The Tale of Jaratkaru – A Rishi and Astika – Brahmana who saved the Serpents
As narrated in [Maha:1.13, 47]
Jaratkaru’s Austerities and the Fate of His Ancestors
There once lived a great Rishi named Jaratkaru – A Rishi, who from a very young age had dedicated his life to severe penances and austerities. He had renounced worldly desires and sought spiritual perfection. As part of his pilgrimage, Jaratkaru traveled the world, bathing in sacred rivers and worshiping at holy places.
One day, while wandering through a dense forest, he came upon a strange and sorrowful sight. A group of men were hanging upside down from a tree, suspended by a single strand of grass. Below them, a gaping chasm threatened to swallow them. Astonished and filled with compassion, the sage approached them and asked,
“Who are you, and what crime have you committed to deserve such a terrible fate?”
The men replied,
“We are the souls of your ancestors, the Rishis known as the Yavyavaras. We are trapped in this torment because you, our only descendant, have failed in your duty to perpetuate the lineage. Without offspring, we are condemned to this hellish state. It is said that a son, a Putra, delivers his ancestors from the hell known as Puth. By embracing celibacy and avoiding marriage, you have forsaken your duty and left us to suffer. If you value your lineage, marry and beget a son to save us!”
Realizing the gravity of his ancestors’ plight, Jaratkaru vowed to fulfill his duty. He promised to find a wife and produce a son, thereby ensuring the salvation of his forebears.
The Search for a Bride
Jaratkaru wandered the earth in search of a wife, but his quest proved challenging. His advanced age and austere appearance discouraged many from offering their daughters in marriage. Despondent, he retreated to a dense forest and prayed fervently to the Devas (gods) for assistance.
It was at this moment that Vasuki – The King of Serpents, the king of serpents, appeared before him. Vasuki said,
“O great sage, I have a sister named Jaratkaru who is of marriageable age. She has been destined to marry you. Please accept her hand in marriage.”
The sage replied,
“I will marry only under certain conditions. Your sister must never act against my wishes. She must obey me implicitly and never do anything to displease me. Moreover, I do not possess the wealth to support a wife, so you must provide for her even after our marriage. If you agree to these terms, let the marriage take place.”
Vasuki, aware of the prophecy that only the son of Jaratkaru and his sister could save the serpents from destruction, readily accepted these conditions. The marriage was solemnized with due Vedic rites.
The Curse of Kadru and the Snakes’ Doom
The urgency of Vasuki’s proposal was rooted in a prophecy tied to an ancient curse. This prophecy was deeply connected to the broader naga and snake mythology that runs throughout Hindu traditions. The serpents had once refused to aid their mother, Kadru, in cheating during a bet with Vinata, the mother of Garuda. Enraged, Kadru cursed her snake-sons, condemning them to perish in a fiery sacrifice. However, through the grace of Lord Brahma – The Creator, the curse was mitigated. It was foretold that while many serpents would perish, a savior born of Jaratkaru’s union would intervene to save the remaining serpents.
Life After Marriage and the Birth of Astika
The sage Jaratkaru and Vasuki’s sister began their life together. She proved to be a devoted and obedient wife, adhering to her husband’s every instruction. In time, she conceived a child, though she was not yet aware of it.
One day, Jaratkaru lay resting with his head in his wife’s lap. The sun began to set, and she faced a dilemma. If her husband missed the evening rituals prescribed by the Vedas, his accumulated spiritual merit might be diminished. However, waking him might anger him and violate the conditions of their marriage. After much deliberation, she decided that preserving his ascetic merit was paramount. She gently woke him by sprinkling water on his face.
Jaratkaru awoke in anger and said,
“You have disobeyed me. Your brother promised that you would never act contrary to my wishes. Therefore, I can no longer stay with you and must leave immediately.”
Terrified, his wife pleaded with him,
“O great sage, my kinsmen depend on the son I am to bear to save them from destruction. If you abandon me now, how will I fulfill my duty? Please reconsider your decision!”
Jaratkaru, using his divine insight, replied,
“You are already carrying my son in your womb. He will fulfill the purpose of his birth. But I cannot remain here.”
With these words, the sage departed, leaving his wife to return to her brother’s abode. Vasuki was initially distressed, fearing the prophecy would go unfulfilled. However, his sister reassured him that she was already pregnant with the savior foretold by the gods.
The Birth and Mission of Astika
In due course, the child was born and was named Astika, meaning “he who exists.” From a young age, Astika displayed remarkable intelligence and mastery of the Vedas and scriptures. As he grew, it became evident that he was destined for greatness.
When King Janamejaya – Son of Parikshit, the son of Parikshit – Son of Abhimanyu, conducted the Sarpa Satra (snake-sacrifice) to annihilate the serpent race as vengeance for his father’s death, Astika intervened. At his mother’s request, he went to the sacrificial hall and eloquently pleaded with the king to halt the ritual. Impressed by Astika’s wisdom and sincerity, Janamejaya granted him a boon. Astika requested that the snake-sacrifice be abandoned, saving the remaining serpents from destruction.
Connections to Hindu Mythology
- The Duty of a Putra (Son)
- The story highlights the importance of offspring in Hindu philosophy. A son is seen as the deliverer of his ancestors from the hell known as Puth, underscoring the intertwined fates of ancestors and descendants.
- Vasuki and the Serpents’ Fate
- The tale ties into the broader narrative of the serpents’ curse by Kadru, showcasing themes of repentance, redemption, and the fulfillment of destiny.
- Astika’s Role in the Sarpa Satra
- Astika’s intervention in Janamejaya’s snake-sacrifice is one of the most celebrated episodes in the Mahabharata – The Great Epic, illustrating the power of wisdom and eloquence in averting destruction.
- Jaratkaru’s Austerities and Detachment
- The sage’s life reflects the tension between asceticism and worldly duties, a recurring theme in Hindu mythology. This balancing act between renunciation and responsibility is also a key theme across Exploring the Rich Heritage of Hindu Theological Literature: Vedas, Epics, Puranas, and More. His eventual realization of his duty to his ancestors demonstrates the balance between spiritual and familial responsibilities.
This story intertwines themes of duty, destiny, and divine intervention, illustrating the profound connections between the mortal and celestial realms in Hindu mythology. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between personal renunciation and societal obligations.
Sources & further reading
These themes are explored in greater depth across the following authoritative resources:
- Britannica, Asura
- Britannica, Naga
- Mythopedia, Hindu Mythology
- Internet Sacred Text Archive, Mahabharata
- Wendy Doniger, Hindu Myths (Penguin Classics, 1975)
External resources for further reading. Apam Napat is not affiliated with these publishers; citation does not imply endorsement.
Based on the classical texts of Hindu mythology, see our sources.