By Soota after narrating the prime driver of the Snake Sacrifice conducted by King Janamejaya awaits for the arrival of Rishi Shaunaka.
SRIMAD MAHABHARATA – AADI PARVA – PAULOMA (UPA) PARVA – PART 4 – RISHIS WAIT FOR SHAUNAKA
“Ugrashrava Soota, the son of Lomaharshana, versed in the Puraanaas, while present in the forest of Naimisha (Naimishaaranya in Sanskrit), at the twelve years’ Satra of (Rishi) Shaunaka also known as Kulapati, stood before the Rishis in audience. Having studied Puraanaas with great devotion and thus being thoroughly familiar with them, he (Soota) addressed them with joined hands thus, ‘I have graphically described to you the history of Uttanka which is one of the causes of King Janamejaya’s Sarpa Satra. O respectful Sirs, what do you wish to hear now? What shall I narrate to you?’
“The Rishis replied, ‘O son of Lomaharshana (Soota), we shall ask you about what we are anxious to hear and you will narrate the tales one by one. Our respectful master, (Rishi) Shaunaka, is at present attending the apartment of the holy Agni. He is familiar with those divine stories which relate to Devas and Asuras. He adequately knows the histories of men, Naagaas and Gandharvas. O Soota, further in this yagna that learned Dwijaa (Rishi Shaunaka) (Dwija means twice-born, while the first-birth is natural, the second birth occurs upon the realisation of the Supreme Soul) is the chief. He is capable, faithful to his vows (Vrata in Sanskrit), wise, a master of Shaastraas and the Aaranyaka, a speaker of truth, a lover of peace, a person who controls the flesh (senses), and an observer of Tapas according to the authoritative Vedas. He is respected by us all. It is your responsibility for us therefore to wait for him. When he is seated on his highly respected seat, you will answer what that best of Dwijaas (Rishi Shaunaka) shall ask of you.’
“Soota said, ‘Be it so. When the Guru (Rishi Shaunaka) has been seated I shall narrate, questioned by him, sacred stories on a variety of subjects.’
“After a while that excellent Brahmana (Rishi Shaunaka) having duly finished all his duties, and having satisfied Devas with prayers and Pitrus (ancestors) with oblations (Tarpana in Sanskrit) of water, came back to the place of yagna, where with Soota seated before was the assembly of Rishis of rigid vows (Vrata in Sanskrit) sitting at ease. When (Rishi) Shaunaka was seated in the middle of the Ritwiks and Sadhasyaas, who were also in their seats, he (Rishi Shaunaka) spoke as follows.”
