The ancestors of the sage Jaratkaru, troubled by their uncertain fate, spoke with urgency among themselves. They declared that all other concerns were insignificant compared to the continuation of their lineage. Turning to their visitor, they implored, “When you see the ascetic Jaratkaru, you must speak to him. Since you have witnessed our plight, relate everything to him, so that he may take a wife and produce offspring, as is proper for the preservation of our line. Or, O Brahmin, tell him on our behalf, as one who cares for us, for the welfare of his kin here, just as he would for his own family.” Curious and hopeful, they asked, “Who are you, O best of beings, that you grieve for us as if you were our own kinsman? We all wish to hear—who stands before us with such concern?” Hearing these words, Jaratkaru himself, overwhelmed by sorrow and with his voice choked by tears, addressed his ancestors. “You, my ancestors and forefathers, are truly my elders. Tell me what I must do to fulfill your dearest wish. I am Jaratkaru, your own sinful son. Let me bear the punishment for my misdeeds and lack of self-control.” His ancestors replied, “Son, by good fortune you have arrived here. O Brahmin, why have you not taken a wife?” Jaratkaru confessed, “This matter concerning my ancestors always weighs upon my heart. I have remained celibate, intending to send this body to the next world in that state. It was firmly resolved in my mind never to marry. Yet, seeing you hanging in peril like birds, I am moved. My mind, devoted to celibacy, turned away from marriage, but now I shall do your will, without doubt. If ever I should receive a maiden bearing my name, who comes forward of her own accord like alms, then I will accept her. But I will not maintain her. If such a situation arises, I shall enter into marriage; otherwise, I will not—this is the truth, O forefathers. From that union, a being will be born for your deliverance. May my ancestors remain eternal and undiminished.” Having spoken thus, Jaratkaru set out across the earth in search of a wife, but, being old, he could find none. Disheartened and urged on by his ancestors’ pleas, he went into the forest, crying out in great distress. Entering the woods, wise and intent on his ancestors’ welfare, he called out three times, “I ask for a maiden.” He spoke so that all beings—stationary and moving, hidden and seen—might hear his words. He declared, “While I was engaged in severe austerities, my ancestors, distressed by their suffering and desiring the continuation of our lineage, urged me to enter household life. Thus, for the sake of settling down, I wander the earth seeking a maiden as alms. Poor and afflicted, I have been instructed by my ancestors. Whoever among those present has a maiden, let them give her to me, who wanders in every direction. Whichever maiden, named as mine, is offered to me like alms and whom I am able to support—let them give me that maiden.” Hearing his plea, the serpents who were devoted to Jaratkaru took their own maiden and reported the matter to Vasuki, their lord. Vasuki, lord of serpents, adorned his sister and, approaching Jaratkaru in the forest, offered her to the sage as alms. Yet Jaratkaru did not accept her, thinking, “She is not to be supported,” and, intent on renunciation, he hesitated. Then, O descendant of Bhrigu, Jaratkaru asked the maiden’s name and said to Vasuki, “I will not undertake her maintenance.” Vasuki replied, “This maiden, named Jaratkaru after you, is my sister, endowed with austerity. I will support your wife; accept her, best of the twice-born. I will protect her with all my power, O treasure of austerity. For your sake, O best of sages, she will be protected by me.” Jaratkaru reaffirmed his vow, “I will not support her; this is my vow. Nor should anything unpleasant be done; if it is, I will abandon her.” When Vasuki promised, “I will support my sister,” Jaratkaru agreed and went to the serpent’s abode. There, among the wise and those skilled in sacred mantras, great in austerity and vows, the righteous Jaratkaru took the maiden’s hand, performing the proper rites and mantras. After the marriage, Vasuki led them to a delightful dwelling, praised by great sages and approved by the lord of serpents. There, a splendid bed was prepared, and Jaratkaru dwelled with his wife. The noble sage made an agreement with her: “You must never do anything displeasing to me, nor ever speak such words. If you do, I will leave you and your house. Accept this statement I have made.” Vasuki’s sister, deeply distressed and sorrowful, replied, “So be it.” She attended to her husband, who was often inclined to sorrow, with gentle means and affection, seeking always to please him. In due time, after bathing and with the proper observances, the sister of Vasuki approached her husband, the great sage. Within her arose a pregnancy, blazing like fire, endowed with great brilliance, shining with the radiance of Vaiśvānara, the divine fire itself.