(Astika Parva continued)
Sauti said, "O foremost of persons acquainted with Brahma, the mother of
the snakes had cursed them of old, saying, 'He that hath the Wind for his
charioteer (viz., Agni) shall burn you all in Janamejaya's sacrifice!' It
was to neutralise that curse that the chief of the snakes married his
sister to that high-souled Rishi of excellent vows. The Rishi wedded her
according to the rites ordained (in the scriptures), and from them was
born a high-souled son called Astika. An illustrious ascetic, versed in
the Vedas and their branches, he regarded all with an even eye, and
removed the fears of both his parents.
"Then, after a long space of time, a king descending from the Pandava line
celebrated a great sacrifice known as the Snake-sacrifice. After that
sacrifice had commenced for the destruction of the snakes, Astika
delivered the Nagas, viz., his brothers and maternal uncles and other
snakes (from a fiery death). And he delivered his fathers also by
begetting offspring. And by his austerities, O Brahmana, and various vows
and study of the Vedas, he freed himself from all his debts. By sacrifices,
at which various kinds of offerings were made, he propitiated the gods. By
practising the Brahmacharya mode of life he conciliated the Rishis; and by
begetting offspring he gratified his ancestors.
"Thus Jaratkaru of rigid vows discharged the heavy debt he owed to his
sires who being thus relieved from bondage ascended to heaven. Thus having
acquired great religious merit, Jaratkaru, after a long course of years,
went to heaven, leaving Astika behind. There is the story of Astika that I
have related duly. Now, tell me, O tiger of Bhrigu's race, what else I
shall narrate."
So ends the fifteenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.