M3 - Mahabharata - Vasuki's Concern and Search for Aastika Maharishi

 M3 - Mahabharata - Vasuki's Concern and Search for Aastika Maharishi 

What is Serpent Adishesha’s frustration?

Adishesha was the first born serpent of Kadru. When Kadru made an unrighteous demand upon her progeny, Adishesha got frustrated and went away, severing ties with his mother and siblings. He undertook strenuous tapas. Brahma was pleased by the tapas of Adishesha and asked him to seek a boon. 

Lord Brahma Consoles Adishesha 

Adishesha says, "I am not interested in seeking boon, but I am concerned with the adharmic activity of my mother, Kadru, and infighting among his siblings”. 

Brahma consoles him and says King Janamejaya's Sarpa yaga is destined, and none can stop it. Further, Brahma said Aastika Maharshi would help stop the Sarpa Yaga, and all dharmic serpents would be protected. 

Brahma assigned Adishesha the job of holding the earth stable on his head, a task that none other could do. 

What was Serpent Vasuki’s concern?

Vasuki, the second son of Kadru, was worried about King Janamejaya’s Yaga and was devising ways to protect snakes from extinction. Some snakes suggested killing King Janamejaya, but such a suggestion was not accepted. Thenceforth snakes decided to seek advice from Father Sage Kashyapa.

Who is Serpent Ellapatru, and what is secretive dialogue narrated by the serpent?

Just then, one serpent by name Ellapatru said, “When this curse was pronounced, I was young and sleeping on Mother Kadru's lap. I heard a secretive dialogue between Devatas and Lord Brahma. Devatas asked Brahma how come a mother be so cruel towards her own sons. 

Brahma said, “The curse on serpents would in time prove good as their reproduction rate is very high. Snakes by their very nature are aggressive, and hence, their excessive population is not good for the welfare of humanity. At an appropriate time, Astika Maharishi would help stop the Sarpa Yaga and enable the survival of dharmic snakes.

Brahma said, “Aastika Maharishi would be born as the son of Sage Jagadkaru. Sage Jagadkaru would fulfill his ancestors' wish for progeny. He would marry a girl bearing the same name. Vasuki would give his sister Jagadkaru in marriage to Sage Jagadkaru”.

Vasuki Awaits Sage Jagadkaru's Call For Bride

Vasuki was relieved of his undue worries and thenceforth asked the serpents to ascertain the whereabouts of Sage Jagadkaru. He told the snakes to wait until the Sage sought help to find a bride and keep him informed about developments. 

In the course of time , Sage Jagadkaru loudly called for a bride as a gift, and Vasuki was duly informed. Vasuki approached Sage Jagadkaru and agreed to give his sister in marriage to him.  

Snakes blessed Aastika Maharishi and said, “Those who read, hear, or narrate your story would be protected from fear of snakes.

Source : Mahabharatha - Adi Parva