The weal of our race depends upon
it.'"
SECTION XL
(Astika Parva continued)
"Saunaka said, 'O son of Suta, I desire to know the reason why the
illustrious Rishi whom thou hast named Jaratkaru came to be so called on
earth. It behoveth thee to tell us the etymology of the name Jaratkaru.'
"Sauti said, 'Jara is said to mean waste, and Karu implies huge. This
Rishi's body had been huge, and he gradually reduced it by severe ascetic
penances. For the same reason, O Brahmanas, the sister of Vasuki was
called Jaratkaru.'
The virtuous Saunaka, when he heard this, smiled and addressing Ugrasravas
said, 'It is even so.'
Saunaka then said, 'I have heard all that thou hast before recited. I
desire to know how Astika was born.'
Sauti, on hearing these words, began to relate according to what was
written in the Sastras.
"Sauti said, 'Vasuki, desirous of bestowing his sister upon the Rishi
Jaratkaru, gave the snakes (necessary) orders. But days went on, yet that
wise Muni of rigid vows, deeply engaged in ascetic devotions, did not seek
for a wife. That high-souled Rishi, engaged in studies and deeply devoted
to asceticism, his vital seed under full control, fearlessly wandered over
the whole earth and had no wish for a wife.
"Afterwards, once upon a time, there was a king, O Brahmana, of the name
of Parikshit, born in the race of the Kauravas. And, like his great-
grandfather Pandu of old, he was of mighty arms, the first of all bearers
of bows in battle, and fond of hunting.
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