In the assembly of serpents, many voices rose, each proposing a way to avert the looming threat of the snake sacrifice. Some suggested, “Let us become the officiating priests for King Janamejaya’s sacrifice. We will create obstacles and demand the sacrificial gifts, thwarting the ritual.” Others, emboldened by their sense of control, said, “He is now under our power and will do as we wish. Let us bring the king from the water where he plays and bring him to the house, binding him so the sacrifice cannot take place.” Among them, some serpents who considered themselves wise spoke with urgency: “Let us quickly seize him and bite him. If he dies, the root of our troubles will be cut off.” After hearing all these proposals and deliberating, the serpents turned to Vasuki, their chief, seeking his judgment. Vasuki, reflecting deeply, addressed them, saying, “This is not the course I approve. The plan you all propose does not please me. What should we arrange here for our true benefit? I believe it is best to win the favor of the great-souled Kasyapa. Out of friendship for our kin and for ourselves, my mind cannot decide what to do, nor do I accept your words. I must arrange whatever is for your welfare, but I am troubled by the virtues and faults that depend on me.” Having heard the words of all the serpents and Vasuki’s reply, Elapatra spoke up. “This plan was shown earlier by me, O chief of serpents. If you now intend to abandon it, so be it. Let it be as you wish, even if the plan is recalled. Listen, O serpents, I will tell you the truth: That sacrifice will not occur, nor will King Janamejaya, the Pandava, be such as to fulfill our great fear. When a royal person is struck down by fate, he must rely only on destiny; there is no other refuge.” Elapatra continued, “Therefore, O best among serpents, this fear that has come upon us is due to destiny alone. Listen to my words. When the curse was pronounced, I heard those words, sitting in my mother’s lap out of fear. The gods called the foremost serpents ‘fierce, fierce.’ Moved by compassion, the gods prayed for the well-being of the serpents suffering from the fire of the curse. Who, having beloved sons, would curse them so, O grandsire, except for Kadru, fierce in form, before you, O lord of gods? And you, O grandsire, spoke ‘so be it’ to her. We wish to know why you did not prevent it.” The Grandsire replied, “Many serpents are fierce, terrifying in form, and abundant in poison. Desiring the welfare of all creatures, I did not restrain Kadru then. Those who are small, wicked in conduct, and abundant in poison among the snakes will perish, but not those who follow righteousness. Hear now, when the time comes, the cause by which liberation from this great fear will occur for the serpents. In the lineage of wandering ascetics, a great sage named Jaratkaru will be born, renowned for his austerity and self-restraint. His son, also named Jaratkaru, rich in austerity, will be called Astika. Astika will halt the sacrifice, and the righteous serpents will be freed.” Curious, the serpents asked, “O Brahman, that foremost sage Jaratkaru, of great austerity, will beget a mighty son—whose daughter will he marry?” The Grandsire replied, “A beautiful maiden, the sister of Vasuki, has been born. Vasuki, the chief of serpents, will give her to him. In her, he will beget a son accomplished in the Vedas and their branches. That maiden, named Sanama, will bear the illustrious twice-born. Let it be so.” Thus the gods spoke to the Grandsire, and after saying this, Virinchi departed for heaven. Elapatra concluded, “Thus I see it, O Vasuki. Your sister, renowned as Jaratkaru, should be given to him. For the appeasement of the serpents’ fear, to the sage who lives by alms and observes good vows, I have heard that this liberation will occur.” Hearing Elapatra’s words, all the serpents rejoiced and praised him, saying, “Well done, well done!” From that moment onward, Vasuki protected his sister Jaratkaru, experiencing great joy. Not long after, as if only a short time had passed, all the gods and asuras churned the abode of Varuna. Vasuki, best among the strong serpents, became the rope for this churning. Having fulfilled that task, he approached the Grandsire. The gods, together with Vasuki, addressed the Grandsire: “Lord, Vasuki is greatly afflicted, fearful of a curse. You ought to remove this mental thorn that arose from his mother’s curse, for he desires the welfare of his kin. He is always beneficial to us and acts kindly. Be gracious, O lord of gods, and relieve the anguish of his mind.” The Grandsire replied, “That statement was indeed uttered by me in thought, O immortals, which was formerly spoken to him by the serpent Elapatra. Let this lord of serpents now carry out that timely word himself. Those who are wicked will perish, but not those who follow righteousness.” Thus, the serpents’ hope was renewed, and Vasuki took steps to fulfill the prophecy, trusting in destiny and righteousness to deliver them from their great fear.