Chapter 11
“Sauti continued ‘The Dundubha then said, ‘In former times, I had afriend Khagama by name.
Chapter 12
“Sauti continued, ‘Ruru then asked, ‘O best of Dwijas, why was kingJanamejaya bent upon destroying the serpents?–And why and how were theysaved by the wise Astika? I am anxious to hear all this in detail.’
Chapter 13
“Saunaka said, ‘For what reason did that tiger among kings, the royalJanamejaya, determine to take the lives of the snakes by means of asacrifice? O Sauti, tell us in full the true story. Tell us also whyAstika, that best of regenerate ones, that foremost of ascetics, rescuedthe snakes from the blazing fire. Whose son was that monarch whocelebrated the snake-sacrifice? And whose son also was that best ofregenerate ones?’
Chapter 14
“Sauti said, ‘That Brahmana of rigid vows then wandered over the earthfor a wife but a wife found he not. One day he went into the forest, andrecollecting the words of his ancestors, he thrice prayed in a faintvoice for a bride.
Chapter 15
“Sauti said, ‘O foremost of persons acquainted with Brahma, the mother ofthe snakes had cursed them of old, saying, ‘He that hath the Wind for hischarioteer (viz., Agni) shall burn you all in Janamejaya’s sacrifice!’ Itwas to neutralise that curse that the chief of the snakes married hissister to that high-souled Rishi of excellent vows.
Chapter 16
“Saunaka said, ‘O Sauti, relate once more in detail this history of thelearned and virtuous Astika. Our curiosity for hearing it is great. Oamiable one, thou speakest sweetly, with proper accent and emphasis; andwe are well-pleased with thy speech. Thou speakest even as thy father.Thy sire was ever ready to please us. Tell us now the story as thy fatherhad related it.’
Chapter 17
“Sauti said, ‘O ascetic, about this time the two sisters saw approachingnear, that steed of complacent appearance named Uchchaihsravas who wasworshipped by the gods, that gem of steeds, who arose at the churning ofthe Ocean for nectar. Divine, graceful, perpetually young, creation’smaster-piece, and of irresistible vigour, it was blest with everyauspicious mark.’
Chapter 18
“Sauti said, ‘There is a mountain called Mandara adorned with cloud-likepeaks. It is the best of mountains, and is covered all over withintertwining herbs.
Chapter 19
“Sauti said, ‘Then the Daityas and the Danauas equipped with first-classarmours and various weapons attacked the gods. In the meantime thevaliant Lord Vishnu in the form of an enchantress accompanied by Naradeceived the mighty Danavas and took away the Amrita from their hands.
Chapter 20
“Sauti said, ‘Thus have I recited to you the whole story of how Amritawas churned out of the Ocean, and the occasion on which the horseUchchaihsravas of great beauty and incomparable prowess was obtained.