“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.

SECTION XVI

(Astika Parva continued)

“Saunaka said, ’O Sauti, relate once more in detail this history of the learned and virtuous Astika.  Our curiosity for hearing it is great.  O amiable one, thou speakest sweetly, with proper accent and emphasis; and we are well-pleased with thy speech.  Thou speakest even as thy father.  Thy sire was ever ready to please us.  Tell us now the story as thy father had related it.’

“Sauti said, ’O thou that art blest with longevity, I shall narrate the history of Astika as I heard it from my father.  O Brahmana, in the golden age, Prajapati had two daughters.  O sinless one, the sisters were endowed with wonderful beauty.  Named Kadru and Vinata, they became the wives of Kasyapa.  Kasyapa derived great pleasure from his two wedded wives and being gratified he, resembling Prajapati himself, offered to give each of them a boon.  Hearing that their lord was willing to confer on them their choice blessings, those excellent ladies felt transports of joy.  Kadru wished to have for sons a thousand snakes all of equal splendour.  And Vinata wished to bring forth two sons surpassing the thousand offsprings of Kadru in strength, energy, size of body, and prowess.  Unto Kadru her lord gave that boon about a multitude of offspring.  And unto Vinata also, Kasyapa said, ‘Be it so!’ Then Vinata, having; obtained her prayer, rejoiced greatly.  Obtaining two sons of superior prowess, she regarded her boon fulfilled.  Kadru also obtained her thousand sons of equal splendour.  ‘Bear the embryos carefully,’ said Kasyapa, and then he went into the forest, leaving his two wives pleased with his blessings.’