Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/139

Rh The Sadasyas.--"A Brahmana, though a boy, deserves the respect of kings. The learned ones does more so. This boy deserves every desire of his being fulfilled by thee, but not before Takshaka comes with speed I"

Sauti continued, "The king, being inclined to grant the Brahmana a boon, said, 'Ask thou a boon. The Hotri, however, being rather displeased, said.-'Takshaka hath not come as yet into this sacrifice."

Janamejaya replied, "Exert ye to the best of your might, so that this sacrifice of mine may attain completion, and Taksha ka also may soon come here! He is my enemy.

The Ritwikas replied, 'As the scripture declare unto us, and as the fire also saith, O monarch, (it seems that) Takshaka is now staying in the abode of Indra, afflicted with fear 1"

Sauti continued, -- "The illustrious Suta named Lohitaksha also, conversant with the Puranas, had said so before."

Asked by the king on the present occasion he again told the monarch, -'Sire, 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 with me in concealment, and Agni shall not burn thee 1-"

Sauti continued, "Hearing this, the king installed in the sacrifice became very sorry and urged the Hotri to do his duty. And as the Hotri, with mantras, began to pour clarified butter into the fire Indra himself appeared on the scene. And the illustrious one came in his car, adorned 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 bimself in the upper garment of Indra and was not visible. Then the king in his anger again said unto his mantra-knowing Brahmanas these words, bent upon the destruction of Takshaka :-'If the snake Takshaka be in the abode of Indra, cast him into the fire with Indra himself r" |

Sauti continued, -"Urged thus by the king Janamejaya about Takshaka, the Hotri poured libations, naming that snake then staying there. And even as the libations were poured into, Takshaka, with Purandara himself, anxious and afflicted, became visible in a moment in the skies. Then Purandara, seeing that sacrifice. became much alarmed, and quickly casting Takshaka off, went back to his own abode. After Indra had gone away, Takshaka, the prince of snakes, insensible with fear, was, by virtue of the mantras, brought near enough the flames of the sacrifcial fire."

The Ritwikas then said, "O king of kings, the sacrifice of thine is being performed duly. It behoveth thee, O Lord, to grant a boon now. to this first of Brahmapas !"

Jana mejaya then said, "Thou immeasurable one of such handsome