Kadru and the Snakes

The responsibility of countering Kadru's curse now came to Vasuki. He called a council of all his brothers to discuss the problem. Several suggestions were voiced. One suggested that they should assume the form of a Brahmin more learned than Utanka and advise Janmajeya to abort his intention of performing the sacrifice. Another argued that assuming the form of his ministers would be better. Yet another suggested that one of them should bite Utanka so that the poison kills him and he cannot perform the sacrifice. "Why not bite the king himself?" a fourth ventured. Vasuki did not agree with them. "We cannot counter this curse with evil," he said. "Let us consult our father, the sage Kashyap."

A snake named Elapatra then spoke. "I have overheard a conversation between Brahma and some demi-Gods, who were questioning the wisdom of our mother's curse. Brahma told them that the race of snakes had multiplied beyond control. Also many of the snakes were a menace to humankind and needed to be exterminated. Therefore he had not intervened in Kadru's curse. The demi-Gods questioned further. But there are many species of snakes that do not cause anyone any harm they informed Brahma. Why should these species be destroyed they wanted to know. Brahma told them that he was aware of this. He had taken steps to ensure that the good snakes would be saved. The man who would be the instrument in this would be shortly born to a sage named Jaratkaru. The demi-Gods were aghast. Jaratkaru was an avowed bachelor. Brahma read their thoughts and asked them to wait and watch the events unfold."

Vasuki ended the meeting. "Those of you who want to be saved better change your ways," he cautioned his brothers. After the snakes had dispersed Elapatra took Vasuki aside. "Brahma had mentioned that you will play an important role in the coming drama."

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