Learn about the awesome history of India in the form of interlinked stories. Stories from epics like Mahabharata, Ramayana, Gilgamesh and others will be added.
Adi Parva / Ancient India / Astika Parva
Tale of King Parikshit: The Curse of Sage Sringin
October 31, 2024
Adi Parva / Ancient India / Astika Parva / Mahabharata
Garuda’s Journey for Amrita: The Quest to Free Vinata
October 7, 2024
Adi Parva / Ancient India / Anukramanika Parva / Mahabharata
Creationism in Hinduism: Ugrasrava Sauti’s Divine Narration
November 19, 2022
Adi Parva / Ancient India / Astika Parva / Mahabharata
The Curse of Kadru and slavery of Vinata
October 6, 2024
The Astika Parva is a significant sub-section within the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata. It narrates the story of Astika, a wise and devout sage, who intervenes to save the Naga (serpent) race from destruction. The parva unfolds during the snake sacrifice (Sarpa Satra) organized by King Janamejaya, a descendant of the Pandavas, to avenge his father Parikshit’s death caused by the serpent king Takshaka.
As the sacrifice progresses and countless serpents perish, the sage Astika approaches Janamejaya and, through his wisdom and humility, persuades the king to halt the sacrifice, thereby saving the remaining serpents, including Takshaka. This story reflects themes of forgiveness, wisdom, and the power of righteous intervention.
The Astika Parva also serves as a symbolic tale about the reconciliation between opposing forces, marking an important event in both human and celestial affairs within the Mahabharata. It highlights the deeper theme of balance in the universe, which resonates throughout the epic.
King Parikshit, a valiant ruler of Hastinapur, unknowingly set the stage for his own doom when a moment of frustration led to a sage’s curse. This ancient Indian tale recounts his final days, Takshaka’s cunning, and the rise of his successor, Janamejaya, in a narrative of repentance, power, and fate.
In ancient Indian mythology, Kadru’s curse left her snake sons in despair. Shesha sought redemption through penance, while Vasuki gathered his brothers to devise a solution. Guided by Lord Brahma, the brothers faced fate head-on, with Rishi Jaratkaru and his son Astika offering hope for their salvation.
Garuda, determined to free his mother Vinata from the slavery of the Nagas, set his mind on retrieving the Amrita, the nectar of immortality, as demanded by the Nagas. His love and devotion for his mother were unshakable, and he...
Explore the curse of Kadru, the wager between Vinata and Kadru, and the birth of powerful Garuda in this captivating tale from ancient Indian mythology.
The battle for Amrita, the nectar of immortality, unfolds in the epic tale of Samudra Manthan. Discover how asuras and asuras clashed, revealing celestial treasures and securing eternal life.
Astika, a legendary sage from the Mahabharata, is revered for his role in stopping the snake sacrifice led by King Janamejaya. Born to the sage Jaratkaru and the serpent king’s sister, Astika’s wisdom and eloquence saved countless serpents from a fiery end, fulfilling both his divine destiny and his father’s promise to their ancestors. Discover the fascinating story of how Astika changed the course of history with his bravery and intellect.