Shamika, the sage, having composed himself in tranquility, addressed his disciple with gentle resolve. “Today, I will do what is within my power,” he said, “and send a message to the king.” He explained to his disciple that the king, Parikshit, had been cursed by his own son—a boy of tender years and immature understanding—who could not bear the insult he perceived from the king. Shamika, however, confessed that he himself had not been able to endure the affront, yet he acted out of compassion for Parikshit. Thus, after instructing his disciple with these words, the virtuous sage, moved by pity for the king, sent him forth. He gave careful directions: the disciple was to inquire after the king’s well-being and report the matter at hand. This disciple was Gauramukha, a man of virtue and composure. Gauramukha set out swiftly and soon arrived at the royal palace of King Parikshit, the illustrious scion of the Kuru line. Announced by the doorkeepers, he entered and was received with honor by the king. Though weary from his journey, Gauramukha, the twice-born, recounted everything in detail before the king and his gathered ministers. He relayed the dreadful words of Shamika: “O king, in your realm dwells the sage Shamika, a man of supreme righteousness, self-restraint, peace, and great austerity. While he was silent and absorbed in meditation, you, O tiger among men, struck a serpent with the tip of your bow and placed it upon his shoulder. Though Shamika forgave your deed, his son could not bear it. Today, unbeknownst to his father, the boy has cursed you: ‘Takshaka will be your death in seven nights.’ Shamika repeatedly advised, ‘Take precautions,’ for otherwise, no one can avert this fate. He cannot restrain his son, filled with anger; thus, I was sent by him, who desires your welfare, O king.” Hearing these dreadful words, King Parikshit, descendant of the Kurus, was tormented with sorrow. Though a man of great austerity, he was deeply troubled by the sin he had committed. The knowledge that the sage had maintained silence in the forest only deepened his distress. Perceiving Shamika’s compassionate nature, the king’s remorse grew for having offended such a sage. Indeed, he grieved less for the threat to his own life than for the wrong he had done to the sage, though he himself was as mighty as an immortal. Wishing to make amends, the king sent Gauramukha once more, saying, “May the venerable one grant me his favor here.” Gauramukha, receiving these words, swiftly returned to his teacher’s hermitage with the king’s message. As soon as Gauramukha had departed, the king, his mind troubled, began to consult with his ministers. After careful deliberation, the wise king ordered the construction of a secure palace with a single pillar, ensuring it was well-guarded. He arranged for every precaution: bringing in physicians and medicines, and employing Brahmins skilled in mantras to offer protection everywhere. Within this fortified palace, the king continued to carry out his royal duties, always accompanied by his ministers—men knowledgeable in righteousness—and guarded on all sides. So secure was the palace that no one could approach the king; not even the night wind was permitted entry. On the seventh day, the eminent sage Kashyapa arrived, intent on treating the king. He had heard that Takshaka, foremost among serpents, would not send the excellent king to the abode of Yama. Kashyapa resolved, “I will free the king, bitten by the serpent king, from fever; thus, I shall fulfill both my purpose and my righteousness.” As Kashyapa journeyed with focused intent, Takshaka, the serpent king, perceived him on the path. Disguised as an old man, Kashyapa was stopped by Takshaka, who asked, “Where are you hastening, and for what purpose?” Kashyapa replied, “Takshaka, the foremost serpent, is about to burn with his energy King Parikshit of the Kuru line, destroyer of enemies. I am going quickly, gentle one, to make the king—bitten by the serpent king whose energy equals fire—free from fever. I am a Brahmin, honored by the world, knowledgeable in the science of poisons; by the glance of my teacher, I am skilled in destroying poison.” Takshaka revealed himself: “I am Takshaka, O Brahmin. I will burn that king. Turn back, for you are not able to treat one bitten by me.” But Kashyapa stood firm. “My resolve, endowed with the power of knowledge, is to go to that king bitten by you and make him free from fever.” Takshaka challenged him: “If you are able to treat something bitten by me here, then revive this tree that I will bite, Kashyapa. Show your supreme mantra power and strive; I will bite this banyan tree as you watch.” Kashyapa replied, “If you think so, serpent king, bite the tree; I will revive this banyan bitten by you. See my mantra power today—bite the banyan, O serpent.” Thus addressed, Takshaka, the great-souled serpent king, approached and bit the banyan tree. The tree, infused with his venom, blazed all around and was reduced to ashes by the serpent’s fiery energy. Then Takshaka spoke to Kashyapa, “Make an effort, best of twice-born, revive this tree.” Kashyapa gathered all the ashes of the tree and prepared to demonstrate the power of his mantras.