Astika Saves Takshaka

In a quest for vengeance for his father’s death at the hands of Takshaka, the formidable king of serpents, Janmejaya resolved to conduct a grand snake sacrifice. This ritual was aimed at annihilating the snakes, and the priests chanted powerful mantras to invoke destruction upon them. However, Takshaka eluded capture, refusing to appear before the sacrificial fire.

The chief priests speculated that Takshaka had taken refuge with Indra, the king of the gods. To draw him out, they recited a special mantra, compelling both Takshaka and Indra to present themselves. In an astonishing moment, the two deities appeared, bound to the sacrificial fire. However, as the flames roared around them, Indra, witnessing the imminent demise of Takshaka, chose to abandon him to save himself.

Meanwhile, Jaratkaru, Takshaka’s younger sister, was alarmed by the unfolding events. Realizing that her brother’s life was in peril, she sent her son, Astika, to intervene. With a heart full of determination, Astika approached Janmejaya, seeking an audience with the king. 

He spoke passionately, imploring Janmejaya to reconsider the devastating impact of the snake sacrifice. Astika highlighted that countless snakes had already perished, and if Janmejaya spared the remaining few, including Takshaka, he would be forever revered and glorified as a king of compassion.

In that moment of contemplation, Sage Vyasa, the great sage of wisdom, counseled Janmejaya to heed Astika’s plea and end the sacrificial rites. With the sage’s guidance echoing in his mind, Janmejaya ultimately agreed, calling off the sacrifice and sparing Takshaka and the remaining serpents.

Thus, through the intervention of Astika and the wisdom of Sage Vyasa, Takshaka was saved, and the kingdom was spared from further bloodshed.