Shounaka Asks About the Priests at Janamejaya's Snake-Sacrifice
Shounaka asks Souti to name the great sages who officiated at Janamejaya's terrible snake-sacrifice. Souti lists the ritual masters and the assembly of Brahmanas who oversaw the rite, establishing its formidable authority.
Shounaka, listening to the tale of the snake-sacrifice, wanted to know the men behind the ritual. He asked Souti, “At the snake-sacrifice of the wise king Janamejaya of the Pandava lineage, who were the supreme rishis who acted as sacrificial priests? Who were the sadasyas (ritual observers) at that terrible sacrifice that brought such fear and misery to the snakes? You should describe this in detail. We should know about those who knew the secrets of the rite.”
Souti complied, listing the names of the wise ones who served as ritvijas (sacrificial priests) and sadasyas for the king.
The hotar (priest who recites hymns from the Rig Veda) was the Brahmana Chandabhargava, born in Chyavana’s lineage and famous for his learning. The wise and old Brahmana Koutsarya Jaimini was the udgatar (priest who chants from the Sama Veda). Sharngarava served as the brahman (supervising priest), and Bodhapingala was the adhvaryu (priest who performs the manual rites from the Yajur Veda).
Vyasa himself was a sadasya, present with his sons and disciples. The assembly included Uddalaka, Shamathaka, Shvetaketu, Panchama, Asita, Devala, Narada, Parvata, Atreya, Kundajathara, the Brahmana Kutighata, Vatysa, and the old Shrutashrava who was always engaged in austerities and study. Also present were Kahoda, Devasharma, Moudgalya, and Samasourabha. These and many other Brahmanas, rigid in their vows, formed the authoritative body of observers at the sacrifice of Parikshit’s son.