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Names of the Rishis, Priests, and the Ritwika Who Participated in the Snake Sacrifice

Typical sacrificial space used in Vedic yajnas with officiants

Table of Contents (The Complete Mahabharata in Simple English)

Previous Post: The Snake Sacrifice Begins

Note: In the previous post, we read about how various virulent snakes were pulled into the sacrificial fire as the Ritwika chanted mantras while taking their names.

In this post, we will find out the names of the priests who participated in the yagna. This information was given by Ugrasrava Sauti in response to a question by Saunaka Kulapati (the ascetic in Naimisha Forest). The ascetic asked this question because he wanted to know the names of the priests who knew how to perform this particular ritual.

A brahmin called Chandrabhargava was the hotri (a rishi who is an expert of the Rig Veda) of the sacrifice. He was a reputed brahmin, well acquainted with the Vedas and a descendant of Rishi Chyavana.

A learned old Brahmin called Kautsa was the Udgatri (the person who chants the Vedic hymns and an expert of the Sama Veda) of the sacrifice.

Jaimini was the Brahmana (an expert of the Atharva Veda), while Sarngava and Pingala were the Adhvaryus (an expert of the Yajur Veda).

The sacrifice had several Sadasyas such as Vyasa, his son’s and disciples, Uddalaka, Pramataka, Swetaketu, Pingala, Asita, Devala, Narada, Parvata, Atreya, Kundajathara, Kalaghata, Vatsya, Srutaravas, Kohala Devasarman, Maudgalya, Samasaurava, and many other Brahmins who were learned in the Vedas.

Note: In the next post, we’ll read about Takshaka seeking Indra’s protection from the danger of the snake sacrifice.

Table of Contents (The Complete Mahabharata in Simple English)

Next Post: Takshaka Seeks Indra’s Protection

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Names of the Principal Snakes Involved in the Tryst With Garuda

Image of Saw-Scaled Viper by Shantanu Kuveskar , shared in the public domain.

Table of Contents (The Complete Mahabharata in Simple English)

Previous Post: Garuda Frees His Mother From Slavery

Note: In the previous post, we read about how Garuda freed his mother from slavery without allowing the snakes to drink the amrit.

In this post, we will find out the names of the principal snakes involved in the adventure with Garuda. You will undoubtedly recognise some of them, while others may be unfamiliar. But I’m sure you will enjoy reading the names you are already familiar with and also enjoy getting acquainted with more names.

As you will recall, the Mahabharata was narrated by Ugrasrava Sauti to the ascetics in Naimisha Forest headed by Saunaka Kulapati. After hearing Garuda’s story, Saunaka Kulapati said, “O Sauti, you have told us why the snakes were cursed by Kadru, you have told us why Vinata was cursed by her elder son, and you have told us about Sage Kasyapa’s boons to Kadru and Vinata. You have also told us the names of Vinata’s two sons, however, you have not told us the names of Kadru’s sons. We are eager to learn the names of the principal snakes.”

Sauti replied, “O great one whose wealth is asceticism, I’m afraid the list of the snakes is very long. I will tell you the names of the chief snakes.”

Sauti told the ascetics the following names:

  1. Shesha was the first snake to be born.
  2. The second snake was Vasuki.
  3. The snakes born after Vasuki were, Airavata
  4. Takshaka
  5. Karkotaka
  6. Dhananjaya
  7. Kalakeya
  8. Mani
  9. Purana
  10. Pinjaraka
  11. Elapatra
  12. Vamana
  13. Nila
  14. Anila
  15. Kalmasha
  16. Savala
  17. Aryaka
  18. Ugra
  19. Kalasapotaka
  20. Suramukha
  21. Dadhimukha
  22. Vimalapindaka
  23. Apta
  24. Karotaka
  25. Samkha
  26. Valisikha
  27. Nisthanaka
  28. Hemaguha
  29. Nahusha
  30. Pingala
  31. Vahyakarna
  32. Hastipada
  33. Mudgarapindaka
  34. Kamvala
  35. Aswatara
  36. Kaliyaka
  37. Vritta
  38. Samvartaka
  39. Padma
  40. Mahapadma
  41. Sankhamukha
  42. Kushmandaka
  43. Kshemaka
  44. Pindaraka
  45. Karavira
  46. Pushpadanshtraka
  47. Vilwaka
  48. Vilwapandara
  49. Mushikada
  50. Sankhasiras
  51. Purnabhadra
  52. Haridraka
  53. Aparajita
  54. Jyotika
  55. Srivaha
  56. Kauravya
  57. Dhritarashtra
  58. Sankhapinda
  59. Virajas
  60. Suvahu
  61. Salipinda
  62. Prabhakara
  63. Hastipinda
  64. Pitharaka
  65. Sumuksha
  66. Kaunapashana
  67. Kuthara
  68. Kunjara
  69. Kumuda
  70. Kumudaksha
  71. Tittri
  72. Halika
  73. Kardama
  74. Vahumulaka
  75. Karkara
  76. Akarkara
  77. Kundodara
  78. and Mahodara.

After naming the chief serpents, Sauti said, “O best of ascetics, I am not naming the other snakes because it will be very tedious for you to hear so many names. All the snakes including the sons and grandsons of Kadru’s children are innumerable. There are millions of snakes in this world.”

Note: In the next post, we will find out how Kadru’s eldest son, Shesha, came to support the earth on his hood. As you will soon read, the description of Shesha supporting earth is uncannily similar to the earth’s axis. 

Table of Contents (The Complete Mahabharata in Simple English)

Next Post: Shesha Naga Performs Ascetic Penances to Get Away From His Siblings

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