Shloka 27
Vyāsa’s Arrival at Janamejaya’s Sarpasatra; Commissioning of Vaiśaṃpāyana’s Recital (व्यासागमनम्)
जनमेजयस्य त॑ यज्ञ सर्वे: समुदितं गुणै: । मोक्षाय भुजगेन्द्राणामास्तीको द्विजसत्तम:
janamejayasya taṁ yajñaṁ sarvaiḥ samuditaṁ guṇaiḥ | mokṣāya bhujagendrāṇām āstīko dvijasattamaḥ ||
புஜகேந்திரர்களின் மோட்சத்திற்காக, பிராமணர்களில் சிறந்த ஆஸ்தீகன், எல்லா உயர்ந்த குணங்களும் நிறைந்த ஜனமேஜயனின் யாகத்திற்குச் சென்றான்.
आस्तीक उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a grand ritual, though praised for its ‘excellent qualities,’ must be guided by compassion and restraint; Āstīka’s purpose is deliverance (mokṣa) and protection of beings endangered by a vengeful rite.
Āstīka, described as the foremost Brahmin, goes to King Janamejaya’s ongoing serpent-sacrifice with the aim of securing the release of the nāga chiefs, setting up his role as the intercessor who will halt the destruction of the serpents.