At the great snake sacrifice performed by King Janamejaya, the fires blazed with unrelenting fury. The sacrificial arena at Gokarna, stretching a full krosha in length, became the scene of a dreadful spectacle. There, with ceaseless speed, countless serpents plunged into the fire, unable to escape their fate, O best among those endowed with fire. In that inferno, hundreds of thousands, tens of millions, and even crores of serpents—helpless and doomed—perished, their destruction complete. Among these serpents were some as mighty as horses, others as massive as elephants, intoxicated and wild as mad elephants, their bodies vast and their strength immense. There were serpents of every size, both tall and short, of many colors, each brimming with venom. Fierce as iron clubs, these powerful snakes fell into the flames, compelled by the words of their mothers and the inexorable rod of destiny. As the sacrifice unfolded, the question arose among the sages: Who were the priests presiding at the snake sacrifice of the wise Pandava king Janamejaya? Who were the learned members present at this dreadful event, which unleashed poison and terror among the serpents? The sages requested that all be described in detail, including the Sutas, those versed in the intricate procedures of the serpent sacrifice. In response, the names of the wise officiants and the assembled members were recounted. The Hotṛ, or chief priest, was the Brahmana Chandabhargava, renowned in the lineage of Cyavana and foremost among those learned in the Vedas. The Udgātṛs were the venerable Brahmanas Kautsa and Jaimini; Shārngarava served as Brahma, and Pingala was the Adhvaryu. The great sage Vyasa himself was present, accompanied by his sons and disciples, as were Uddalaka, Pramataka, Shvetaketu, and Pingala. Among the assembly were also Asita, Devala, Narada, Parvata, Atreya, Kumda-Jathara, and the Brahmana Kalaghat. Others included Vatsya, the aged Shrutashrava, devoted to recitation and study; Kohala, Devasharma, Maudgalya, and Samasaurabha. Along with many other Brahmanas accomplished in Vedic lore, they all took part in the sacrifice of Parikshit's son. As the priests poured oblations into the fire, the serpents fell in great numbers, their appearance terrifying and their presence striking fear into all living beings. Rivers of fat and marrow from the burning serpents flowed forth, and a tumultuous scent filled the air as the fire consumed them, day and night. The cries of the serpents resounded in the heavens, an unending cacophony, as they were relentlessly devoured by the flames. Yet, Takshaka, the lord of serpents, having heard of King Janamejaya’s dreadful sacrifice, fled to the abode of Indra. There, fearful and burdened by his own misdeeds, Takshaka recounted everything to the king of the gods and sought refuge. Indra, greatly pleased, reassured him, saying, "Here, Takshaka, you have nothing to fear from this serpent sacrifice. I have already propitiated the Grandsire on your behalf, so let your anxiety depart." Comforted by these words, the best of serpents, Takshaka, dwelled content and secure in Indra’s mansion. Meanwhile, Vasuki, surrounded by only a few of his kin who remained, was tormented by despair as he watched his people fall endlessly into the fire. Overcome by terror and sorrow, Vasuki, the chief of serpents, spoke to his sister, his heart heavy: "My body burns, dear one, and I cannot discern the directions. Confusion overwhelms me, my mind reels. My vision whirls, my heart is torn. Today, helpless, I too shall fall into that blazing fire. The sacrifice of Parikshit's son is underway, intent on our destruction; surely, I must go to the realm of the lord of the dead." He continued, "Now the time has come for which I once gave you to Jaratkaru; save us and our kin. It is said that Astika, your son, will oppose this ongoing sacrifice for the sake of the serpents; the Grandsire himself foretold this to me. Therefore, dear sister, tell your son Astika, esteemed by the elders and learned in the Vedas, to secure freedom for me and my household today." At Vasuki's command, the serpent woman summoned her son, Jaratkaru. She spoke to him, "My son, your uncle gave me to your father for a purpose; now that time has come—do what must be done." Jaratkaru, dutiful and wise, asked, "For what reason did my uncle give you to my father? Tell me truly, and I will act as needed." The serpent woman, ever the well-wisher of her kin and sister to the serpent king, explained everything to her son. "Kadru is known as the mother of all serpents. Hear the reason for the curse that befell her sons: Uccaiḥśravā, the king of horses, was not falsely made by me. My sons were wagered for Vinatā’s sake, to become servants. Because of this, Kadru cursed her sons: 'In the sacrifice of Janamejaya, you will be consumed by the wind-charioteer; there you will perish and go to the world of the departed.' The god, the Grandfather of all worlds, hearing her words, said 'So be it,' and was pleased. "At that time, when the nectar was churned from the ocean, Vasuki heard the words of the Grandfather and sought refuge with the gods. The gods, having attained the supreme nectar and accomplished their purpose, brought my brother before the Grandsire." Thus, the tale of the great snake sacrifice unfolds—a story of fate, despair, and the hope that Astika might yet bring deliverance to the serpents.