The king, determined to safeguard himself from harm, arranged for vigilant protection all around. He summoned skilled physicians and assembled the best medicines, ensuring that Brahmins proficient in sacred mantras were stationed everywhere to ward off danger. Remaining steadfast at his post, the king diligently fulfilled all his royal duties, always accompanied by wise ministers who were well-versed in righteousness, and surrounded by loyal guards on every side. So secure was his presence that none could approach him—not even the night wind was permitted entry. On the seventh day, the illustrious sage Kāśyapa arrived, intent on treating the king. He had heard that Takṣaka, the foremost among serpents, would not succeed in sending the noble king Parikṣit to Yama’s abode. With firm resolve, Kāśyapa thought, “I will free the king, even if he is bitten by the serpent king, from the fever of poison. By this, both my purpose and righteousness will be fulfilled.” As Kāśyapa journeyed, Takṣaka, the serpent king, saw him on the path. The sage, appearing as an old man but inwardly resolute, walked with unwavering intent. Takṣaka approached him and asked, “Where are you hurrying, O sage, and what is your purpose?” Kāśyapa replied, “Takṣaka, the foremost of serpents, is about to burn with his fiery energy the king Parikṣit, scion of the Kuru line and destroyer of foes. I go swiftly to heal the illustrious king, to make him free from the fever of poison, even if he is bitten by one whose energy is like fire. I am a Brahmin, honored by the world, skilled in the science of poisons. By my teacher’s grace, I am adept at destroying venom.” Takṣaka revealed his identity, saying, “I am Takṣaka, O Brahmin. I will burn that king. Turn back—you cannot cure one bitten by me.” But Kāśyapa stood firm. “My resolve, empowered by knowledge, is to go to that king bitten by you and free him from fever.” Takṣaka then challenged Kāśyapa: “If you can cure what is bitten by me, then revive this tree that I shall bite, O Kāśyapa. Show the power of your supreme mantras; I will bite this banyan tree before your eyes.” Kāśyapa replied, “If that is your wish, serpent king, bite the tree. I shall revive it after you have bitten it. Witness my mantra power today—bite the banyan, O serpent.” Thus addressed, Takṣaka, powerful and great-souled, approached the banyan tree and bit it. The tree, infused with his venom, blazed fiercely in all directions. After the tree was reduced to ashes by the serpent’s energy, Takṣaka said, “Now, O best of Brahmins, make the effort—revive this tree.” Kāśyapa gathered the ashes and declared, “Behold, O serpent king, the power of my knowledge today. I shall restore this tree to life—witness this, O serpent.” Then, through the potency of his knowledge, Kāśyapa revived the tree. From the ashes, a sprout emerged, then two leaves, then a branch, a leafy bough, and at last the tree stood again, full and spreading. Amazed at the wonder, Takṣaka said, “O Brahmin, this is truly marvelous in you. If you can neutralize my poison or that of one like me, for what purpose, O ascetic, are you going to the king? Whatever reward you seek from that best of kings, I shall give you, even if it is hard to obtain. The king, overpowered by a Brahmin’s curse and with his life nearly spent, may not survive despite your efforts. Then your fame, blazing in the three worlds, would vanish like the sun’s rays at sunset.” Kāśyapa replied, “I am going there for the sake of wealth; grant me that, O serpent. I shall return, taking my due payment.” Takṣaka promised, “Whatever wealth you seek from the king, I will give you even more. Turn back, O best of Brahmins.” Hearing these words, Kāśyapa, wise and energetic, thoughtfully considered the king’s fate. With his divine knowledge, he perceived that King Parikṣit had little life remaining. Resolving thus, Kāśyapa accepted the wealth given by Takṣaka and turned back at that very moment. Takṣaka, meanwhile, sped swiftly to the city called Nāgasāhvaya. As he went, he learned that the king was being guarded with powerful spells and mantras to neutralize poison. Takṣaka pondered, “I must deceive him—what means can there be?” Assuming the form of an ascetic, he dispatched his serpent followers with instructions: “Go forth, all of you, without hesitation, and perform your task with diligence.” The serpents, following Takṣaka’s command, approached the king in disguise. They offered him darbha grass, water, and fruits, which the mighty king accepted. Having accomplished their mission, the disguised serpents were dismissed by the king, who said, “You may go.” And so, after the serpents, masked as ascetics, had departed, the next stage of the fateful encounter drew near.