Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/189

Rh ever, being rather displeased, said; 'Takshaka hath not come as yet into this sacrifice.'

"And Janamejaya replied, 'Exert ye to the height of your power so that this sacrifice of mine may attain to completion, and so that Takshaka also may soon come here. He is my enemy.'

"And the Ritwijas replied, 'As the Shastras declare unto us, and as the fire also saith, O monarch, Takshaka is now staying in the abode of Indra, afflicted with fear.

Sauti continued, "The illustrious Suta Lohitaksha also, conversant with the Puranas, had said so before. Asked by the king on the present occasion, he again told the monarch, 'Sir, it is even so as the Brahmanas have said. Knowing the Puranas, I say, O monarch, that Indra hath granted him this boon, saying,—Dwell thou with me in concealment, and Agni shall not burn thee.—

Sauti continued, "Hearing this, the king installed in the sacrifice became very sorry and urged the Hota to do his duty. And as the Hota, with mantras, began to pour clarified butter into the fire, Indra himself appeared on the scene. And the illustrious one came on his car (in the sky) adored by all the gods standing around, followed by masses of clouds, celestial singers, and the several tribes of celestial dancing-girls. And Takshaka, anxious with fear, hid himself in the upper garment of Indra and came not. And the king in anger again told his mantra-knowing Brahmanas these words, desirous of the destruction of Takshaka:—'If that snake Takshaka be in the abode of Indra, cast him into the fire with Indra himself.

Sauti continued, "Urged by king Janamejaya in reference to Takshaka, the Hota poured libations in the name of Takshaka then staying there. And as the libations were poured, Takshaka, with Purandara himself, anxious and afflicted, became visible in a moment in the skies. And Purandara seeing that sacrifice became much alarmed. And quickly casting Takshaka off, he wended back to his own abode. And when Indra had gone away, Takshaka the prince of snakes, insensible with fear, was, by virtue of the mantras, brought to the vicinage of the flames of the sacrificial fire.