Shloka 12
सर्पसत्रे ऋत्विजः सदस्याश्च — Officiants and Assembly at Janamejaya’s Serpent-Sacrifice
न संतापस्त्वया कार्य: कार्य प्रति भुजड़मे । उत्पत्स्यति च ते पुत्रो ज्वलनार्कसमप्रभ:,राजन! उन्होंने पहले कभी विनोदमें भी झूठी बात कही हो, यह मुझे स्मरण नहीं है। फिर इस संकटके समय तो वे झूठ बोलेंगे ही क्यों? भैया! मेरे पति तपस्याके धनी हैं। उन्होंने जाते समय मुझसे यह कहा--“नागकन्ये! तुम अपनी कार्य-सिद्धिके सम्बन्धमें कोई चिन्ता न करना। तुम्हारे गर्भसे अग्नि और सूर्यके समान तेजस्वी पुत्र उत्पन्न होगा।” इतना कहकर वे तपोवनमें चले गये। अतः भैया! तुम्हारे मनमें जो महान् दुःख है, वह दूर हो जाना चाहिये
na santāpas tvayā kāryaḥ kāryaṃ prati bhujaṅgame | utpatsyati ca te putro jvalanārka-samaprabhaḥ ||
Takṣaka said: “You should not give way to grief, O serpent. With regard to the matter at hand, do not be anxious. A son will be born to you, radiant like fire and the sun.” In context, the speaker urges steadiness and trust in a truthful ascetic’s word: even in crisis, one should not assume falsehood from those known for integrity, and one should meet distress with patience grounded in dharma and confidence in promised outcomes.
तक्षक उवाच
Educational Q&A
Do not be consumed by sorrow in a crisis; rely on the proven truthfulness of the righteous and maintain composure, trusting that dharmic effort and truthful assurances will bear fruit.
Takṣaka addresses a serpent woman (bhujaṅgī/bhujaṅgame), consoling her about an urgent concern and predicting the birth of her son, who will be brilliant like fire and the sun—meant to remove despair and strengthen resolve.