Astika - AncientVoice

Mbh.1.1.44	Some read the Bharata beginning with the initial mantra invocation, others with the story of Astika, others with Uparichara, while some Brahmanas study the whole.
Mbh.1.1.76	This work is a tree, of which the chapter of contents is the seed; the divisions called Pauloma and Astika are the root; the part called Sambhava is the trunk; the books called Sabha and Aranya are the roosting perches; the books called Arani is the knitting knots; the books called Virata and Udyoga the pith; the book named Bhishma, the main branch; the book called Drona, the leaves; the book called Karna, the fair flowers; the book named Salya, their sweet smell; the books entitled Stri and Aishika, the refreshing shade; the book called Santi, the mighty fruit; the book called Aswamedha, the immortal sap; the denominated Asramavasika, the spot where it groweth; and the book called Mausala, is an epitome of the Vedas and held in great respect by the virtuous Brahmanas.
Mbh.1.2.285	It is divided into several sections; in the beginning are Paushya, Pauloma, and Astika parvas, describing in full the valour and renown of kings.
Mbh.1.2.294	The first parva is called Anukramanika; the second, Sangraha; then Paushya; then Pauloma; the Astika; then Adivansavatarana.
Mbh.1.2.363	The high-souled Vyasa composed these hundred parvas of which the above is only an abridgement: having distributed them into eighteen, the son of Suta recited them consecutively in the forest of Naimisha as follows: In the Adi parva are contained Paushya, Pauloma, Astika, Adivansavatara, Samva, the burning of the house of lac, the slaying of Hidimba, the destruction of the Asura Vaka, Chitraratha, the Swayamvara of Draupadi, her marriage after the overthrow of rivals in war, the arrival of Vidura, the restoration, Arjuna's exile, the abduction of Subhadra, the gift and receipt of the marriage dower, the burning of the Khandava forest, and the meeting with the Asura-architect Maya.
Mbh.1.2.365	The Astika describes the birth of Garuda and of the Nagas snakes, the churning of the ocean, the incidents relating to the birth of the celestial steed Uchchaihsrava, and finally, the dynasty of Bharata, as described in the Snake-sacrifice of king Janamejaya.
Mbh.1.11.1204	Listen, O Ruru, to the account of the destruction of snakes at the sacrifice of Janamejaya in days of yore, and the deliverance of the terrified reptiles by that best of Dwijas, Astika, profound in Vedic lore and might in spiritual energy
Mbh.1.12.1207	And why and how were they saved by the wise Astika?
Mbh.1.12.1209	The Rishi replied, O Ruru, the important history of Astika you will learn from the lips of Brahmanas'
Mbh.1.13.1216	SECTION XIII Astika Parva Saunaka said, For what reason did that tiger among kings, the royal Janamejaya, determine to take the lives of the snakes by means of a sacrifice?
Mbh.1.13.1218	Tell us also why Astika, that best of regenerate ones, that foremost of ascetics, rescued the snakes from the blazing fire.
Mbh.1.13.1221	Sauti said, O best of speakers, this story of Astika is long.
Mbh.1.13.1223	Saunaka said, I am desirous of hearing at length the charming story of that Rishi, that illustrious Brahmana named Astika'
Mbh.1.13.1226	I was present at the recital, and, O Saunaka, since thou askest me, I shall narrate the history of Astika exactly as I heard it.
Mbh.1.13.1228	The father of Astika was powerful like Prajapati.
Mbh.1.13.1264	So ends the thirteenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.14.1265	SECTION XIV Astika Parva continued Sauti said, That Brahmana of rigid vows then wandered over the earth for a wife but a wife found he not.
Mbh.1.14.1276	So ends the thirteenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.15.1277	SECTION XV 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'
Mbh.1.15.1279	The Rishi wedded her according to the rites ordained in the scriptures, and from them was born a high-souled son called Astika.
Mbh.1.15.1281	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.
Mbh.1.15.1287	Thus having acquired great religious merit, Jaratkaru, after a long course of years, went to heaven, leaving Astika behind.
Mbh.1.15.1288	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
Mbh.1.15.1289	So ends the fifteenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.16.1290	SECTION XVI Astika Parva continued Saunaka said, O Sauti, relate once more in detail this history of the learned and virtuous Astika.
Mbh.1.16.1296	Sauti said, O thou that art blest with longevity, I shall narrate the history of Astika as I heard it from my father.
Mbh.1.16.1325	So ends the sixteenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.17.1326	SECTION XVII Astika Parva continued Sauti said, O ascetic, about this time the two sisters saw approaching near, that steed of complacent appearance named Uchchaihsravas who was worshipped by the gods, that gem of steeds, who arose at the churning of the Ocean for nectar.
Mbh.1.17.1342	So ends the seventeenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.18.1343	SECTION XVIII Astika Parva continued Sauti said, There is a mountain called Mandara adorned with cloud-like peaks.
Mbh.1.18.1397	So ends the eighteenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.19.1398	SECTION XIX Astika Parva continued Sauti said, Then the Daityas and the Danauas equipped with first-class armours and various weapons attacked the gods.
Mbh.1.19.1435	And so ends the nineteenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.20.1436	SECTION XX Astika Parva continued Sauti said, Thus have I recited to you the whole story of how Amrita was churned out of the Ocean, and the occasion on which the horse Uchchaihsravas of great beauty and incomparable prowess was obtained.
Mbh.1.20.1456	And so ends the twentieth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.21.1457	SECTION XXI Astika Parva continued Sauti said.
Mbh.1.21.1475	And so ends the twenty-first section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.22.1476	SECTION XXII Astika Parva continued Sauti said, The Nagas after consultation arrived at the conclusion that they should do their mother's bidding, for if she failed in obtaining her desire she might withdraw her affection and burn them all.
Mbh.1.22.1484	And so ends the twenty-second section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.23.1485	SECTION XXIII Astika Parva continued Sauti said, Having crossed the Ocean, Kadru of swift speed, accompanied by Vinata, soon alighted near the horse.
Mbh.1.23.1527	And thus ends the twenty-third section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.24.1528	SECTION XXIV Astika Parva continued Sauti said, Then hearing of and beholding his own body, that bird of beautiful feathers diminished its size'
Mbh.1.24.1556	And so ends the twenty-fourth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.25.1557	SECTION XXV Astika Parva continued Sauti said, Then that bird of great strength and energy and capable of going at will to every place repaired to his mother's side on the other shore of the great ocean.
Mbh.1.25.1595	And so ends the twenty-fifth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.26.1596	SECTION XXVI Astika Parva continued Sauti said, And then Indra, the king of gods, having the best of horses for his bearer, thus adored by Kadru, covered the entire firmament with masses of blue clouds.
Mbh.1.26.1607	And so ends the twenty-sixth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.27.1608	SECTION XXVII Astika Parva continued Sauti said, And then the Nagas drenched by that shower, became exceedingly glad.
Mbh.1.27.1633	And so ends the twenty-seventh section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.28.1634	SECTION XXVIII Astika Parva continued Sauti said, Garuda, thus addressed by the snakes, then said unto his mother, I shall go to bring amrita, I desire to eat something in the way.
Mbh.1.28.1667	So ends the twenty-eighth section in the Astika Parva of Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.29.1668	SECTION XXIX Astika Parva continued Sauti continued, A certain Brahmana with his wife had entered the throat of that ranger of the skies.
Mbh.1.29.1735	So ends the twenty-ninth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.30.1736	SECTION XXX Astika Parva continued Sauti said, At the very touch by Garuda of great might with his feet, the branch of the tree broke as it was caught by Garuda.
Mbh.1.30.1797	So ends the thirtieth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.31.1798	SECTION XXXI Astika Parva continued Saunaka said, O son of Suta, what was Indra's fault, what his act of carelessness?
Mbh.1.31.1849	So ends the thirty-first section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.32.1850	SECTION XXXII Astika Parva continued Sauti said, O foremost of Brahmanas, the gods having prepared for battle in that way, Garuda, the king of birds, soon came upon those wise ones.
Mbh.1.32.1880	So ends the thirty-second section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.33.1881	SECTION XXXIII Astika Parva continued Santi said, And that bird, assuming a golden body bright as the rays of the Sun, entered with great force the region where the Soma was, like a torrent entering the ocean.
Mbh.1.33.1917	So ends the thirty-third section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.34.1918	SECTION XXXIV Astika Parva continued Sauti continued, Garuda then said, O Purandara, let there be friendship between thee and me as thou desirest.
Mbh.1.34.1956	And so ends the thirty-fourth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.35.1957	SECTION XXXV Astika Parva continued Saunaka said, O son of Suta, thou hast told us the reason why the snakes were cursed by their mother, and why Vinata also was cursed by her son.
Mbh.1.35.1972	So ends the thirty-fifth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.36.1973	SECTION XXXVI Astika Parva continued Saunaka said, O child, thou hast named many of the serpents gifted with great energy and incapable of being easily overcome.
Mbh.1.36.2014	So ends the thirty-sixth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.37.2015	SECTION XXXVII Astika Parva continued Sauti said, That best of snakes, viz, Vasuki, hearing the curse of his mother, reflected how to render it abortive.
Mbh.1.37.2062	So ends the thirty-seventh section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
Mbh.1.38.2063	SECTION XXXVIII Astika Parva continued Sauti said, Hearing the respective speeches of all the snakes, and hearing also the words of Vasuki, Elapatra began to address them, saying, That sacrifice is not one that can be prevented.
Mbh.1.38.2080	That Jaratkaru shall have a son of the name of Astika.
Mbh.1.39.2091	SECTION XXXIX Astika Parva continued Sauti said, O best of regenerate ones, hearing these words of Elapatra, all the serpents, in great delight, exclaimed, Well said, well said'
Mbh.1.40.2110	SECTION XL Astika Parva continued Saunaka said, O son of Suta, I desire to know the reason why the illustrious Rishi whom thou hast named Jaratkaru came to be so called on earth.
Mbh.1.40.2117	I desire to know how Astika was born'
Mbh.1.41.2150	SECTION XLI Astika Parva continued Sauti said, Being thus addressed, and hearing that his sire was bearing a dead snake, the powerful Sringin burned with wrath.
Mbh.1.42.2192	SECTION XLII Astika Parva continued Sauti said, And Sringin then replied to his father, saying, Whether this be an act of rashness, O father, or an improper act that I have done, whether thou likest it or dislikest it, the words spoken by me shall never be in vain.
Mbh.1.43.2246	SECTION XLIII Astika Parva continued Sauti said, And Takshaka, after this, answered, If, indeed, thou art able to cure any creature bitten by me, then, O Kasyapa, revive thou this tree bit by me.
Mbh.1.44.2292	SECTION XLIV Astika Parva continued Sauti said, Then the councillors beholding the king in the coils of Takshaka, became pale with fear and wept in exceeding grief.
Mbh.1.45.2310	SECTION XLV Astika Parva continued Meanwhile the great ascetic Jaratkaru wandered over the whole earth making the place where evening fell his home for the night.
Mbh.1.46.2363	SECTION XLVI Astika Parva continued Sauti said.
Mbh.1.47.2400	SECTION XLVII Astika Parva continued Sauti said, Then Vasuki spake unto the Rishi Jaratkaru these words, O best of Brahmanas, this maiden is of the same name with thee.
Mbh.1.48.2462	SECTION XLVIII Astika Parva continued Sauti said, O thou of ascetic wealth, soon after her lord had left her, Jaratkaru went to her brother.
Mbh.1.48.2488	And the name by which he was known to the world was Astika.
Mbh.1.48.2489	And he was known by the name of Astika whoever is because his father had gone to the woods, saying.
Mbh.1.49.2495	SECTION XLIX Astika Parva continued Saunaka said, Tell me again, in detail, all that king Janamejaya had asked his ministers about his father's ascension to heaven'
Mbh.1.50.2542	SECTION L Astika Parva continued Sauti continued, The ministers said, That king of kings then, spent with hunger and exertion, and having placed the snake upon the shoulders of that Muni, came back to his capital.
Mbh.1.51.2619	SECTION LI Astika Parva continued Sauti said, King Janamejaya having said so, his ministers expressed their approbation.
Mbh.1.52.2642	SECTION LII Astika Parva continued Sauti said, The snake-sacrifice then commenced according to due form.
Mbh.1.53.2651	SECTION LIII Astika Parva continued Saunaka asked, What great Rishis became the Ritwiks at the snake-sacrifice of the wise king Janamejaya of the Pandava line?
Mbh.1.53.2680	O best of the women of the snake race, Astika will put an end to the sacrifice that is going on.
Mbh.1.54.2683	SECTION LIV Astika Parva continued Sauti said, Then the snake-dame Jaratkaru, calling her own son, told him the following words according to the directions of Vasuki, the king of the snakes.
Mbh.1.54.2686	Astika asked, Why wert thou, O mother, bestowed on my father by my uncle?
Mbh.1.54.2705	Sauti continued, Thus addressed, Astika said unto his mother, Yes, I will'
Mbh.1.54.2714	And Vasuki then said, O Astika, my head swims and my heart breaks.
Mbh.1.54.2716	And Astika said, Thou best of snakes, it behoveth thee not to grieve any longer.
Mbh.1.54.2720	Sauti continued, Then that best of Brahmanas, Astika, quelling the terrible fear of the Vasuki's heart, and taking it, as it were, on himself, wended, for the relief of the king of the snakes, with speed to Janamejaya's sacrifice blessed with every merit.
Mbh.1.54.2721	And Astika having gone thither, beheld the excellent sacrificial compound with numerous Sadasyas on it whose splendour was like unto that of the Sun or Agni.
Mbh.1.55.2725	SECTION LV Astika Parva continued Astika said, Soma and Varuna and Prajapati performed sacrifices of old in Prayaga.
Mbh.1.55.2763	Sauti said, Astika, having thus adored them, gratified them all, viz, the king, the Sadasyas, the Ritwiks and the sacrificial fire.
Mbh.1.56.2765	SECTION LVI Astika Parva continued Janamejaya said, Though this one is but a boy, he speaks yet like a wise old man.
Mbh.1.56.2798	Sauti continued, While Takshaka, the prince of snakes was about to fall into the sacrificial fire, during those few moments Astika spoke as follows, O Janamejaya, if thou wouldst grant me a boon, let this sacrifice of thine come to an end and let no more snakes fall into the fire'
Mbh.1.56.2799	O Brahmana, the son of Parikshit, being thus addressed by Astika, became exceedingly sorry and replied unto Astika thus, O illustrious one, gold, silver, kine, whatever other possessions thou desirest I shall give unto thee.
Mbh.1.56.2801	Astika thereupon replied, Gold, silver or kine, I do not ask of thee, O monarch!
Mbh.1.56.2803	Sauti continued, The son of Parikshit, being thus addressed by Astika, repeatedly said this unto that foremost of speakers, Best of the Brahmanas, ask some other boon.
Mbh.1.57.2807	SECTION LVII Astika Parva continued Saunaka said, O son of a Suta, I desire to hear the names of all those snakes that fell into the fire of this snake-sacrifice'
Mbh.1.58.2828	SECTION LVIII Astika Parva, continued Sauti said, Listen now to another very wonderful incident in connection with Astika.
Mbh.1.58.2829	When king Janamejaya was about to gratify Astika by granting the boon, the snake Takshaka, thrown off Indra's hands, remained in mid air without actually falling.
Mbh.1.58.2832	Sauti replied, Unto the unconscious Takshaka, that best of snakes, after he had been cast off Indra's hands, Astika had thrice said, Stay' Stay' Stay'
Mbh.1.58.2834	The king then, on being repeatedly urged by his Sadasyas, said, Let it be done as Astika hath said.
Mbh.1.58.2835	Let the sacrifice be ended, let the snakes be safe, let this Astika also be gratified, O Suta, thy words also be true'
Mbh.1.58.2836	When the boon was granted to Astika, plaudits expressive of joy rang through the air.
Mbh.1.58.2841	Then he concluded his sacrifice according to the prescribed rites, and after treating him with every respect, the king in joy sent home the wise Astika exceedingly gratified, for he had attained his object.
Mbh.1.58.2843	And Astika said, yes' and then returned home in great joy, having achieved his great end after gratifying the monarch.
Mbh.1.58.2846	They were much pleased with Astika and asked him to solicit a boon, saying, O learned one, what good shall we do unto thee?
Mbh.1.58.2849	Astika said, Let those Brahmanas, and other men, who shall, in the morning or in the evening, cheerfully and with attention, read the sacred account of this my act, have no fear from any of you'
Mbh.1.58.2852	And those also that call to mind Astika, Artiman and Sunitha, in the day or in the night, shall have no fear of snakes.
Mbh.1.58.2853	He again shall have no fear of snakes who will say, I call to mind the famous Astika born of Jaratkaru, that Astika who saved the snakes from the snake-sacrifice.
Mbh.1.58.2855	But go ye away, blessed be ye, or go away thou snake of virulent poison, and remember the words of Astika after the snake sacrifice of Janamejaya.
Mbh.1.58.2856	That snake who does not cease from biting after hearing such mention of Astika, shall have his hood divided a hundredfold like the fruit of Sinsa tree'
Mbh.1.58.2860	Thus have I recited to thee this history of Astika exactly as it happened.
Mbh.1.58.2861	Indeed, the recitation of this history dispelleth all fear of snakes' Sauti continued, O Brahmanas, O foremost one of Bhrigu's race, as thy ancestor Pramati had cheerfully narrated unto his inquiring son Ruru, and as I had heard it, thus have I recited this blessed history, from the beginning, of the learned Astika.
Mbh.1.58.2862	And, O Brahmana, O oppressor of all enemies, having heard this holy history of Astika that increaseth virtue, and which thou hadst asked me about after hearing the story of the Dundubha, let thy ardent curiosity be satisfied
Mbh.15.35.1409	Having undergone the final bath, the king addressed the regenerate Astika who had sprung from the race of the Yayavaras and who was the son of Jaratkaru, and said these words, O Astika, this sacrifice of mine is fraught with many wonderful incidents, since this my sire has been seen by me, he who has dispelled all my sorrows'
Mbh.15.35.1410	Astika said, The performer of that sacrifice in which the ancient Rishi, the Island-born Vyasa, that vast receptacle of penances, is present, is sure, O foremost one of Kuru's race, to conquer both the worlds.
Mbh.18.5.270	Astika, having rescued the snakes from fiery death, became filled with joy.

Jijith Nadumuri Ravi
Research data published for the interest of people researching on Mahabharata.
Suggestions are welcome: email:moc.liamg|rnhtijij#moc.liamg|rnhtijij

Reference:- Mahabharata of Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa, translated to English by Kisari Mohan Ganguli; Source of Plain Text: www.sacred-texts.com; Wikified at AncientVoice.

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