Mahabharat : The Ancient History
Chapter 5 : Astika’s Intervention – The End of the Snake Sacrifice!
Astika : A wise and virtuous sage, the son of the great Rishi Jaratkaru and the Naga woman Manasa. Born with both Brahmin and Naga heritage, he possessed immense knowledge and wisdom from a young age. His actions made him a revered figure in both human and Naga traditions, symbolizing wisdom, diplomacy, and righteousness.
Let's go on with the epic
The great snake sacrifice rages on. The sky is thick with smoke, and the cries of burning serpents fill the air. Janamejaya watches with cold determination as the fire consumes Nagas from all over the land. But Takshaka, the target of his vengeance, remains out of reach—sheltered in Indra’s palace.
Scene: The Heavens Tremble – Indra’s Dilemma
In Indra’s celestial court, Takshaka writhes in terror. A powerful force tugs at him, trying to drag him down into the sacrificial flames.
Takshak Naag
(desperate) “O Lord Indra! The fire’s power is increasing! I cannot resist it much longer!
Devraj Indra
(troubled) This yajna is unlike any before. Janamejaya’s anger fuels it beyond mortal limits. Even I cannot defy its pull forever.
The Devas murmur among themselves, watching as the sacrificial flames grow stronger, reaching toward the heavens. Indra knows he must act before it is too late.
Scene: The Hermitage of Jaratkaru – Astika’s Mission
Far away, in a peaceful ashram, young Astika sits at the feet of his wise mother, Manasa, and his sage father, Jaratkaru. His heart is restless, sensing the destruction of his Naga brethren.
Astika
(concerned) Mother, Father, I feel the agony of the Nagas. The Sarpa Satra is consuming them all! I must do something!
Manasa
(sorrowful) Indeed, my son. The Nagas are your kin, and their extinction would be a great loss to the world.
Sage Jaratkaru
(calmly) But remember, Janamejaya acts in righteous fury. He seeks vengeance for his father’s death. You must approach him with wisdom, not anger.
Astika
(determined) Then I shall go to Hastinapura and plead for mercy. If destiny wills it, I shall end the sacrifice.
His parents bless him, and Astika departs for the Kuru kingdom, his mind set on stopping the destruction.
Scene: The Sarpa Satra – Astika Enters the Court
At the sacrificial altar, the fire blazes with an intensity never seen before. The sages continue chanting, their voices filled with divine power.
Head Priest
Takshaka! You cannot escape! The fire shall consume you!
The heavens tremble. Takshaka’s body is now halfway pulled from Indra’s palace, his cries echoing across the realms. But before he can be fully drawn into the flames, a young voice rises above the chants.
Astika
O mighty King Janamejaya! Grant me an audience!
A hush falls over the court. The young Brahmin, Astika, stands before the king, his eyes filled with wisdom beyond his years.
King Janamejaya
(impatiently) Who are you, boy? Do you not see we are in the midst of a grand sacrifice?
Astika
(respectfully) I am Astika, son of the great sage Jaratkaru and the Naga woman Manasa. I come not to disrupt, but to seek a boon.
King Janamejaya
(raising an eyebrow) A boon? Speak, and if it pleases me, I shall grant it.
Astika
O Righteous king, you are a protector of dharma, a ruler of great wisdom. I ask only this—grant me whatever boon I request.
The ministers and sages exchange glances. The king, confident in his power, smirks.
King Janamejaya
Very well. You have my word. Ask your boon.
Astika takes a deep breath, then speaks with unwavering resolve.
Astika
O King, let the Sarpa Satra end! Spare the lives of the remaining Nagas, and release Takshaka from the pull of the flames!
A stunned silence fills the court. Janamejaya’s face darkens.
King Janamejaya
(angrily) This? This is your boon? You dare ask me to abandon my vengeance?
Astika
(calmly) O King, vengeance blinds even the wisest of rulers. The Nagas have suffered enough. Their destruction will not bring back your father.
King Janamejaya
Takshaka must burn! He is my father’s murderer!
Astika
Punish the guilty, but do not destroy an entire race. Dharma is balance, O King. Do not let your fury erase that balance.
The sages nod in agreement. The ministers whisper among themselves. The power of Astika’s words begins to take hold.
Head Priest
O King, the boy speaks wisely. The sacrifice has already claimed many. Perhaps it is time to end it.
Janamejaya clenches his fists. His rage wars with his sense of justice. He turns to the sky, where Takshaka writhes, inches away from the flames.
King Janamejaya
(gritted teeth) Fate has granted you mercy, Takshaka. But know this—I do not forgive you.
He raises his hand. The chanting ceases. The fire dims. The pull on Takshaka vanishes, and he falls back into Indra’s realm, gasping in relief.
The Sarpa Satra has ended.
Scene: The Aftermath – A Kingdom Restored
The court slowly returns to order. Janamejaya, though still filled with sorrow, feels a weight lift from his soul.
King Janamejaya
(softly) Perhaps this was the will of destiny. My father is gone, but my rage shall not blind me further.
King Janamejaya
You are wise beyond your years, young sage. Your words have saved the Nagas and spared me from a path of destruction.
Astika
(bowing) May dharma always guide your reign, O King.
Janamejaya signals the end of the ritual. The remaining Nagas, trembling with relief, slither back to their hidden realms, grateful for Astika’s intervention.
Scene: The Hermitage – A Sage’s Blessing
Astika returns to his parents, who receive him with joy.
Sage Jaratkaru
You have fulfilled your dharma, my son. The Nagas live, and the king’s heart has been tempered with wisdom.
Manasa
May your name be remembered for eternity as the savior of the Naga race.
Astika smiles, his heart at peace. Far away, in Hastinapura, King Janamejaya begins a new chapter of his reign—one no longer ruled by vengeance, but by wisdom and justice.
And thus, the tale of the great Sarpa Satra comes to an end, marking the first turning point in the grand saga of the Mahabharata.
See you guys in the next chapter.
Till then be healthy and happy
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