The wise messenger, sent by the sage, repeatedly cautioned the king: “Take every precaution, for otherwise, what is destined cannot be averted by anyone.” He explained, “My master cannot restrain his son, who is filled with anger. That is why I have been sent, O king, for the sage desires your welfare above all.” Hearing these dreadful words, King Parikshit, scion of the Kuru race and a man of great austerity, was deeply tormented. He was overwhelmed with guilt for the sin he had committed. When he learned that the sage Shamika had taken a vow of silence and withdrawn into the forest, the king’s sorrow only deepened. Reflecting on the sage’s compassionate nature, Parikshit felt even more afflicted, knowing he had wronged such a gentle soul. Indeed, the king’s grief over his own impending death was not as great as his remorse for the misdeed he had committed—he who was otherwise like an immortal among men. In his distress, Parikshit sent Gauramukha, the sage’s disciple, once again, requesting, “May the venerable one grant me his favor and forgiveness.” Receiving the king’s words, Gauramukha sought permission and swiftly returned to his teacher’s hermitage. As soon as Gauramukha departed, the troubled king gathered his ministers and began to consult with them. After deliberating, the king, wise in the art of counsel, ordered the construction of a special palace—a single-pillared, well-guarded retreat. He arranged for all possible protections: skilled physicians and potent medicines were brought in, and Brahmins adept in mantras were stationed everywhere. There, within this fortress, the king continued to fulfill his royal duties, surrounded by ministers learned in righteousness and guarded on all sides. No one could approach him—not even the wind moving at night was allowed entry. On the seventh day, the illustrious sage Kashyapa arrived, intent on treating the king. He had heard that Takshaka, the foremost of serpents, would not allow the noble Parikshit to escape his fate. Kashyapa thought to himself, “I will cure the king of the fever caused by the serpent’s bite; thus, I will fulfill both my purpose and righteousness.” As Kashyapa journeyed with single-minded intent, appearing as an aged ascetic, Takshaka, the serpent king, saw him on the path and stopped him. “Where are you going in such haste, O sage, and for what purpose?” Takshaka inquired. Kashyapa replied, “Takshaka, the foremost of serpents, will burn with his energy King Parikshit of the Kuru line, the destroyer of his enemies. I go quickly to make the king, bitten by the serpent whose energy is like fire, free from fever. I am a Brahmin, honored in the world and learned in the science of poisons; by my teacher’s grace, I am skilled in destroying venom.” Takshaka revealed himself: “I am Takshaka, O Brahmin. I will burn that king. Turn back, for you will not be able to treat one bitten by me.” But Kashyapa stood firm: “My resolve, empowered by knowledge, is to go to the king bitten by you and cure him of his fever.” Takshaka then proposed a test: “If you can cure something bitten by me here, then revive this banyan tree that I will bite, O Kashyapa. Show your supreme mantra power; I will bite this tree as you watch.” Kashyapa agreed, “If you wish, serpent king, bite the tree. I will revive it after your bite. Witness my mantra power today—bite the banyan, O serpent.” Thus addressed, Takshaka approached and bit the banyan tree. Infused with his deadly venom, the tree blazed all around and was reduced to ashes. The serpent king then challenged Kashyapa: “Now, best of Brahmins, make an effort and revive this tree.” Kashyapa gathered the ashes of the tree and declared, “Behold, O serpent king, the power of my knowledge. I will restore this tree to life—witness this today.” By his wisdom and mantra power, the venerable Kashyapa revived the tree: first a sprout appeared, then two leaves, then a branch, a leafy bough, and finally the entire tree with spreading limbs was restored. Seeing this wondrous feat, Takshaka exclaimed, “O Brahmin, this is truly marvelous! If you can neutralize my poison or that of one like me, for what purpose do you go to the king? Whatever reward you seek from Parikshit, I will give you even more, though it may be difficult to obtain. The king, overpowered by a Brahmin’s curse and with his life nearly spent, may not be saved by your efforts. Then your blazing fame, renowned in the three worlds, would vanish like the sun’s rays at sunset.” Kashyapa replied, “I am going there for the sake of wealth; grant me that, O serpent, and I will return, taking my due payment.” Takshaka agreed, “Whatever amount of wealth you expect from the king, I will give you even more. Turn back, O best of Brahmins.” Thus, the encounter between Kashyapa and Takshaka unfolded, each displaying the depth of their power and intent, while fate continued to draw King Parikshit toward his destined end.