Shamika, the sage, spoke with measured words to his son, expressing the importance of truthfulness. “Whatever has happened—whether your act was rash or wrongful, or whether your words were pleasing or not—let them not be false,” he said. “This cannot unfold otherwise, I assure you on your father’s behalf. I never speak falsely, not even among my own kin; how then could I utter a curse?” He acknowledged his son’s formidable power and unwavering truthfulness, noting, “You have never spoken untruth before, and this will not be false now.” Shamika reminded his son that a father must always address his son, even when grown, to guide him toward virtue and lasting fame. “How much more so when you are still a child, devoted to austerity? For in the powerful, anger can grow exceedingly.” Shamika warned that unchecked anger could destroy the worlds in a moment, leaving no remedy. He reflected carefully on what to say, considering his son’s youth, sonship, and the rashness of his actions. “Therefore,” he counseled, “be devoted to tranquility. Live on forest fare, act after abandoning this anger, and thus you will not forsake righteousness.” He explained that anger destroys the righteousness painstakingly gathered by ascetics, and those devoid of righteousness cannot attain their desired goals. “Indeed, tranquility alone brings success to ascetics and the forgiving; this world belongs to the forgiving, and so does the next. Therefore, always practice forgiveness, self-controlled in nature. By forgiveness, you will attain worlds near to that of Brahma.” Shamika himself resolved, “I, having taken refuge in tranquility, will do today whatever is possible. I will send word to the king, my son.” He explained that the king had been cursed by his son, a child of immature understanding, because he could not bear the insult from the king. Shamika, moved by compassion for King Parikshit, instructed his disciple to go forth. He gave instructions to inquire about the king’s well-being and to report the matter at hand. His disciple, Gauramukha, virtuous and composed, was sent. Gauramukha quickly approached King Parikshit, the enhancer of the Kuru line, and was announced by the doorkeepers before entering the royal palace. Honored by the king, the twice-born Gauramukha, though weary, reported everything in full. In the presence of the ministers, he recounted Shamika’s dreadful words: “O king, there is a sage named Shamika in your realm. He is of supreme righteousness, self-restrained, peaceful, and of great austerity. By your hand, a serpent was deprived of life while the sage was silent and absorbed in meditation. The snake, struck by the tip of your bow, hung on his shoulder as he maintained silence. Shamika forgave your deed, but his son could not bear it.” Gauramukha continued, “Therefore, O king, you have been cursed by him today, unknown to his father: ‘Takshaka will be your death in seven nights.’ Shamika repeatedly said, ‘Take precautions there,’ for otherwise, it cannot be averted by anyone. He cannot restrain his son, filled with anger; therefore I was sent by him, who desires your welfare, O king.” Hearing these dreadful words, King Parikshit, descendant of the Kurus, was tormented, having committed that sin, though a man of great austerity. Upon learning of the sage’s vow of silence in the forest, the king’s mind became even more afflicted with sorrow. Perceiving Shamika’s compassionate nature, he was further tormented for having committed that offense against the sage. The king grieved more for the deed he had done than for the news of his impending death, though he was like an immortal. Seeking forgiveness, the king sent Gauramukha again, saying, “May the venerable one grant me his favor here.” Hearing the king’s words, Gauramukha, having received permission, swiftly returned to his teacher’s hermitage. As soon as Gauramukha departed, the troubled king began to consult with his ministers. After deliberation, he, who understood the essence of counsel, ordered the construction of a well-guarded palace with a single pillar. He arranged for protection, brought physicians and medicines, and employed Brahmins skilled in mantras everywhere. Remaining there, he carried out all royal duties, accompanied by ministers knowledgeable in righteousness, and guarded on all sides. No one could approach the excellent king—not even the wind moving at night was permitted entry. On the seventh day, the eminent sage Kashyapa arrived to treat the king. He had heard that Takshaka, the foremost serpent, would not send the excellent king to the abode of Yama. Kashyapa thought, “I will make him, bitten by the serpent king, free from fever; thus both my purpose and righteousness will be fulfilled.” Takshaka, the serpent king, saw Kashyapa on the path, going with single-minded intent, the sage appearing as an old man. The serpent king addressed Kashyapa, “Where are you hastily going, and what task do you intend?” Kashyapa replied, “Takshaka, the foremost serpent, will burn with his energy the king Parikshit, born in the Kuru lineage, destroyer of enemies. I am going quickly, gentle one, to make the king, bitten by the serpent king whose energy equals fire, the illustrious Pandava, free from fever.