Section XV - Astika Parva: The Story of Astika Saving the Snakes
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XV including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
The mother of the snakes cursed them to be burned in a sacrifice by Agni. To counteract this, the chief of the snakes married his sister to the high-souled Rishi, resulting in the birth of Astika. Astika later saved his relatives from being burnt in a Snake-sacrifice through his austerities and virtuous actions, ultimately freeing himself from his debts and helping his fathers attain heaven.
Astika's father, Jaratkaru, performed various rituals and sacrifices to repay his debts to his ancestors, eventually ascending to heaven. Astika continued his virtuous ways and deeds, finally ensuring his father's liberation and acquiring great religious merit. This story of Astika's sacrifices and devotion showcases the importance of fulfilling one's duties and honoring one's ancestors, ultimately leading to spiritual liberation and rewards in the afterlife.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section XV - Astika Parva: The Story of Astika Saving the Snakes, have a look at the following articles:
Section XV, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section XV:
Who was Astika and how did he save the snakes from a fiery death?
Astika was born to a chief of snakes and a Rishi's sister. He saved the snakes by stopping a sacrificial fire meant for their destruction.
How did Jaratkaru, Astika's father, attain salvation and what did Astika achieve in the end?
Jaratkaru paid off his debts to his ancestors through his son Astika's actions. Astika, through his austerities and sacrifices, gained great religious merit.
Daily life: Astika Parva: The Story of Astika Saving the Snakes:
The story of Astika from the Mahabharata teaches important life lessons about fulfilling one's duties, respecting family bonds, and the power of persistence and wisdom. It demonstrates how Astika, through his knowledge, austerities, and dedication, managed to save his family and fulfill his responsibilities towards his ancestors and the gods. He shows us the importance of respecting and upholding our family's honor and well-being, even in the face of great challenges.
From Astika's example, we learn the significance of education and wisdom in solving problems and overcoming obstacles. His story also highlights the value of bravery and the commitment to one’s goals. In daily life, Astika’s tale encourages us to persevere through adversities, honor our commitments to family and society, and use knowledge and wisdom to navigate through life's challenges. It reminds us that fulfilling our duties with dedication can lead to achieving our highest potentials and earning respect and merit.