Shloka 13
Āstīka Stops the Sarpa-satra; Royal Closure and Protective Phalaśruti (आस्तीकः सर्पसत्रनिवर्तनम्)
पततां चैव नागानां धिषछितानां तथाम्बरे । अश्रूयतानिशं शब्द: पच्यतां चाग्निना भृशम्,जो आगमें पड़ रहे थे, जो आकाशगमें ठहरे हुए थे और जो जलती हुई आगकी ज्वालामें पक रहे थे, उन सभी सर्पोका करुण क्रन्दन निरन्तर जोर-जोरसे सुनायी पड़ता था
patatāṃ caiva nāgānāṃ dhiṣṭhitānāṃ tathāmbare | aśrūyatāniśaṃ śabdaḥ pacyatāṃ cāgninā bhṛśam ||
قال شَوْنَكَة: «ومن الحيّات—الساقطةِ منها، والمعلَّقةِ في الهواء، والمُحترقةِ بشدةٍ كأنها تُطبَخ بالنار—سُمِعَ بلا انقطاع صراخٌ عالٍ مُفجِع.»
शौनक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds the moral weight of mass violence: even when sanctioned by ritual or vengeance, the suffering of living beings is palpable and continuous, inviting reflection on restraint, compassion, and the limits of retributive action.
During the snake-sacrifice (sarpasatra), nāgas are being drawn toward the sacrificial fire—some falling, some suspended in the air—while their incessant, anguished cries are heard as they are burned.