And while Astika reflected, the gigantic Naga appeared, like a great black storm-bringer, still clinging to Indra. But when the two, like thunderbolts, were rushing in the direction of the sacred fire, verifying the imminent danger, Indra struggled and fled abruptly abandoning his friend to his fate. Janamejaya, excited, urged the priest to hasten the fall, while the young Brahmana watched peacefully. Then he said:
“Oh, glorious king, I desire neither riches nor honors; I only ask that this sacrifice be stopped immediately.”
At those words, Janamejaya was alarmed, and he replied:
“Oh, Brahmana, why do you want this? The death of that murderer is of fundamental importance to me, yet this is not of interest to you. I can give you enormous wealth, properties, even my entire kingdom, but let me have my revenge.”
Despite that, Astika repeated the request:
“I don’t need anything. Both wealth and temporal power are indifferent to me. All I ask is that this sacrifice be suspended forever.”
Janamejaya looked at the Brahmanas for advice and all agreed on what was right to do. They said:
“Oh, king, you have naively promised and now you can’t turn back. If you don’t want your pious acts to be immediately undone, and if you do not want to stain yourself with the shame of falsehood for breaking a promise, you must stop this yajna without further delay, even if your enemy is now close to his death.”
Reluctantly, Janamejaya ordered the suspension and Takshaka managed to save himself.
This is a section of the book “Maha-Bharata As It Is vol. 1 of 2”.
To buy the complete book, click here
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