As King Janamejaya listened intently, the sage continued the tale. Ruru, stricken with grief over the death of his beloved Pramadvara, wept and lamented her loss, unable to accept a world without her. In the midst of his sorrow, a divine messenger appeared before him and gently admonished, “O Brahmin, do not act so rashly. How can your beloved, who has already departed this world, return to life?” The messenger explained, “Her life has ended, Ruru. She, the fair-hipped daughter of a Gandharva and an Apsaras, has died unmarried. Seek another beautiful woman, for this one is gone.” Seeing Ruru’s tears, the divine being continued, “Why do you weep so foolishly? What happiness could you possibly gain from her now?” But Ruru, his voice sincere and unwavering, replied, “Divine messenger, I will not choose another woman.” His words were true, heartfelt, and deeply moving. The messenger, recognizing Ruru’s devotion, said, “Listen, O foremost of Brahmins, to the method once devised by the gods: by giving half of your own lifespan, Pramadvara can be revived at once.” Without hesitation, Ruru declared, “I give half my life to the maiden; let there be no doubt. Today, let my beloved rise again with her life restored.” At that very moment, Viśvāvasu, the king of the Gandharvas and Pramadvara’s father, arrived in his celestial chariot, having learned of his daughter’s death and her departure from the heavenly realms. Viśvāvasu and the divine messenger approached the Lord of Dharma and addressed him, saying, “O Lord of Dharma, Ruru’s wife is also the daughter of Viśvāvasu. The maiden Pramadvara has died, bitten by a serpent. She, desiring to die, is to be revived by half of Ruru’s lifespan, O son of the Sun. Let the slender-bodied girl rise up, by the power of her vow and discipline.” Dharma replied, “If you desire the maiden, daughter of Viśvāvasu, O divine messenger, let her rise by half of Ruru’s lifespan. Go and deliver her to Ruru.” Thus instructed, the messenger swiftly revived Pramadvara and delivered her to Ruru. On an auspicious day, according to proper rites, Ruru and Pramadvara were married. Thus, by the grace of this divine method, even one who was dead was restored to life. The sage emphasized, “Such procedures must always be performed in accordance with the scriptures. With gems, mantras, and medicines, life is to be protected by prescribed means.” The king then appointed ministers and arranged for guards to ensure safety. A splendid seven-storied palace was constructed by the king. The king’s son, accompanied by his ministers, ascended this magnificent palace. Brave men skilled in gems and mantras were stationed for protection, and the sage Gauramukha was sent by the king, who humbly sought forgiveness for any past displeasure. Learned Brahmins, masters of perfected mantras, were also sent for protection. The minister’s son and elephants were stationed there for added security, making the palace impregnable—even the wind could not enter. The king arranged all kinds of food and drink, and all daily duties, worship, and rituals were performed within. The king conducted his royal affairs and, consulting with his ministers, kept careful count of the days. Among the ministers was a Brahmin named Kaśyapa, foremost among the twice-born. He learned of the curse that had befallen the great-souled king and, desiring wealth, resolved, “I shall go to where the king, cursed by a Brahmin, now resides.” With this aim, Kaśyapa left his house and set out on the road. On that very day, Takṣaka, the supreme among serpents, learned that the best of kings had been cursed. Swiftly, Takṣaka left his abode, taking the guise of an old Brahmin, and set out on the same path. On the road, Takṣaka encountered Kaśyapa and questioned him, “Where are you hurrying to, sir, and what do you intend to accomplish?” Kaśyapa replied, “Takṣaka will burn up Parīkṣit, the best of kings. I am hurrying there to free the king from suffering. I possess a mantra said to destroy poison; I shall revive him, for now it is his time to live.” Takṣaka revealed his identity, “I am that serpent who will consume the king. Turn back, for you will not be able to heal one bitten by me.” But Kaśyapa responded confidently, “O serpent, even if you bite the king cursed by the Brahmin, I shall surely revive him by the power of my mantra—there is no doubt.” Takṣaka challenged, “If you will revive the best of kings after he is bitten by me, then show me the power of your mantra. Today I shall burn down this banyan tree with my venomous fangs.” Kaśyapa agreed, “Even if you bite or burn it, O best of serpents, I shall revive it.” Takṣaka bit the banyan tree, and his fiery poison reduced it to ashes. He then said, “Now, O best of Brahmins, revive it.” Kaśyapa, seeing the tree reduced to ashes, gathered them together and spoke, “Behold today the power of my mantra, O best of serpents. I shall revive this banyan tree now, as you watch, O mighty one of great venom.” Kaśyapa, master of mantras, took water and sprinkled it over the ashes, reciting his sacred chant. From the power of the mantra-charged water, the banyan tree was restored, as beautiful as before. Takṣaka was astonished to witness the tree brought back to life. Impressed, the serpent said to Kaśyapa, “Why do you exert yourself so? Tell me your desired wish, and I shall fulfill it for you.