जरत्करु
Certainly! Below is the expanded text connected to other entities and stories in Hindu and Indian mythology, formatted with a table for clarity:
Expanded Text
She is the sister of the serpent Vasuki, the king of serpents, who plays a significant role in the churning of the ocean, or Samudra Manthan, where he served as the churning rope used by the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrita). She married a sage, also named Jaratkaru, a devout ascetic who initially renounced worldly life but later married at the request of his ancestors to ensure their lineage continued.
Their union bore a son named Astika, who emerged as a pivotal figure in preserving the serpent race. When King Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit and a descendant of the Pandavas, began the great Sarpa Satra (snake-sacrifice) to exterminate all serpents as revenge for his father’s death by the snake Takshaka, Astika intervened. His eloquence and wisdom impressed the king, leading him to halt the sacrifice, thereby saving the serpent race from extinction.
Connections in Hindu Mythology
| Entity/Character | Role and Story | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Vasuki | King of the Nagas (serpents), participated in the Samudra Manthan. Vasuki wrapped himself around Mount Mandara as the churning rope. | Brother of the unnamed sister who married Sage Jaratkaru. |
| Jaratkaru (Sage) | A sage with great ascetic powers. He agreed to marry only to save his ancestors from falling into oblivion due to the lack of progeny. | Husband of Vasuki’s sister and father of Astika. |
| Astika | A learned sage and the son of Sage Jaratkaru and Vasuki’s sister. His diplomacy and wisdom stopped King Janamejaya’s snake sacrifice. | Rescued the serpent race from extinction and played a critical role in preserving harmony. |
| Janamejaya | A Kuru king, grandson of Arjuna. His father, Parikshit, was killed by the serpent Takshaka, prompting him to conduct the Sarpa Satra as revenge. | Halted the snake sacrifice on Astika’s counsel, showcasing his eventual wisdom and respect for sages. |
| Takshaka | A Naga who bit King Parikshit, leading to his death as foretold by a curse. | Catalyst for the Sarpa Satra initiated by Janamejaya. |
Broader Mythological Context
The story of Astika and the snake-sacrifice is intricately tied to the broader narrative of the Mahabharata. Janamejaya’s actions were a direct consequence of events stemming from the Pandava lineage, showcasing how curses, blessings, and interventions by sages shape destinies. Similarly, Vasuki’s role in the Samudra Manthan highlights the Nagas’ dual nature—both revered and feared in Hindu mythology.
Additionally, this tale underscores the theme of balance and coexistence. Astika’s success in stopping the sacrifice reflects the importance of wisdom and compassion in mitigating vengeance and preserving life, a recurring moral in Hindu epics.
This expansion connects the characters to other major mythological events, weaving their story into the larger tapestry of Indian mythology. Let me know if you’d like further elaboration!