In my childhood, I once fashioned a serpent out of blades of grass and, seeking amusement, used it to startle a great ascetic who was engrossed in his fire ritual. The sight so frightened him that he fainted away. When he regained his senses, this sage—renowned for his strict vows and unwavering truthfulness—rose, his heart inflamed with anger, and addressed me sternly. He declared, “Just as you have created this serpent to frighten me, so too, by my curse, shall you become a serpent yourself, equal in power to what you have conjured.” At that moment, realizing the immense potency of his austerities, my heart was seized by dread. I stood before him, palms pressed in supplication, and pleaded, “Friend, it was only a childish jest, meant for nothing but play. Please, O Brahmin, forgive me and withdraw your curse.” The ascetic, still breathing heavily in agitation, replied, “I have spoken no falsehood. What I have uttered will surely come to pass.” Yet, seeing my distress, he continued, “Listen well, O sinless one. A pure soul named Ruru will be born to Pramati. When you behold him, the curse will be lifted not long after.” Thus, by his words, I was transformed into the form of a serpent. Now, you are known as Ruru, son of Pramati. Today, having regained my true form, I speak these words for your benefit. Casting off the form of the serpent Dundubha, that illustrious Brahmin sage resumed his radiant, original appearance. He addressed Ruru, whose strength was unmatched, and imparted this teaching: “Non-injury is the highest dharma, O best among living beings. Therefore, a Brahmin should never cause harm to any creature; gentleness is the supreme mark of a Brahmin. “One who knows the Vedas and their branches is called the giver of fearlessness to all beings; non-injury, truthfulness, and forgiveness are his established qualities. The highest duty of a Brahmin is to preserve the Vedas, but the duty of a Kshatriya is different from yours. Bearing the rod of authority, displaying fierceness, and protecting the people—these are the responsibilities of a Kshatriya. Listen to me, Ruru. “Once, at the great sacrifice of Janamejaya, there was a terrible destruction of snakes, but also the protection of terrified serpents by a Brahmin. From Astika, foremost among the twice-born, endowed with ascetic power, energy, and mastery of the Vedas, came deliverance at that snake-sacrifice.” Ruru, eager to know more, asked, “How did King Janamejaya harm the snakes? Why were they harmed, O best of Brahmins? For what reason did the wise Astika release the serpents? I wish to hear every detail.” The sage replied, “You will hear the entire great story of Astika, as told by the Brahmins. But now, I must depart.” Having spoken thus, the illustrious sage vanished through his yogic power, leaving Ruru astonished and filled with wonder. Driven by urgency, Ruru searched everywhere for the vanished sage, but, exhausted by his efforts, he collapsed to the ground. Overwhelmed, he lay as if unconscious, pondering again and again the truth of the sage’s words. When he regained his senses, Ruru went to his father and recounted everything, faithfully conveying the words of Dundubhi. He questioned his father further about Astika’s story, and his father narrated it as he had heard from Dundubhi. Desiring to know the truth in full, Ruru pressed his father, who then began to relate everything. He said, “For what reason did that tiger among kings, Janamejaya, seek the destruction of the snakes through the snake-sacrifice? Tell me this. And for what reason did Astika, best of the twice-born, release the serpents? By whom were the serpents delivered from the blazing sacrifice by Astika? Whose son was that king who performed the snake-sacrifice? And Astika, the foremost among Brahmins—whose son was he? I wish to hear this delightful story in its entirety. “Of Astika, the renowned sage of ancient times, a distinguished Brahmin, what was spoken by Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa to the sages at Naimisharanya was once taught to my father, Lomaharshana the Suta. He, a wise disciple of Vyasa among Brahmins, faithfully recounted it, and I shall now relate it accurately as I heard it. “The tale of Astika, which you seek to know, O Shaunaka, I shall narrate in full—a story that destroys all sins. Astika’s father was a lord, equal to Prajapati, a celibate, moderate in diet, always devoted to severe austerity. He was known as Jaratkaru, endowed with great ascetic power, foremost among wandering ascetics, knowledgeable in dharma, and firm in his vows. “Once, that illustrious sage, possessing the strength born of austerity, wandered across the entire earth, resting wherever shelter was found at nightfall. Performing ablutions at sacred places, he roamed everywhere, undertaking discipline with great energy—a path difficult for those lacking self-control.