The Mahabharata/Book 1: Adi Parva/Section 14
Section XIV. *( Astika Parva continued. )*
Section XIV. ( Astika Parva continued. )
Sauti said, "That Brahmana of rigid vows then began to search for a wife, but found he none. One day he went into the forest, and recollecting the words of his ancestors, in a faint voice thrice begged for a bride. Thereupon rose before the Brahmana, Vasuki with his sister and offered for the former's acceptance the hand of the fair one. But the Dwija hesitated to accept her, thinking her not of the self-same name with himself. The great Jaratkaru thought within himself, 'I will take none save one who is my namesake.' Then the wise Jaratkaru of austere devotions asked the Snake, 'tell me truly, what is the name of this thy sister?'
"Vasuki replied, 'O Jaratkaru, the name of this my younger sister is Jaratkaru. Pray, accept this slender-waisted one for thy spouse. O best of Dwijas, it was to unite her with thee that I have brought her up. Therefore do thou take her!' Saying this he offered his beautiful sister to Jaratkaru who then espoused her with ordained rites."
So ends the fourteenth Section in the Astika of the Adi Parva.
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