Souti said: -
1. The Brahmana of hard austerities (Jaratkaru) roamed over the world for a wife, but wife he did not get.
2. One day he went into the forest, and remembering the words of his ancestors, he thrice begged for a bride in a faint voice.
3. Thereupon, Vasuki appeared and offered his sister for the Rishi’s acceptance. But the Rishi hesitated to accept her, thinking her to be not of the same name with himself.
4. The high-souled Jaratkaru thought within himself, “I will take none for my wife who does not bear my name.”
5. Then Jaratkaru, the great ascetic of rigid austerities, said, “O snake, tell me truly what is the name of your sister?”
Vasuki said: -
6. O Jaratkaru, my sister’s name is also Jaratkaru. Given as a gift by me, accept this girl of slender waist for your wife. O best of the twice born, I had kept her in reserve for you. Therefore, take her.
7. Saying this he offered his beautiful sister to Jaratkaru, who then married her according to the ordained rites.
Thus ends the fourteenth chapter, Astika, in the Adi Parva.