mind of the great sage of virtuous deeds, as I am not yet satisfied, O best among the virtuous.
Sūta said:
Indeed, I shall narrate to you the great and excellent story of the Mahabharata, as conceived by Krishna Dvaipayana, from the very beginning.
O noble-minded one, accept what is being narrated by me, O twice-born. My mind also delights here in praising that.
