Kadru's curse on her sons (the snakes) that they will perish in Janamejaya's snake-sacrifice creates the existential threat. This threat motivates Vasuki, the snake-king, to seek the prophesied solution: marrying his sister to Jaratkaru to beget Astika, the savior.
Adi Parva
Can the ascetic Jaratkaru be persuaded to father a son who will save the serpent race?
The serpent king Vasuki, fearing the prophesied snake sacrifice of Janamejaya, seeks a savior. The solution is for the ascetic Jaratkaru to marry a serpent-woman named Jaratkaru and produce a sage-son, Astika. Jaratkaru, initially reluctant, is convinced by his imperiled ancestors and agrees to the marriage, leading to the birth of Astika, the future savior of the snakes.
3 stories · 0 pivotal · Chapters 13–13
Begin readingCausal position
How this arc sits in the story chain
Born from
Elapatra reveals Brahma's prophecy that the snakes can be saved if Vasuki gives his sister Jaratkaru to the sage Jaratkaru. This prophecy is the direct cause for Vasuki's plan and his offer of his sister to the wandering sage.
This Arc
The Birth of Astika to Save the Serpents
Leads into
Astika's birth from this marriage provides the agent (Astika) who can fulfill the prophecy to save the snakes. When Vasuki is distressed during Janamejaya's sacrifice, he sends for Astika, who then vows to intervene.
The marriage of Jaratkaru to Vasuki's sister, Jaratkaru, directly results in the birth of their son Astika. Astika's birth is the intended outcome to save both Jaratkaru's ancestors and the snakes from Kadru's curse.
Stories
Showing all 3 stories
Spine stories carry the arc's main thread. Essential adds key turning points. Supporting covers depth and backstory.
Supporting
Souti Narrates the Story of Jaratkaru and Astika
The storyteller Souti begins his narration, weaving together the plight of Jaratkaru’s ancestors, his strange marriage to the snake-woman who shares his name, and the birth of Astika — the sage who would one day stand between fire and annihilation.
Chapter 13 · ~1 min
Supporting
Jaratkaru Discovers His Ancestors in Peril
The celibate ascetic Jaratkaru discovers his ancestors trapped in a cave, hanging upside down and decaying because he has produced no heir to continue their line. They explain that his austerities are condemning them to oblivion.
Chapter 13 · ~1 min
Supporting
Jaratkaru Marries Vasuki's Sister Jaratkaru
The ascetic Jaratkaru roams the earth, unable to find a wife who meets his exacting conditions. In a forest, he begs for a woman, and the snake-king Vasuki appears with an offer: his sister, who is also named Jaratkaru, and whose destiny is to save his race.
Chapter 13 · ~1 min