Maharaja Janamejaya's Snake Sacrifice

After the death of Maharaja Parikshit by the bite of Takshaka, his son Janamejaya decided to kill all the snakes of the world. He called upon many learned priests and began the sacrifice. However, according to omens visible while preparing for the sacrifice, Janamejaya was informed that the sacrifice would not be completed

The snakes had been previously cursed to die by their mother Kadru due to their disobedience to her. Lord Brahma had also sanctioned Kadru's curse, but given an allowance that only the evil snakes would be killed, while the good ones would be spared by their nephew.

Vasuki, the king of snakes, had a sister by the name Jaratkaru. She obtained a son, Astika, by the sage of the same name as her, Jaratkaru.

Astika went to the sacrifice of Maharaja Janamejaya and propitiated him to stop it. This happened just before Takshaka was about to fall in the sacrificial fire, so he was spared.