All the gods, joined by King Vāsuki, approached the lotus-born creator, seeking his mercy so that the dreadful curse might not fall upon the serpent race. Vāsuki, the king of serpents, was deeply troubled for his kin. He wondered, “O blessed one, how can my mother’s curse be averted? Is there any hope for us?” The answer came: “When Jaratkāru, the sage, marries a wife named Jaratkāru, a twice-born son will be born. That son will release the serpents from the curse.” Upon hearing this prophecy, Vāsuki, the foremost among serpents, gave his sister—me—to your noble father, as if bestowing an immortal gift. Before the destined hour arrived, you were born from me, O child; now the time has come for you to fulfill your purpose and deliver us from fear. Therefore, you must save my brother from the consuming fire; let not the promise made by your wise father be in vain. He gave you for our liberation—what do you think, my son? Addressed thus, Śaunaka replied, “So be it.” He then spoke to his mother, comforting the sorrowful Vāsuki, reviving him with hope. “I will deliver you, Vāsuki, 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 could they be otherwise? I will go to the noble king Janamejaya, who is consecrated.” He continued, “Today, I will please the king with auspicious words, O uncle, so that the noble king’s sacrifice may be stopped. Trust in me completely, O wise serpent king; let your mind never harbor doubt about me.” Vāsuki, his heart breaking and his senses overwhelmed by the curse, cried, “Āstīka, I am reeling; I cannot discern the directions, afflicted by the rod of Brahma.” Āstīka 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.” Thus, Āstīka removed the dreadful anguish from Vāsuki and took it upon himself. He then departed swiftly, intent on his mission. Āstīka, best of the twice-born, arrived at the sacrificial arena of Janamejaya, who was endowed with all virtues, seeking the deliverance of the lords of serpents. Upon arrival, he beheld the excellent sacrificial enclosure, filled with many officiants whose brilliance rivaled the sun and fire. As he sought entry, the gatekeepers stopped him; desiring to enter, the mighty ascetic praised the sacrifice. Reaching the foremost hall, Āstīka, virtuous and wise, praised the king of endless fame, the priests, the officiants, and the sacred fire itself. He spoke of the great sacrifices: “There was the Soma sacrifice, the Varuṇa sacrifice, and the Prajāpati sacrifice at Prayāga; likewise, this sacrifice of yours, O son of Parikṣit, may there be well-being for us and our loved ones. A hundred sacrifices of Indra are spoken of, and another hundred of equal number; likewise, this sacrifice of yours, O son of Parikṣit, may there be well-being for us and our loved ones. The sacrifices of Yama, Harimedhas, Rantideva; Gaya, Śaśabindu, Vaiśravaṇa; Nṛga, Ajamīḍha, Daśaratha; the heavenly sacrifice, the son of the god, Yudhiṣṭhira, and King Ajamīḍha; the sacrifice of Kṛṣṇa, son of Satyavatī, where he himself performed the rite—all these are renowned, and likewise, may your sacrifice bring well-being.” He continued, “These officiants here, whose brilliance equals the sun, are assembled as for Indra’s rite. Today, knowledge of them cannot be attained, nor will the gifts given to them ever be lost. There is no officiant in the worlds equal to Dvaipāyana; this is my firm conviction. His disciples roam the earth, all skilled in their own sacrificial duties. Vibhāvasu, wondrous, golden-seeded, consumer of offerings, with a whirling, blazing crest—this fire receives your oblation.” Turning to the king, Āstīka praised him: “In this world, O king, none is equal to you in protecting the people. By your steadfastness, I am always reassured—you are like Varuna, Dharmaraja, or Yama. Just as Shakra, wielder of the thunderbolt, is protector in this world, so are you the guardian of the people. You are the foremost among men; no other king has been born who equals you. You are like Khatvanga, Nabhaga, Dilipa, Yayati, and Mandhata in might; your brilliance is like the sun, and you rule with noble vows like Bhishma. Like Valmiki, you conceal your own strength; like Vasishtha, your anger is restrained; your sovereignty is equal to Indra’s, and your splendor shines like Narayana’s. Just as Yama is skilled in discerning righteousness, and Krishna is endowed with all virtues, you are the abode of prosperity like the Vasus, and the repository of sacrifices. In strength you are equal to Dambhodbhava; in mastery of weapons, you are like Rama; your brilliance matches Aurva and Trita, and you are as difficult to behold as Bhagiratha.” Thus praised, all were pleased—the king, the assembly, the priests, and the fire-offerer. Seeing their auspicious gestures, King Janamejaya spoke, “Though he is a boy, he speaks like an elder; I do not consider him a child, but an elder. I wish to grant him a boon—O Brahmins, arrange this properly for me.” As Takshaka, the serpent, approached swiftly, the king, eager to grant a boon, said to the Brahmin, “Choose your boon.” But the hotar, not entirely pleased in his heart, spoke, “Takshaka does not come while this ritual is ongoing.