As the great serpent sacrifice unfolded, serpents of Vasuki’s lineage were cast into the sacrificial fire, their fierce forms and mighty strength consumed by the blazing flames. Many others from that noble line followed, all offered up in the sacred rite. Now, hear of those born in Takshaka’s line: Pucchandaka, Mandalaka, Pindasekta, and Rabhenaka. Alongside them were Ucchikha, Sharabha, Bhanga, Bilvateja, Virohana, Shili, Shalakar, Muka, Sukumara, and Pravepana. Mudgara, Shishuroma, Suroma, and Mahahanu—all these serpents of Takshaka’s heritage too entered the fire, their names echoing through the assembly. From the line of Airavata came Paravata, Pariyatra, Pandara, Harina, Krisha, Vihanga, Sharabha, Moda, Pramoda, and Samhatapana. These, too, were offered into the flames. Now, O best of Brahmins, listen further to the names of serpents born in the Kauravya line: Eraka, Kundala, Veni, Veniskandha, Kumaraka, Bahuka, Shringabera, Dhurtaka, and Pratarataka. They too were swept into the sacrificial fire. Next, from the Dhritarashtra line, I shall name those renowned, swift as the wind and brimming with venom: Shankukarna, Pitharaka, and Kutharamukhasechaka; Purnangada, Purnamukha, Prahasa, Shakuni, Dari, Amahattha, Kamathaka, Sushena, Manasa, and Avyaya. There were also Ashtavakra, Komalaka, Shvasana, Maunavepaga, Bhairava, Mundavedanga, Pishanga, Udaparaka, Rishabha, Vegavan, Pindaraka, and Mahahanu. Raktanga, Sarvasaranga, Samriddhapatavasa, Varahaka, Viranaka, Suchitra, and Citravegika joined them, as did Parashara, Tarunaka, Mani, Skandha, and Aruni—serpents whose fame increased by their very mention. Yet, O Brahmin, their numbers were so vast that not all could be named. These were the principal ones, with their descendants and kin. The multitude of serpents who entered the fire was beyond counting—some with two heads, others with five, seven, ten, a hundred, and many with countless heads. Terrible and mighty as the fires of destruction, as deadly as poison, hundreds of thousands were offered into the flames—giant forms, swift, towering like mountains, their bodies stretching a yojana in length and two yojanas in breadth. They could assume any form at will, possessed immense strength, and blazed with fire and venom. All these perished in the great sacrifice, struck down by the decree of Brahma. But there is another wondrous tale concerning Astika. When King Janamejaya, son of Parikshit, was granting boons as he pleased, a serpent slipped from Indra’s hand and remained suspended in the sky. Seeing this, the king’s heart was filled with anxious thoughts. Though the sacrifice was performed with fervor and all proper rites, Takshaka, tormented by fear, did not fall into the fire. O Suta, what was the reason, among all those wise Brahmins and their powerful mantras, that Takshaka did not fall into the fire at that moment? Astika, seeing the best of serpents terrified and senseless as he hung from Indra’s hand, called out three times: “Stop! Stop! Stop!” Takshaka remained suspended in the air, his heart torn with distress, as if a man stood between earth and sky. Then, at the urging of the assembled priests and sages, King Janamejaya spoke: “Let it be as Astika has said. Let this rite be completed; let the serpents be comforted; let Astika be pleased; let the Suta’s words be fulfilled.” At once, a joyful tumult arose when Astika’s boon was granted, and the sacrifice ceased. Thus ended the great serpent sacrifice of King Parikshit’s son, Janamejaya of the Bharatas, who was filled with joy. He bestowed wealth in hundreds and thousands upon the priests, the assembly, and all who had gathered. He gave gifts to the red-eyed Suta and to the architect, honoring them for their counsel to end the serpent sacrifice. To the Brahmin, the cause of these events, he gave much wealth, along with food and clothing, as was proper. The mighty king, pleased in heart, performed the concluding bath as prescribed by the rite. With his mind satisfied, he sent Astika, accomplished and wise, back to his home, saying, “You must return again; you shall be a participant in my great horse sacrifice.” Astika joyfully agreed and departed, having accomplished a task without equal and having pleased the king. Exceedingly delighted, Astika returned to his maternal uncle and mother, embraced them, and recounted all that had transpired. Hearing this, all the assembled serpents, freed from fear and delusion, were pleased with Astika and said to him, “Choose a boon as you wish.” Again and again, they entreated him, “O wise one, what shall we do for you today that will please you? We are delighted and all have been freed; tell us, dear child, what we may do for you today.” Astika replied, “Let there be no fear from you for those Brahmins and pure-minded men, and even others in the world, who recite this account of righteousness of mine in the morning and evening.” The delighted serpents granted his boon: “So be it, this boon is yours in truth. Out of affection, we are ready to do whatever you desire, O nephew.” Thus, through Astika’s wisdom and compassion, the sacrifice ended, the serpents were spared, and a great righteousness was established for all time.