Even among his own kin, I do not recall my husband ever speaking falsely; what he once uttered, O king, he will surely fulfill in due time. Therefore, O serpent, do not let your heart be troubled about this matter. A son will be born to you, radiant as fire and the sun. Having said this, my husband, who was rich in austerity, departed, O brother. So, let this great sorrow that dwells in your heart be dispelled. Hearing these words, Vasuki, the king of serpents, was filled with great joy. He accepted his sister’s assurance, saying, “So be it.” With soothing words, gifts, and honor, the best of serpents worshipped his own sister, who was of lovely form. Then, the embryo within her, possessing great energy and brilliance, grew steadily, O best of Brahmins, just like the waxing moon in the bright fortnight. In due time, the sister of the serpent king gave birth to a boy who resembled a divine child. His birth removed the fears of both father and mother. The boy grew up in the house of the serpent king, and from Chyavana, the son of Bhrigu, he learned the Vedas along with their branches. Even as a child, he performed vows and was endowed with intelligence, virtue, and good qualities. His name became known throughout the world as Astika. Because his father, while he was still in the womb, departed saying, “He exists,” he became widely known by the name Astika. As a child, Astika remained in the house of the serpent king, moving about with unfathomable intelligence, carefully protected. As he grew, he delighted all the serpents, shining like the blessed Lord of the gods, the golden trident-bearer. Meanwhile, King Janamejaya approached his ministers and asked them about his father’s journey to heaven: “Tell me again in detail about this.” The ministers replied, “Hear, O Brahman, how the king questioned us and how we described the death of Parikshit.” Janamejaya said, “You all know what happened regarding my father, how that illustrious one met his end in due time. Having heard from you in full about my father’s deeds, I shall act rightly and never in a contrary manner.” Thus addressed, all the wise and righteous ministers spoke to King Janamejaya: “Hear, O king, what you ask about your great-souled father’s conduct, and how that lord of kings reached his end. Your father was righteous, great-souled, and a protector of his people. Listen now to how that great one lived. He established the four orders in their own duties and protected them; the king, knower of righteousness, upheld dharma as if it were embodied. That illustrious one of incomparable valor protected the earth, the goddess; he had no enemies nor did he hate anyone. He was impartial to all beings, like the lord of creatures; Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras remained steadfast in their own duties. Under that king, all were well-disposed and steadfast; he cared for widows, the helpless, the afflicted, and the poor. Among all beings, he was handsome, like another Soma; prosperous, strong, truthful, and firm in his valor. In the science of archery, your father was a disciple of Sharadvata and was also dear to Govinda. That illustrious one was beloved by all people. When the Kurus were destroyed, he begot a son on Uttara. From him was born Parikshit, the mighty son of Subhadra, skilled in royal duties and law, endowed with all virtues. Self-controlled, steadfast, intelligent, devoted to righteousness, possessing great wisdom and mastery over the six inner enemies, he was foremost in knowledge of statecraft. Your father protected these people for sixty years; then, meeting his destined end, he brought sorrow to all. Then you, best of men, took up the path of righteousness; this kingdom of the Kuru line came to you for a thousand years. You were crowned while still a boy, guardian of all beings. Never in this lineage has there been a king who was not beloved and pleasing to his people, especially when considering the noble conduct of our forefathers. But now, O ministers, how did my father, such a man, meet his end? Tell me truly and in detail; I wish to hear the facts.” Thus urged by the king, the ministers, wishing for his good and favor, all spoke as it had happened: “That king, protector of the earth and foremost among warriors, your father, O King, was always devoted to hunting. Just as mighty-armed Pandu, the best of archers in battle, entrusted all royal duties to us without exception— Once, having gone to the forest, he struck a deer with a feathered arrow; after wounding it, he quickly pursued that deer into the dense woods. On foot, sword at his side, carrying his bow and quiver, your father did not find the lost deer in the thicket. Exhausted by age, sixty years old, worn by old age and hungry, he saw a most excellent sage in the great forest. The king, lord of men, questioned that sage, who was observing a vow of silence, but though asked, the sage said nothing. Then the king, tormented by hunger and fatigue, seeing the sage standing motionless, calm and silent, was suddenly overcome by anger.