Sarpa Satra

Snakesacrifice

Sarpa Satra is a significant event in Hindu mythology and is prominently mentioned in the Mahabharata. It is a grand yajna (sacrificial ritual) performed by Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit and the grandson of the Pandava prince Arjuna. The Sarpa Satra was conducted to avenge the death of Janamejaya's father, Parikshit, who was killed by the serpent king Takshaka.

Background

The Sarpa Satra was initiated by Janamejaya after he learned about the circumstances of his father's death. Parikshit had been cursed by a sage's son to die of snakebite, and Takshaka, the king of serpents, fulfilled this curse. In his grief and anger, Janamejaya decided to exterminate all serpents from the world.

The Ritual

The Sarpa Satra was conducted with the help of learned priests and sages. The ritual involved chanting powerful mantras and offering oblations into the sacred fire. The mantras were so potent that they began to draw all serpents into the sacrificial fire. Many serpents perished in the flames, and the ritual caused great turmoil in the serpent world.

Intervention of Astika

The Sarpa Satra was eventually halted by the intervention of Astika, a wise and learned sage. Astika was the son of the serpent goddess Manasa and the sage Jaratkaru. He approached Janamejaya and pleaded for the cessation of the ritual. Astika's eloquence and wisdom impressed Janamejaya, and he agreed to stop the Sarpa Satra, thus sparing the remaining serpents.

Significance

The Sarpa Satra is significant in Hindu mythology as it highlights themes of revenge, forgiveness, and the power of wisdom and compassion. It also underscores the importance of yajna in Vedic traditions and the belief in the efficacy of mantras and rituals.

In Literature

The story of the Sarpa Satra is detailed in the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata. It is one of the many stories that illustrate the complex interplay of fate, divine intervention, and human actions in Hindu mythology.

See Also

• Mahabharata
• Janamejaya
• Parikshit
• Takshaka
• Astika
• Yajna
• Manasa