Maharishi Astika

Other names: Āstika. Son of the sage Jaratkaru and the serpent-woman Jaratkaru/Manasa, sister of Vasuki. He is famous for stopping King Janamejaya’s Sarpa Satra, thereby saving the Nagas from destruction and fulfilling the purpose of his birth.

“Sauti said, ‘O foremost of persons acquainted with Brahma, the mother of the snakes had cursed them of old, saying, ‘He that hath the Wind for his charioteer (viz., Agni) shall burn you all in Janamejaya’s sacrifice!’ It was to neutralise that curse that the chief of the snakes married his sister to that highsouled Rishi of excellent vows. The Rishi wedded her according to the rites ordained, and from them was born a high-souled son called Astika” – The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Astika Parva: Section XV
“’The Ritwiks said, ‘O monarch, behold, Takshaka is soon coming under thy control! His terrible cries, and loud roar is being heard. Assuredly, the snake hath been forsaken by the wielder of thunder. His body being disabled by your mantras, he is falling from heaven. Even now, rolling in the skies, and deprived of consciousness, the prince of snakes cometh, breathing loudly.’ ‘Sauti continued, ‘While Takshaka, the prince of snakes was about to fall into the sacrificial fire, during those few moments Astika spoke as follows, ‘O Janamejaya, if thou wouldst grant me a boon, let this sacrifice of thine come to an end and let no more snakes fall into the fire.’” – The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Astika Parva: Section LVI