The Story of Jaratkaru and His Son Astika – Part 1
📚 Table of Contents
1. Meaning of the Name Jaratkaru
Saunaka said, “O son of Suta, I desire to know the reason why the illustrious Rishi whom you have named Jaratkaru came to be so called on earth. It behooves you to explain the etymology of the name Jaratkaru.”
Sauti replied, “The word ‘Jara’ means decay or wasting, and ‘Karu’ implies huge. This Rishi’s body had once been large, but he gradually reduced it through severe ascetic penances. For this reason, O Brahmanas, the sister of Vasuki was also named Jaratkaru.”
Hearing this, the virtuous Saunaka smiled and said to Ugrasravas, “It is indeed so.”
2. Inquiry About the Birth of Astika
Saunaka then said, “I have heard all that you have previously recited. Now I wish to know how Astika was born.”
Hearing these words, Sauti began to narrate according to what is written in the sacred scriptures.
3. Life of Sage Jaratkaru
Sauti said, “Vasuki, desiring to bestow his sister upon the Rishi Jaratkaru, gave the necessary orders to the snakes. However, days passed, and that wise Muni, engaged deeply in ascetic practices and observing strict vows, did not seek a wife.
That high-souled Rishi, devoted to study and austerities, with his senses fully controlled, wandered fearlessly over the entire earth, having no desire for marriage.
4. Introduction of King Parikshit
Afterwards, O Brahmana, there once lived a king named Parikshit, born in the race of the Kauravas. Like his great-grandfather Pandu, he was mighty-armed, the foremost among archers in battle, and fond of hunting.
The king roamed about hunting deer, wild boars, wolves, buffaloes, and various other wild animals. One day, after piercing a deer with a sharp arrow and slinging his bow upon his back, he entered a deep forest in search of the animal.
That deer, although wounded, fled swiftly and led the king far into the forest. Fatigued and thirsty, the king came upon a Muni seated in a cow-pen, drinking the froth from the mouths of calves.
Approaching him hastily, the king said, “O Brahmana, I am King Parikshit, son of Abhimanyu. I have lost a deer I wounded. Have you seen it?”
But the Muni was observing a vow of silence and did not reply. Angered by this, the king placed a dead snake upon the Muni’s shoulder using the tip of his bow.
The Muni did not protest or utter a word. Seeing this, the king later repented and returned to his capital, while the sage remained silent and composed. The forgiving Muni did not curse the king, knowing him to be righteous, though insulted.
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