When the serpents heard that even those who are eternal, immeasurable, and truthful had been cursed, a deep trembling arose in their hearts. They felt certain that total destruction was upon them, for their unruly mother had cast a terrible curse, and even the eternal god had not restrained her. In their fear, the serpents resolved to consult together for their own welfare, hoping that all might yet be well and that time would not slip away from them. Gathered together, the serpents—intelligent and discerning—began to deliberate. They sought a means of release, recalling how, in times past, the gods had lost the hidden fire concealed in a cave. They feared that Janamejaya’s sacrifice, meant to destroy the serpents, might either not occur or end in defeat for him. Having agreed, the descendants of Kadru assembled, skilled in counsel and wisdom. Some among them proposed that they should become eminent Brahmins and beg Janamejaya not to perform the sacrifice. Others, considering themselves wise, suggested they become his counselors, well-accepted by the king. They reasoned that if Janamejaya sought their advice in all matters, they could counsel him to stop the sacrifice. Since the king valued them highly and was foremost among the wise, they could openly point out many severe faults—both in this life and beyond—with reasons and causes, ensuring the sacrifice would not happen. Another group suggested a different course: if there were a teacher skilled in serpent-sacrifice rites and devoted to the king’s welfare, one serpent should go and bite him. That serpent would die, but with his death, the sacrifice would not be performed. Others proposed that any who were knowledgeable in serpent-sacrifice and would serve as priests should be bitten as well, thus achieving their aim. Yet some virtuous and compassionate serpents objected, saying, “This is ignorance among you; killing Brahmins is not proper.” They reminded the others that the highest peace in adversity is rooted in true dharma, and acting contrary to dharma would destroy the whole world. Other serpents suggested that they could extinguish the blazing sacrificial fire by becoming clouds with lightning and pouring rain upon it. Some distinguished serpents proposed that, by going at night to the vessels and ladles, they could swiftly steal them while the people were careless, thus obstructing the sacrifice. Another idea arose: during the sacrifice, serpents could bite the people by the hundreds and thousands, so there would be no fear for themselves. Alternatively, they could defile the prepared food with their own urine and excrement, destroying all the offerings. Some serpents suggested that they become the officiating priests for Janamejaya, creating obstacles to the sacrifice and demanding the sacrificial gifts. Others claimed that the king had come under their control and would do as they wished. They proposed bringing the king from the water where he played, taking him to the house, and binding him, so the sacrifice would not occur. Yet others, considering themselves wise, suggested they quickly seize him and bite him, thus cutting off the root of their troubles when he died. After hearing and considering all these proposals, the serpents reached a final decision. They turned to Vasuki, their chief, and awaited his guidance. Vasuki reflected deeply and addressed the serpents, saying, “This is not the final decision I approve for you. The plan of all the serpents does not please me. What should be arranged here for your benefit? I think it is best to win the favor of the great-souled Kasyapa. Out of friendship for our kin and ourselves, my mind does not know what to do, nor do I accept your words. I must arrange whatever would be for your welfare, though I am greatly troubled by the virtues and faults that depend on me.” Having heard the words of all the serpents and Vasuki’s speech, Elapatra spoke: “This plan was shown earlier by me, O chief of serpents. If your intention is to abandon it, then so be it, O lord. Let it be as you wish, even if the plan is recalled. Listen, O serpents, I will speak truthfully. “That sacrifice will not occur, nor will that king—Janamejaya, the Pandava, from whom our great fear arises—be such. When a royal person is struck down by fate in this world, he should rely only upon destiny; there is no other refuge in that matter. Therefore, O best among serpents, this is the fear that has come upon us. Let us rely here upon destiny alone, and listen to my words. “When the curse was pronounced, I heard those words at that time, O best among serpents. I was seated in my mother’s lap out of fear. The gods called the foremost serpents ‘fierce, fierce.’ Moved by great compassion, the gods prayed for the well-being of the serpents afflicted by the fire of the curse’s suffering. “What father, having obtained beloved sons, would curse them so, O grandsire, except for Kadru, fierce in form, before you, O lord of gods? And you, O grandsire, also spoke the words ‘so be it’ to her. We wish to know the reason why you did not prevent it.” Thus, the serpents, guided by Vasuki and Elapatra, pondered their fate, torn between plans and the counsel to rely on destiny, seeking wisdom and deliverance from their great fear.