Once, the noble serpent Vasuki was assured by a wise sage who said, “Long ago, for your sake, I propitiated the Grandsire, Brahma. Therefore, you have nothing to fear—let your anxieties go.” Comforted by these words, that best of serpents dwelled peacefully and content within the splendid mansion of Indra. But as the serpent sacrifice continued and more and more of his kin perished in the consuming fire, Vasuki, now surrounded by only a few remaining relatives, was overwhelmed by grief and despair. His heart tormented and his spirit wavering, Vasuki turned to his sister, his voice trembling: “My limbs are burning, dear one, and I cannot distinguish the directions. My mind reels with confusion, and I feel as though I am sinking. My vision swirls, my heart is torn asunder. Today, helpless, I too shall fall into that blazing fire. The sacrifice of Parikshit's son, Janamejaya, is underway, bent on our destruction. Surely, I am destined for the realm of the departed.” He continued, “Sister, the time has come for which I gave you in marriage to Jaratkaru. Save us and our kin now. It is said that Astika will oppose that ongoing sacrifice for the sake of the serpents—the Grandsire himself told me this before. Therefore, tell your son Astika, esteemed by elders and learned in the Vedas, to secure freedom for me and our family today.” At Vasuki’s command, his sister summoned her son, Astika, and spoke earnestly: “My son, I was given to your father by my brother for a purpose. The time for that purpose has come—do what must be done.” Astika replied, “For what reason did my uncle give you to my father? Tell me truly, and I will act accordingly.” With unwavering resolve, the serpent woman, sister of Vasuki, explained everything to her son. “Kadru is known as the mother of all serpents. Listen to the reason her angry curse befell her sons. Once, because of a wager made for Vinatā’s sake, my sons were to become servants, and Uccaiḥśravā, the king of horses, was not falsely created by me. 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 Grandsire, the grandfather of the worlds, directly addressed her who uttered the curse, saying, ‘So be it,’ and was pleased with her words.” She continued, “When the nectar was churned, Vasuki, hearing the Grandsire’s words, sought refuge with the gods. After the gods attained the supreme nectar and fulfilled their purpose, they brought my brother forward to the Grandsire. All the gods, together with King Vasuki, sought to appease the lotus-born one, hoping the curse might be averted. Vasuki was deeply distressed for his kin, and asked how his mother’s curse could be undone.” The serpent woman told Astika, “The Grandsire revealed: ‘When Jaratkaru marries a wife named Jaratkaru, a twice-born son will be born who will release the serpents from the curse.’ Hearing this, Vasuki gave me to your father, as if I were immortal. Before the destined time, you were born from me. Now that time has come, you must save us from fear. Save my brother from the fire, and let not the promise made by your wise father be in vain. You were given for our liberation—what do you think, my son?” Astika, thus addressed, replied gently, “So be it.” He comforted his sorrowful uncle Vasuki as if reviving him from despair. “I will deliver you, Vasuki, foremost of serpents. I speak this truth: I will free you from the curse. Be calm, O serpent; you have no cause for fear. I will strive so that the king’s sacrifice will bring about your welfare. My words have never been false, not even among my own—how then could they be otherwise now? I will go to the noble king Janamejaya, who is consecrated. Today, I will please the king with auspicious words so that the sacrifice may be stopped. Trust in me completely, O wise serpent king; let your mind never harbor doubt about me.” Vasuki, still trembling, said, “Astika, I am reeling, my heart is breaking; I cannot discern the directions, afflicted by the rod of Brahma.” Astika reassured him, “You should not be troubled in any way, O best of serpents. I will dispel your fear that has arisen from the blazing fire. I will destroy the terrible rod of Brahma, equal in power to the fire of time. Do not be afraid here in any way.” With these words, Astika took upon himself the dreadful anguish of Vasuki and departed swiftly. Thus, Astika, the best among the twice-born, set out for the sacrifice of Janamejaya, endowed with all virtues, determined to deliver the lords of serpents. Upon arriving, he saw the excellent sacrificial enclosure, radiant with many officiants shining like the sun and fire. As he tried to enter, the gatekeepers stopped him; desiring entry, the mighty ascetic praised the sacrifice. Reaching the foremost sacrificial hall, Astika, virtuous and renowned, praised the king of endless fame, the priests, the officiants, and the sacrificial fire itself.