Rishi Astika was an ancient sage in Hinduism. Stories about him can be seen in Hindu epic Mahabharata. Astika was the son of serpent goddess named Manasa and sage Jaratkaru. His mother was the sister of Shiva's snake Vasuki.
Sage Astika once saved the life of Takshaka, the king of snakes. King Janamejaya once organized a snake sacrifice known as Sarpa Satra to kill all living serpents. The king did this yagna to avenge for the death of his father Parikshit due to the bite of Snake Takshaka. Finally, he induced and succeeded upon the king to end his persecution of the serpent race.
Ultimately, Janamejaya had to listen to the words of the learned Astika and he set Takshaka free. This happened on the month of Shravan on Shukla Paksha Panchami. Ever since this day is celebrated as Nag Panchami festival.
Sage Astika once saved the life of Takshaka, the king of snakes. King Janamejaya once organized a snake sacrifice known as Sarpa Satra to kill all living serpents. The king did this yagna to avenge for the death of his father Parikshit due to the bite of Snake Takshaka. Finally, he induced and succeeded upon the king to end his persecution of the serpent race.
Ultimately, Janamejaya had to listen to the words of the learned Astika and he set Takshaka free. This happened on the month of Shravan on Shukla Paksha Panchami. Ever since this day is celebrated as Nag Panchami festival.
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