Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c4.1413

c4.1413

Janamejaya performed all the obsequies of his father. After that, in a spirit of revenge, with the object of annihilating the whole race of serpents, he summoned Brāhmaṇas to conduct a sarpa satra (snake sacrifice). In the sacrificial fire specially prepared at that yāga, many serpents were being burnt up. It seemed that the whole race of serpents would shortly be wiped out. But Takṣaka alone was not to be seen. The officiating priests were beginning to get angry. Impatient cries of Where is Takṣaka rent the air. The frightened Takṣaka fled to the palace of his friend Indra and there lay down, curling round Indra's cot. When the priests understood this they decided to use their charms and mantras which would bring Indra, his bed, cot and all, along with Takṣaka to the sacrificial fire.