Shaunaka said: ‘O Suta, tell again this tale in full detail — for the wish to hear of the wise, righteous Astika is supreme for us. Sweetly, in soft and graceful words you speak, dear one; we rejoice greatly, beloved, as you tell us this like a father. For your father, too, was ever devoted to serving us; as he related this tale, so tell it now yourself.’ Suta said: ‘I shall tell you this life-giving tale of Astika, just as I heard it told by my father. Once, in the age of the gods, O brahmin, there lived two auspicious, wondrous, faultless sisters of divine beauty — daughters of Prajapati. They were the wives of Kashyapa — Kadru and Vinata; and the pleased lord, equal to Prajapati, granted each of his lawful wives a boon. Hearing of the granting of the supreme boon from Kashyapa, the joyful wives attained unmatched delight. Kadru chose a thousand serpent sons of equal splendor; Vinata chose two sons surpassing Kadru’s sons in strength, might, splendor, and valor. Her husband granted her [the promise] of two excellent, desired sons, and Vinata said to Kashyapa, ‘So be it.’ Vinata, her purpose accomplished, having obtained [the promise of] two mighty sons, and Kadru, having obtained a thousand equally radiant sons, [rejoiced]. ‘Carefully bear the embryos,’ — so saying, the great ascetic Kashyapa left both wives, gladdened by their boons, and withdrew into the forest.’