Story 18 - The end of snake yajna

This is the story of the end of the snake yajna.

Since it began, millions of snakes were burned and destroyed in Janmayjay’s yajna. Only a few were remaining. At this, Vasuki was very disturbed. His heart started beating from nervousness. He called his sister Jaratkaru and said, “Sister! My body is burning and head is spinning. I am getting dizzy losing consciousness. The entire world is spinning around. My heart is tearing apart. I feel as if any moment I would helplessly jump into the yajna’s fire. This is the purpose of that yajna. I married you to Jaratkaru for this event only. Now, protect me. As Lord Brahma had said, your son Aastik will stop this yajna. Although still an adolescent, all gods and elders respect him. Ask him to protect us.”

When she heard this, the ascetic’s wife Jaratkaru convinced her son Aastik to protect snakes. Aastik acknowledged his mother’s request and told Vasuki, “O king of snakes! Be at peace. I can honestly say that I will free you sankes from the curse. I have never lied even in jest. So do not consider my claim to be empty. I will please king Janmayjay with my amiable words and he will stop the yajna. Uncle! Have faith in me.”

Assuring Vasuki, Aastik set off to free snakes from the curse. When he reached the croweded Yajna site, the gatekeeper prevented him from going inside. He sang praises for the king and pleaded with him to allow entry. The king heard him and gave him permission to enter.

In the yajna site, Aastik sang praises in honour of god and all the learned scholars gathered there. This impressed the gathered scholars. Janmayjay understood everyone’s feelings and said, “Although still a boy, his words are as pleasing and mature as elders. I am very pleased with this boy and wish to grant him a boon. Do you agree?” The people gathered there agreed in unison, “Even if a Brahmin is a child, he is an equal in the eyes of a king. If he is a scholar, then it is even better. Therefore, you can grant him his wish.”

Janmayjay said, “You people strive to ensure that my Yajna is successful and Takshak snake arrives. After all, he is my prime enemy.”

The sages replied, “God Agni has conveyed that Takshak is frightened and is under the shelter of God Indra.”

Upset at this news, Janmayjay retorted, “You people should chant and perform a ritual that Indra too is burned into this fire along with Takshak.”

When the sages heard Janmayjay’s request, they started chanting even more ardently than before. Suddenly, everyone saw Takshak and Indra in the sky. Indra was terrified when he saw the Yajna and ran off abandoning Takshak. At this, Takshak was petrified and lost consciousess. With every moment, he started getting closer to the fire.

The Brahmins then told the king, “O king! Your task is near completion. Now, give a boon to the Brahmin boy.”

Janmayjay said, “O Brahmin son! I want to give a boon to a charming and learned scholar like you. So ask happily whatever your desire. I will aim to fulfil your most difficult wish.”

Aastik saw that Takshak was on the verge of falling into the Yajna’s fire and he decided to use that opportunity. He called our three times, “Stop! Stop! Stop!” With this command, Takshak stayed still in the sky. Aastik then said, “O great king! If you want to give me a boon, then end this Yajna so that snakes’s lives are saved.”

At this request, Janmayjay was displeased and he said, “O capable Brahmin! Ask for gold, silver, cows, or any other thing. I do not want to stop this Yajna.”

Aastik replied, “I do not wish for any of these things. For the welfare of my mother’s family, I want to end this Yajna.”

Janmayjay repeated his request several times but Aastik did not budge from his wish. When the surrounded gathering of scholars heard this discourse, they said in unison, “This Brahmin should get what he is wishing for.”

When repeatedly pressed by his scholars, King Janmayjay acquiesced, “All right! May Aastik’s wish come true! End this Yajna. Aastik, be happy. What our charioteer had predicted, let that too come true.”

As soon as Janmayjay said these words, a huge cheer went up. The king donated several good things to the ascetic who had come to perform the Yajna. He greeted and gave donation to even the charioteer who had predicted the end of the Yajna. Finally, he greeted Aastik with open arms, offered him refreshments and rewards, and bade him goodbye with pleasure. While Aastik was leaving, Janmayjay requested him, “Please pay a visit during my Ashwamedha Yajna.” Aastik agreed with pleasure.

He then returned to his uncle’s house and told the good news to his mother.

At that time, Vasuki’s courtyard was full of snakes who were saved from the Yajna’s pyre. When they heard Aastik’s tale, they were very thrilled. They lovingly greeted him and said, “Son! Ask us a boon for whatever you wish.” They repeatedly said, “Son! You have saved us from the mouth of death. We are very pleased with you. Tell us, what we should do so that it pleases you.”

Aastik replied, “I wish for a boon that whoever reads this story with happiness during the morning or evening should have no danger from snakes.”

When snakes heard Aastik’s request, they were delighted and proud. They said, “Darling boy! Your wish will be true. We will fulfil your wish with love and humility. Whoever chants any one of Asit, Aartiman, or Sunith mantras during the day or night will remain safe and unharmed from snakes. These mantras are:

Asit mantra:
Yo Jaratkaruna Jaati Jaratkaro Mahayashaha
Aastikaha Sarpsatre Vaha Pannagaan Yoabhyarakshat
Tam Smarantam Mahabhaga Na Maam Hisitumahanth
Translation: ‘From the union of Jaratkaru ascetic with a Jaratkaru snake woman, a famous sage named Aastik was born. He had protected snakes during the snake yajna. O fortunate snakes! I am remembering him. Do not stab me.’

Aartiman mantra:
Sarpapsarp Bhadram Te Gach Sarp Mahavish
Janmayjasya Yagyante Aastikvachanam Smar
Translation: O might poisonous snake! Your go. May you have good fortune! Now you leave. Remember what Aastik had said at the end of Janmayjay’s Yajna.

Sunith mantra:
Aastikasya Bacha Shrutva Yaha Sarpo Na Nivartate
Shatdha Bhidyate Moorghin Shishvrikshphalam Yatha
Translation: The snake who will not return even after listening to Aastik’s promise, his hood will split into hundreds of pieces like Sheesham fruit.Th

is is the story how Aastik saved snakes from the snake Yajna. He lived a happy and fruitful life for several years and then went to heaven leaving behind several children and grand-children. Those who read Aastik’s story are safe from snakes.

Story 17 - The beginning of Snake Yajna

This is the story of the beginning of the Snake Yajna.

Janmayjay was deeply saddened when he heard how his father died. He grew restless with anger. Due to grief, he started breathing heavily and his eyes were filled with tears. He took water in his hand and pledged, “I have heard in detail how my father went to heavens. I have decided to avenge my father’s death from the evil soul Takshak. It was he who had killed my father; ascetic Shringi’s curse was just an excuse. A proof of this is that it was Takshak who had stopped that Kashyap Brahmin when he was on his way to revive my father. Takshak bribed the Brahmin and asked him to return. If that Brahmin had brought my father to life, then what was Takshak’s harm in that? The ascetic’s curse would have been true and my father would have been still alive. Takshak is totally responsible for my father’s death and therefore, I pledge to avenge my father’s death from him.”

Then, he summoned his astrologers and acetics and asked them, “The evil soul Takshak has killed my father. Now, tell me how I can take my revenge against him. Do you know any way by which I can burn cruel snakes in fire?”

The ascetics replied, “O king! Gods have already created a big Yajna for your purpose. This episode is very popular in Puranas. It is written in Puranas that no one else will perform this Yajna except you and we know its procedure.”

This assured Janmayjay that Takshak will now die in Yajna fire. He told the Brahmins, “I will perform this Yajna. Please collect proper ingredients for it.”

The philosophers and Brahmins then measured the land for Yajna mandap as per ancient Shastras. A special Yajna site was prepared and king Janmayjay arrived to begin the Yajna.

During that time, a strange event happened. A skilled, learned, experienced, and intelligent charioteer wondered aloud, “According to the place and time in which this Yajna has started, it seems that a Brahmin will interrupt this Yajna and will not let it complete.” King Janmayjay overheard this prediction and he immediately commanded the gate keepers to not allow anyone come inside without his permission.

The snake Yajna began with all rituals. The ascetics started chanting religious hymns. The Yajna fires were burning brightly. Their powers attracted snakes from all parts of the world. The snakes would helplessly fly in from the sky and fall into the fires. Their cries of help and agony surrounded the atmosphere. All sorts of snakes – white, black, blue, yellow, young, and old fell to a burning, painful death in Yajna's . Whether they were mile-long snakes or small baby ones – no one was safe from the rising flames.

Soon, the burned bodies of snakes started melting and a foul smell arose from their charred remains. When Takshak heard this news, he ran to the king of gods, Indra, for shelter. He pleaded, “O king of gods! I am guilty. I have come to you for shelter. Please save me.”

Indra smiled and said, “I have already requested Lord Brahma for your protection. You have nothing to fear from the snake yajna. Don’t worry.”

With this assurance from Indra, Takshak decided to stay in Indra’s palace only as he felt safe there.

Story 16 - Why Parikshit died?

This is the story of how King Parikshit, the only living decendant of Pandavas, died.

One day, King Janmayjay asked his ministers, “Why did my father die? What happened? I want to know the reason. This will help me make my decisions for the welfare of the people.”

His ministers replied, “Your highness! Your father was indeed a virtuous, generous, and kind king. Let us tell you more about him. Your father was an incarnation of dharma itself. He protected all his people equally, ruling them with firmness and kindness. His bravery was incomparable. He protected this entire earth. He had no enemies and he was enemy to none. According to him, all humans were equal. In his rule, people from all sections and castes lived happily and carried their duties. He had established welfare plans for widows, orphans, handicapped, and poor people. His people were healthy and strong. He was a decent and honest man. He had learned archery from Kripacharya. Lord Krishna was very affectionate towards your father. Because your father was born after the possession of Kauravas, he was named Parikshit (after-possess). He was very well-versed in politics and economics. He was an intelligent, good, and gallant king who ruled over 60 years in the kingdom. After that, he died leaving behind a mourning nation and leaving the kingdom to you.”

After listening to this discourse, Janmayjay wondered, “Ministers, you have still not answered my question. All the kings in our dynasty have been good and popular rulers. I want to know why my father died.”

Ministers said, “Your highness! Your father was very fond of hunting. He had left his governance to us. One day, he went to a forest. He targeted a deer but the deer ran. Chasing it, the king went deep into the forest but he could not find the deer anywhere. After all, he was a 60-year old man. So he was tired and hungry. After a while, he came across an ascetic named Shameek. Shameek had taken an oath of silence. The king asked him a question, but did not get a reply. This annoyed the king to a great extent. Without realizing that the ascetic had taken an oath of silence, the king decided to insult him for his impudence. He picked up a dead snake with his bow and placed it on the ascetic’s shoulder. Even then, Shameek was unprovoked and remained in meditation. Finally when he could not get any reaction from the ascetic, the king simply shrugged and returned to his kingdom.”

Now, Shameek had a son named Shringi. He was a splendid and powerful boy. When he heard from a friend that king Parikshit had insulted his father, he was furious. He took some water in his hand and cursed your father, “In seven days, the evil person who put a dead snake on my innocent father will be stabbed by the vicious snake, Takshak. Let the people watch my powers.”

After these words, Shringi went to his father and narrated the entire event to him. Shameek was not happy with this development. He immediately called one of his bright students named Gurumukh and sent a message to your father. When Gurumukh arrived in the palace, he announced, “My teacher has sent you this message, ‘O king! My son has cursed you, so please be careful. According to the curse, Takshak will stab you to death in seven days.’ At this death knell, your father became cautious and raised his vigilance.

On the seventh day when Takshak was on his way to kill your father, he saw a Brahmin named Kashyap hurrying along. He asked, “O good Brahmin! Where are you going in such hurry?” Kashyap replied, “I am going where a snake called Takshak is going to stab king Parikishit. I can revive the king after he is stabbed. If I am there, then Takshak will not be able to harm him.” Takshak was much surprised at the Brahmin’s confidence and he said, “I am Takshak. Why do you want to revive the king after I stab him? Look at my powers. You will not be able to stand in front of them.”

With these words, Takshak stabbed a tree. The tree immediately burned into ashes. Then, Kashyap Brahmin with his knowledge revived the tree and brought it back to life, green and vivid as before.

Realizing that his powers were futile in front of the Brahmin, Takshap decided to bribe him. He said, “Wish for whatever you desire from me.” At this, the Brahmin replied, “I am going for a reward from the king.” Takshak offered, “Take from me the amount you wish to ask from the king but return home.” At this promise, Kashyap Brahmin stated his price, which Takshak immediately paid. Kashyap collected the money and returned home.

After that, Takshak put on a disguise and stealthily entered the palace. He entered your father’s chambers and stabbed him to death. After his death, your coronation ceremony was conducted.
This is a very tragic tale. But since you insisted, we have narrated it to you. Takshak has stabbed your father and Uttank Brahmin is also miffed by him. Please do as you think appropriate.”

Janmayjay replied, “Ministers, this is indeed strange that Takshak stabbed a tree and burned it into ashes and a Brahmin revived the tree. Pray, how do you know this episode? Who told you about it? There is no doubt that Takshak has done a major grievance against my family. If he had not bribed that Brahmin with money and convinced him to return, then my father would have been alive today. I will punish him for this crime. First, you tell me the source of their tale."

His ministered answered, “Your highness! There was a man on the tree which Takshak stabbed. He had climbed the tree to collect dry firewood. Neither Takshak nor Kashyap realized that they had a third person listening in to their conversation. When Takshak stabbed the tree, that man too was burned into ashes along with the tree. The mantra from Kashyap brought him to life along with the tree. He had listened into their conversation and reported it to us. Now, you decide what our next step is going to be.”

Story 15 - The birth of Aastik

This is the story of sage Jaratkaru and how Aastik was born.

The word ‘Jara’ means body and ‘Karu’ means strong. This means that Jaratkaru’s body was very healthy and strong in the beginning. But he had shrivelled his body due to strict penances and fasting. As a result, he was called ‘Jaratkaru’. Vasuki’s sister was also a strict ascetic. She too had become thin after deep tapas and thus came to be known as Jaratkaru.

Now, sage Jaratkaru remained a bachelor all his life. He would meditate and roam the world. He would visit spiritual places, bathe in holy waters, and observe strict rules of meditation which were impossible for normal human beings to follow. He would remain without food or water for days on end, surviving just on air. Due to these hardships, his body had become very thin.

One day in a forest, he came across a truly amazing sight. He saw some old ascetics hanging upside down in a pit. They were holding on to the last remaining branch of a tree. The root of the tree was being chewed by a mouse. Jaratkaru's heart melted at this sight. Concerned, he went to the hanging ascetics and said, “I hope you are aware that your last remaining support is being chewed by a mouse. When that goes, you will fall into the pit. I am very moved by your helplessness. Please tell me, what can I do to help you? If you can be saved by one-fourth, one-third, or even half share of my tapas, then please let me know. What’s more? I am willing to give you all the benefits of my tapas to save you. Just tell me.”

His forefathers replied, “How can an old bachelor like you save us? Even your tapas are useless. If it were that easy, we could have used the power of our own tapas. But that is not the reason of our condition. We are dropping into hell as our family name is almost over and our dynasty is ending without a heir. You are an old and kind man and genuinely worried about us. So we will tell you about ourselves. We are sages Yayavar. We have fallen from our virtuous deeds due to the end of our line. We have only one descendant left in our family, but he is almost like nothing. Unfortunately for us, he is a bachelor ascetic. His name is Jaratkaru. He is a scholarly, gentle, and gracious soul. But his greed for becoming a great ascetic while remaining a bachelor has doomed us. He does not have any sibling or spouse or children, nor does he plan to. That is the reason we are hanging over this pit like miserable orphans. If you find him anywhere, then kindly tell him, “Jaratkaru! Your forefathers are hanging upside down over a pit. Get married and bear a child. You are our last hope to save our dynasty.” O great bachelor! See, the root of the branch, which is supporting us and which the mouse is busy chewing. That is our family line. The mouse is time, which has not stopped for anyone. One day, it will end Jaratkaru too and we will be doomed forever. Please narrate this episode to Jaratkaru. Now, tell us who are you and why are you so concerned about our misfortune.”

Jaratkaru was shocked at this tale. With trembling hands and tears in his voice, he called out, “I am Jaratkaru, your offender son and you are my fathers and forefathers. I am your criminal. Please punish me and advise me what I should do.”

His forefathers replied, “Son! What a stroke of luck that you came upon us! Tell us why are you still not married?”

Jaratkaru replied, “My dear fathers! I had pledged in my heart to remain an eternal bachelor so that I could achieve greatness through my penances. Now after seeing your plight, I have decided against it. For the benefit of my family line, I will marry without a doubt. If someone offers me a girl who shares my name, then I will accept her as my wife. But I will not take the responsibility to provide her with food or shelter. If any girl meets these conditions, then I will immediately marry her, otherwise not . Do not worry. With your blessings, I will bear a son and free you from this agony.”

After promising his forefathers, Jaratkaru began searching for a girl to marry. But he could not find anyone suitable. Either people would be reluctant to marry their daughter to an old man like him, or the girl would not meet his requirements.

Disappointed and forlorn, he returned to the forest and slowly called out three times, “I wish for a woman. Any being who is alive and conscious, visible or hidden, listen to me. To save my forefathers from grief, I am begging for a woman who shares my name, is given to me in alms, and does not depend on me for food and shelter.”

When Vasuki’s spies reported this, he immediately appeared before Jaratkaru along with his sister and offered her hand in marriage.

Jaratkaru asked, “What is her name? Note that I will not take the responsibility for feeding and sheltering her.”

Vasuki replied, “This ascetic girl’s name is also Jaratkaru and she is my sister. I will take care of her food and shelter. She will be under my protection and care. I have kept her unmarried for you only.”

Jaratkaru retorted, “Well, I have another condition. She should never do anything that upsets me. If she does that, then I will leave her.”

Vasuki accepted this condition too and married his sister with all the pomp and celebration to Jaratkaru.

Sage Jaratkaru and his wife then started their married life in a luxurious palace provided by Vasuki. The sage even cautioned his wife, “Never do or say anything against my wish; otherwise I will leave you.” His wife agreed and started looking after her husband with care. After a little time, she got pregnant.

One day, sage Jaratkaru was a little miffed with his wife and sleeping with his head on her lap. Sunset drew near and he was still asleep. His wife then wondered, “Would it be all right to wake him up? If he keeps sleeping, he will not be able to perform agnihotra. He takes so much care to follow all rituals and traditions. What should I do? If I wake him, then he will be really angry and if I do not, then I will become a sinner.”

In the end she decided to wake him thinking that he might be annoyed but she would help him follow his dharma. So she softly called out, “My lord! Please get up. The sun is setting. It is time to perform agnihotra.”

Sage Jaratkaru roused. With fury, his lips were trembling. He called out, “O snake woman! You have insulted me. Now I will not live with you. I will return to where I came from. I have this firm belief in my heart that as long as I am asleep, the sun will not set. I do not wish to stay even a moment longer in a place where I have been insulted. I am leaving now.”

His wife got pale at these words. Her heart started beating and she begged him, “My lord! I did not wake to insult you. I only wanted you to follow your rituals and dharma.”

Jaratkaru’s temper cooled at these words but he remained adamant, “What I have said once, it cannot be untrue now. I had put this condition before marrying you. After I leave, tell your brother that I have gone and was happy as long as I stayed here. After I am gone, do not worry about anything.”

His wife got distressed. Her mouth dried, her voice choked, and her eyes were filled with tears. She somehow drew courage from a sinking heart and begged, “My lord! Please do not leave an innocent woman like me. I have been your good, dutiful, and loving wife, always interested in tasks that are dear to you. My brother married me to you for a reason. That reason is still not over. My brothers and relatives are under the curse of Kadru mother. I need to bear a child from you. With him only, our species will survive. My union with you should not be fruitless. Then why are you leaving me, an innocent woman?”

When Jaratkaru heard his wife, he replied, “You are carrying a fire-like radiant child in your womb. He will be a great scholar ascetic.” After saying these words, sage Jaratkaru left.

His wife then went to her brother Vasuki and narrated the entire event to him. When Vasuki heard this episode, he was distressed and morose, “Sister, you know we married you to the sage for a reason. If you had given birth to a son, then our snakes family would have benefited. According to Lord Brahma, this son will protect us from Janmayjay’s yajna. Sister! Tell me did you get pregnant from him? We do not want your marriage to go fruitless. It is not proper for a bother to ask this from his sister, but the gravity of the situation compels me to do so. I know that once sage Jaratkaru has said these words, it would be impossible to bring him back. I will not even ask him to consider returning out of fear of his curse. Sister! Tell me everything and give me assurance.”

The sage’s wife then replied, “Brother, even I asked the same question from him. He assured me that I have conceived and am carrying a child. Remember that he has never lied even in jest. Then, how can he lie in such a grave situation? While leaving, he had told me, “O daughter of snakes! Do not worry about the fruit of your marriage. You will give birth to a son who will be as radiant as god Agni and Sun.” Therefore brother, do not worry about anything.”

Vasuki was mightily pleased at these words and he started caring for his sister with great affection and tenderness.

When the right time came, his sister gave birth to a beautiful son. With his birth, sage Jartkaru's line was strengthened and his forefathers's agony was removed. The boy was a brilliant, intelligent, and noble soul. He learned Vedas from sage Chavan. Because his father had assured of his existence (asti) while he was still in womb, he was named Aastik. His uncle, king Vasuki, took really good care of him since childhood. In a few years, the child grew into an adolescent boy and was the apple of his uncles’ eyes.

Story 14 - The curse on snakes

Vasuki was the eldest son of Kadru and the king of all snakes. He was worried by his mother’s curse. He summoned his brothers for a meeting to discuss a way to save themselves.

Vasuki said, “Brothers! You are aware about mother’s curse. I have called for this meeting so that we can think and discuss a way to save ourselves from the curse. Every curse has a way out, but mother’s curse seems impenetrable. Let us not waste any more time. Before the calamity strikes us, we should think of a way to save ourselves.”

The snakes agreed and put forward various suggestions. Some suggested that they should beg King Janmayjay not to do the Yajna, while others advised that they should go to King Janmayjay as his ministers and advise him against performing the Yajna. There were others who advised that they should bite the head priest and kill him so that he could not perform the Yajna. Vasuki refused this proposal as if they do so, they would be doomed for an eternity on account of a murder of a Brahmin.

At this, some snakes advised that they would become clouds and put off Yajna’s fires with rain. Some snakes proposed that they should steal away Yajna’s articles. There were some ferocious snakes too who said if they kill millions of people then Yajna would be deemed inauspicious.

In the end, the snakes requested, “Vasuki! We can think of only these suggestions. Now, you decide.”

Vasuki replied, “I do not agree with any of your suggestions. All of them seem worthless. Remember, we have to think of a way that benefits us the most. I am your eldest brother. Any misfortune or failure and I will be held responsible. That is the reason I am very worried. Come! Let us all go to father Kashyap and try to please him. He can advise us something. Let us do whatever he suggests.”

Now, there was one snake by the name of Elapatra. When he heard his brother Vasuki’s concern, he replied, “Brothers! It is not possible to stop the Yajna or convince Janmayjay against performing it. We should leave ourselves to fates. There is no point of going under someone else’s shelter. Now, listen carefully. I have a way out to save ourselves from this calamity. When mother cursed us, I was very frightened and hid in her lap. That is the reason I was able to listen in on gods’ conversation with Lord Brahma.

When gods heard that harsh curse, they went to Brahma and said, “My lord! Which other woman would be more hard-hearted than Kadru who has cursed her sons to death? O father of the world! Even you did not stop her. What is the reason for that?” Brahma replied, “Gods! Now-a-days, the population of snakes has become uncontrollable. They are extremely violent, vicious, and ferocious. I did not stop Kadru for the benefit of life. This curse will end only sinful and poisonous snakes. The decent and gentle snakes will not be harmed. And then there is one more thing. In Yayavar dynasty, an ascetic called Jaratkaru will be born. His son will be called Aastik. He will be able to end Janmayjay’s Yajna and save the virtuous snakes.” After this conversation, Brahma and the other gods returned to their planets. So Vasuki! I suggest that you marry our sister Jaratkaruka with sage Jaratkaru. When he arrives to ask for our sister’s hand in marriage, you accept his proposal. That is the only way out of this trouble.”

When the snakes heard Elapatra’s account, they were relieved and agreed to his suggestion.
From that moment, Vasuki lovingly started protecting his sister. After a few days, the ocean churning exercise occurred where Vasuki played the role of the churning rope. The gods were delighted by Vasuki and took him to Brahma who repeated what Elapatra had already disclosed.

Vasuki appointed some snakes to search for sage Jaratkaru and bade them with these words, “As soon as Jaratkaru expresses his wish to get married, you rush back to me with the news. This is the only way by which we will be saved.”

Story 13 - Sheshnaag

This is the story of Sheshnaag, the most supreme son of Kadru, and how he was given a boon.

Kadru had 1000 snakes as her sons and she had cursed some of them when they had refused to comply with her wishes to wrap themselves round the tail of the celestial horse Uchchashrava to deceive their stepmother Vinta. Now the snakes were really worried about the consequence of the curse. One of the sons of Kadru was Sheshnaag who was tired of the wily and evil deeds of his other brothers. He left his mother and brothers and started strict penances. With only air as his means of nourishment, he observed deep meditation and tapas. Controlling his senses, he toured the various spiritual sites in the Himalyas.

When Lord Brahma noticed Sheshnag’s body was emancipated and he was wasting away due to tapas, he appeared before the snake and asked, “Shesh! Why are you observing such strict penance? Why are you subjecting your body to such hardships? Why do you not do something to help the mankind? Tell me, what do you desire?”

Shesh replied, “My Lord! My brothers are fools and I do not want to stay with them. They keep fighting with each other and have made the lives of Vinta and her son Garuda miserable. After all, Garuda is our brother and they should not be so cruel to him. Tired of them, I have left them and have started to do penances so that I can leave this body and free myself from those miserable creatures. I am only troubled when I think that even after death I would have to suffer their company.”

Brahma replied, “Shesh! Your brothers' deeds are not hidden from me. By defying your mother, they have brought trouble over their heads. I have also thought of a suitable punishment for them. Do not bother about them. Ask me what you desire. I am very pleased by you because your mind is set in the right dharma and would like to grant you a boon.”

Shesh requested, “O Father of the world! I only wish that my mind is always used for the pursuit of goodness, spirituality, and peace.”

Brahma, delighted at these words, replied, “Shesh! I am pleased by your control over your desires and heart. I would like to ask you to do something for the mankind. The Earth, with her mountains, forests, oceans, and lands, is not stable and shakes a lot. I want you to hold her so that it stabilizes.”

Sheshnaag told Brahma that he would do as he was asked and would wear the earth on his head and stabilize her. Brahma instructed to him, “Shesh! Earth will show you the way. You enter her.”

As instructed, Sheshnaag went through the Earth, held her from all sides and placed her on his head. From that time Sheshnaag has been still and patiently carrying the Earth on his head. Brahma praised his dharma, patience, and strength and returned to his planet.

Story 12 - Return of Garuda and Vinta's Freedom

When Garuda was returning with the pot of nectar, he met Lord Vishnu. Pleased with Garuda’s dedication and not being tempted to drink the nectar himself, Lord Vishnu said, “Garuda, I want to give you a boon. Ask me whatever you desire.”

Garuda replied, “My Lord, I have two requests. First, you keep me in your banner. Second, I become immortal without drinking the nectar.”

Lord Vishnu granted these boons. Garuda then said,” I too wish to give you a boon. Please ask me anything.”

Lord Vishnu said, “You become my mount.” Garuda granted this boon to Lord Vishnu and went on his way along with the nectar.

By then, Indra had gained consciousness. When he saw Garuda flying off with the nectar, he furiously attacked him with his mighty weapon, Vajra. Garuda bore the hit and laughed, “Indra! Your Vajra is useless in front of me. However, I am dropping one feather in honour of those with whose bones this great weapon was crafted. Go back. You will not be able to beat me.” Garuda then dropped a single feather. The noble souls started praising Garuda and called out, “Let it be whose feather is this be known as Suparna.”

Indra was amazed by the valour and might of Garuda. He bowed his hands and requested, “O king of birds, I want to know how strong you are. I would also like to extend my hand in friendship to you.”

Garuda replied, “O king of gods, I accept your hand in friendship. What shall I tell you about my strength? I do not like boast about myself. Since you are asking me as a friend, I will reply in the same that I can carry this entire earth on a single feather and fly effortlessly.”

Indra smiled and said, “Indeed! You are absolutely right! Please accept my deep friendship. If you do not need the nectar, then kindly return it to me. The creatures who you are planning to feed with it will make our lives unbearable.”

Garuda then said, “O king of gods! I have a reason to carry this nectar. I am not carrying it to feed someone. Wherever I place the pot, you pick it up from there.”

Indra was reassured by Garuda’s reply and said, “Garuda! Go ahead and ask me a boon.”

Garuda then remembered the treachery and cruelty of serpents to his mother and said, “I wish for those powerful serpents to become my food.” Indra granted this boon to Garuda and returned to his planet.

Finally, Garuda reached home. His mother was also nearby. He smiled and called the serpents, “Look, I have brought the nectar.” The elated serpents rushed to drink the nectar. At this, Garuda stopped them and advised, “Wait. Do not be hasty. It is a divine drink. Let me put the pot on Kusha grass while you take a bath. Then, drink it. I kept my side of the bargain. Now, you keep your promise and free my mother.”

The serpents readily agreed. When the serpents were happily taking their bath, Indra snatched the pot of nectar and went to his planet. When the serpents returned from their bath, they found that the pot was gone. They realized that this was the result of their evil deed when they tricked Vinta to become a slave to their mother. They started licking the grass in the hopes that some drops of nectar had fallen there, but the grass was so sharp that their tongues were sliced into two. Since then, the kusha grass became sacred because it had touched the nectar.

As for Garuda, he lived happily with his mother. He became the king of birds, his fame had spread in all directions, and his mother was extremely pleased.

Story 11 - Garuda's Quest for Nectar (Part 2)

After his meal, Garuda resumed his flight to the planet of gods to obtain the nectar of immortality. As Garuda drew near, there were marked signs of ill omen in the gods' land. The gods grew wary. King Indra went to their guru, Brihaspati, and asked, “My lord! Why are these bad omens happening? I do not see any enemy around who can win over us.”

Brihaspati replied, “Indra, Garuda is coming to get the nectar of immortality. He is the son of Vinta and is coming to humble you for your arrogance and transgressions. He is a strong, mighty creature who is now even more strengthened by the power of tapas of sages Valikhya. He can fly anywhere and assume any form. He can even accomplish tasks that seem impossible. He certainly has the strength to seize the nectar from us.”

When Indra heard this, he immediately rushed to the place where the pot of nectar was being guarded and commanded, “Take care. A strong bird-like creature called Garuda is coming to take away the nectar. Be vigilant. He should not be able to take it.” Then, all the gods along with Indra, fully armoured, stood on guard.

As soon as Grauda came near, his huge, flapping wings drew a large dust storm. The gods were temporarily blinded by the dust and could not do anything when Garuda started attacking them with his beak and talons. They soon dispersed.

When Indra saw his warriors running away, he asked the god of wind, Vayu, to blow off the dust cover. Vayu raised off the dust cover and the gods could now see what was happening. They regrouped and came forward to fight Garuda. However, Garuda's strength and swiftness was no match for them. Wounded by his attacks, the gods fell down the battlefield covered in blood and dirt.

After defeating gods when Garuda reached for the pot of nectar, enormous flames of fire arose. Garuda then metamorphosed his mouth into 8,000 mouths, which drank the waters of rivers and poured it on the flames. After cooling the fire, Garuda again resumed his small form and went ahead.

When he reached the place where the nectar was kept, he saw that it was being guarded by a spinning iron gadget, which was revolving around it. The gadget was extremely sharp and laden with all sorts of weapons. It seemed like the sun and fire rolled into one.

Garuda thought for a while and then started shrinking his body. When his body was reduced into a microscopic size, he infiltrated the machine. Inside, he saw that two terrifying serpents were guarding the nectar. With their swirling tongues and blazing eyes, the serpents seemed like death incarnate. Their eyes were spurting out fatal poison. Garuda raised a dust storm and blinded them with dust. He then attacked the serpents with his sharp beak and crushed them with his vicious talons. He broke the machine and grabbed the pot of nectar. Without drinking even a single drop of nectar, he flew to take it to the serpents.

Story 10 - Garuda's Quest For Nectar

Garuda accepted the condition offered by serpents to free his mother from enslavement.

He went to Vinta and said, “Mother, I am going to obtain the nectar of immortality for your freedom. It will be a long, arduous journey. What do you suggest I should eat on my way?”
Vinta replied, “Son, there is an island of nishads (dark creatures) in the ocean. You can eat them. However, take care that you do not eat any Brahmins, who also live in that island." Garuda then bade his mother farewell and flew off.

When he reached the aforementioned island, he saw several thousand nishads as his mother had said and ate some. Along with nishads, a Brahmin came into his mouth by mistake. As a result, Garuda's mouth started burning. He immediately spit him out from his mouth. When Garuda saw the Brahmin, he realized it would be too risky to try eating anything here. So, without further ado, he flew from the island and went on his way.

After flying for some time, Garuda saw his father, sage Kashyap, deep in meditation. He came down the earth and bowed his hands to his father in greeting. This was the first meeting between the father and the son.

Kashyap opened his eyes. Seeing his son in front of him, he smiled and said, “Son! I hope you are well. How is your mother? Do you get proper food?”

Garuda replied, “We are fine, father. Sometimes we worry when we do not get sufficient food, but we manage. Our only despair is mother's enslavement because of a long-ago bet which she lost to her sister due to trickery. I am on my way to obtain the nectar of immortality to purchase her freedom from the serpents. For nourishment, mother suggested that I should eat nishads, but I am still hungry. What do you advise me to eat?"

Kashyap blessed his son and replied, “Son, there is a world famous lake nearby. An elephant and a tortoise live there. Both were brothers in their previous lives, but now they are each other's deadliest enemy. Their story from their previous birth is like this---

In ancient times, there was a renowned sage called Vibhasu, who was infamous because of his quick temper. He had a younger brother called Supratik, who was also an ascetic.

After their father died, Supratik went to Vibhasu for a division of the inherited wealth. Vibhasu was upset by this and retorted, “Supratik, only those people who are motivated by their greed and lust for wealth ask for a share. Even after dividing property and wealth, do you think the enmity vanishes? On the contrary, they are surrounded by nefarious people who befriend them for their own selfish and evil designs. They poison the mind of brothers against each other, make them puppets in their own hand, and soon rob them off their wealth and property. Despite my advice, you are still persisting on a division and are paying no heed to the sayings of wise men. So go, I curse that you will be born an elephant in your next birth.”

Supratik furiously replied, “If I will be an elephant in my next birth, then you will be a tortoise.”

And so it was. The brothers are now an elephant and a tortoise, and all because of their rivalry. Even in this birth, these two giant creatures are constantly at war. The elephant is 6 Yojans tall and 12 Yojans wide. The tortoise is 3 Yojans tall and 10 Yojans round. They keep baying for each other’s blood. You go and eat those deadly creatures and get the nectar."

With his father Kashyap’s blessings, Garuda flew to the lake. He seized the elephant and the tortoise with his ginat talons and flew to the sky. Now, he was seeking a place to rest and eat his food. He then saw an area surrounded by beautiful, tall trees. When the trees saw a huge bird-like creature flying overhead, they started trembling in fear. They thought that this creature would surely crush them under its weight. When Garuda saw them getting nervous, he flew off in another direction.

At that time, a huge Banyan tree saw him and called out, “Garuda, come and sit on me. My branches are more than 100 Yojans long. They will surely support you. Come, rest and eat your food.”

Garuda then flew to the tree and sat on the branch. The moment he sat, the branch tore off and started falling down. As the branch was dropping, Garuda saw, to his amazement, that some sages were hanging upside down the branch. He realized that if the branch fell, they would surely die and immediately grabbed it with its beak. The sages were called Valikhya and were deep in tapas.

Now, Garuda started flying around with the sages’ branch in its beak and the elephant and the tortoise in its talons. He could not find any place to sit and kept on flying here and there. During that time, even the mountains started shaking with the wind from his wings. When his father, sage Kashyap, saw Garuda in this poor condition, he said, “Son, steady. Do not be hasty or adventurous. These sages are doing tapas with only the Sun’s rays as their nourishment. If they become angry with you, then they have the power to burn you into ashes.”

Kashyap then prayed to the sages Valikhya, “Holy men, Grauda is on a journey for the benefit of mankind. Please be kind to him.” Valikhya listened to Kashyap’s request. They left the branch and went to the Himalyas for tapas. Garuda then threw the branch and sat on a peak of the Mount Gandhamadan. He was now free to enjoy his meal of the elephant and the tortoise.

Story 9 - Mohini

This story narrates the events that happened after the nectar of immortality came out from the ocean of milk.

When the demons saw that all the gods were getting treasures that had come out of the ocean of milk, a fight ensured among them and they seized the pot of nectar. Seeing them celebrating with the pot of nectar, the gods were worried and they prayed to Lord Vishnu to help them regain it.

Lord Vishnu took the form of a beautiful, divine woman named Mohini. Mohini went to the demons and soon they fell in love with her beauty and charm. The foolish demons did not recognize that she was Lord Vishnu’s form.

Mohini charmed the demons and took the pot of nectar from them, claiming that she will distribute it among gods and demons. Both parties sat in separate queues. Mohini started distributing the nectar among gods.

Now a demon, named Rahu, became suspicious of Mohini's motive. Disguising himself as a god, he sat in the gods' queue and drank some nectar. The nectar had just reached his throat when the Sun god Surya and the Moon god Chandrama spied him. They told Mohini about it.

Before the nectar could pass Rahu’s throat, Mohini cut off his head with her divine discus, Sudarshana Chakra. Rahu’s colossal head was torn off his body and flew to the sky with a roar. His headless body dropped to the earth, whereas the head, due to its contact with the nectar, remained immortal. From that day, Rahu became an enemy of the Sun and the Moon.

After the gods drank nectar, Lord Vishnu left the Mohini form and returned to his original form. When demons saw that they had been deceived, they declared a war against gods.

A terrible battle erupted. It was a total bloodshed. The battle ground was covered with violent war cries to kill, maim, run, and follow. As the terrible battle raged on, Lord Vishnu joined the battleground assuming his two forms, Nar and Narayan.

Nar started cutting demons with his divine bow, while Narayan severed heads of countless demons with his divine discus. The demons were defeated and they ran off the battleground. The victorious gods cheered. They presented the pot of nectar to Lord Nar for safe-keeping and returned to their planets.

Story 8 - Churning the Ocean of Milk

This is the story of how gods and demons churned the ocean of milk to obtain the nectar of immortality.

One day, all gods gathered on the sacred Mount Meru to discuss how to obtain the nectar of immortality from the ocean of milk. Even Lord Narayan and Lord Brahma participated in the discussion.

Lord Narayan said, “Let all the gods and demons come together and churn the ocean of milk. As a result, nectar will be obtained from its depths.”

Under the guidance of Lord Narayan, the gods attempted to pull off Mount Mandaranchal to use it as the churning tool. However, the task turned out to be an impossible one. Mount Mandranchal was 55,000 miles high and 55,000 miles deep inside the earth. When the gods could not even budge the mountain from its position, they prayed to Lord Narayan and Lord Brahma, “Please tell us of a way by which we can dig out Mount Mandaranchal.”

Hearing their prayers, Lord Narayan and Lord Brahma persuaded the king of serpents, Vasuki, to dig up the mountain. Mighty Vasuki soon pulled out the Mandarachal mountain along with the forests and forest-dwellers on it.

The gods then went to the ocean of milk and told him, “We will now churn your waters to get nectar.” The ocean thought for a while and put forth a condition, “If you promise to give me a share of the nectar, then I will easily bear all the pain that will arise when you will churn me.” The gods and demons accepted this condition and asked the tortoise king, Kacchapraj, to support the mountain on his back.

In this way, the gods and the demons started the elaborate exercise of churning the ocean of milk. Mount Mandaranchal became the churning tool while Vasuki became the churning rope. The gods held the tail of the snake, while the demons held the head, and they pulled it alternately causing the mountain to rotate, which in turn churned the ocean. All kinds of herbs from the trees on Mount Mandaranchal flew into the ocean.

A millennium passed. When Lord Brahma saw everyone getting tired, he thought, “Except Lord Narayan, all the gods and demons are exhausted. So much time has passed since we started churning the ocean, but the nectar has not come out.” He requested Lord Vishnu, “My Lord! Please give them strength. You are their only saviour.” Lord Vishnu replied, “I am giving strength to everyone involved in this exercise. Everyone rotate Mount Mandaranchal with full force and churn the ocean.”

As soon as Lord Vishnu said these words, the strength of the gods and demons increased ten-fold and they started churning the ocean with full strength and vigour. Soon, huge waves rose in the ocean and out came Chandrama, the moon. After Chandrama, Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of fortune and wealth and Vishnu’s consort), Goddess Sura (creator of alcohol), Uccahashrava (the divine 7-headed horse), Kaustobhamani (the most valuable jewel in the world worn by Lord Vishnu), Kalpvriksh (the wish-granting tree), and Kamdhenu came out. Lakshmi, Sura, Chandrama, and Uccahashrava went to the gods’ planets.

After a while, Dhanavantri, the heavenly physician emerged with a pot containing the nectar. As soon as he emerged, a fight ensued among demons, claiming “It is mine, it is mine.” Then, a heavenly, four-tooth elephant called Airavat came out, who was immediately claimed by Indra.

When the ocean was churned for quite a while, a vicious poison named Kalkoot erupted. With its fumes, the gods and demons started losing consciousness. Lord Brahma then prayed to Lord Shiva to consume the poison. Lord Shiva kept the poison in his throat. As a result, his throat turned blue and thus he came to be known as “Neelkantha.”