By the power of her vow and discipline, the slender-bodied maiden was to rise again. Dharma declared, “If you desire the maiden Pramadvara, daughter of Viśvāvasu, O divine messenger, let her be restored to life by taking half of Ruru’s lifespan; go and deliver her to Ruru.” Thus instructed, the divine messenger went swiftly and revived Pramadvara. On an auspicious day, following all proper rites, she was given in marriage to Ruru. In this way, even one who had died was brought back to life by the prescribed method, which must always be performed in strict accordance with the scriptures. Life, it was explained, should be protected through gems, mantras, and medicines, as laid out in the sacred procedures. Having spoken thus, the king appointed ministers and arranged for guards. A splendid seven-storied palace was constructed at the king’s command. At that time, the king’s son ascended the palace with his ministers. Brave men, skilled in mantras and bearing precious gems, were stationed throughout for protection. The king also sent the sage Gauramukha and, seeking the servant’s favor, repeatedly asked for forgiveness. Brahmins adept in perfected mantras were dispatched for further protection. The minister’s son was assigned to the palace, and elephants were placed for added security. So well-guarded was this palace that none could enter—not even the wind could pass through, so strict was the prevention. The king himself resided there, arranging all manner of food and drink. All daily duties—worship, rituals, and royal affairs—were conducted within the palace. Consulting with his ministers, the king carefully counted the days as they passed. Among his ministers was a certain Brahmin named Kaśyapa, foremost among the wise. He learned of the curse that had befallen the great-souled king. Kaśyapa, seeking wealth, reflected, “I shall go where the king, suffering under a Brahmin’s curse, now dwells.” Resolving thus, Kaśyapa left his home and set out upon the road. On that very day, Takṣaka—the supreme among serpents—heard that the best of kings had been cursed. Takṣaka swiftly left his abode, taking on the guise of an old Brahmin, and set out along the road. Soon he encountered Kaśyapa traveling toward the king. Takṣaka questioned him, “Where are you hastening, O learned Brahmin, and what business do you intend to accomplish?” Kaśyapa replied, “Takṣaka will burn up Parīkṣit, the best of kings; I hurry there to free the king from suffering. I possess a mantra said to destroy poison, and 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 are not able to heal one bitten by me.” Kaśyapa answered, “Even if you bite the king, I shall surely revive him by the power of my mantra—there is no doubt.” Takṣaka challenged, “If you can revive the king after I have bitten him, O sinless Brahmin, then show me the power of your mantra. Today I shall burn down this banyan tree with my venomous fangs.” Kaśyapa replied, “Even if you bite or burn it, O best of serpents, I shall revive it.” Takṣaka then bit the tree, reducing it to ashes, and said, “Revive it, O best of Brahmins.” Kaśyapa gathered the ashes 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.” He took water, empowered with mantra, and sprinkled it upon the ashes. Instantly, the banyan tree was restored, as beautiful as before. Takṣaka was astonished to see the tree brought back to life. The serpent then said, “Why do you exert yourself so? Tell me your desired wish, and I shall fulfill it for you.” Kaśyapa replied, “Desiring wealth, I considered the king as my means and, after hearing of the serpent’s curse, I left my house to help the excellent king with my knowledge.” Takṣaka said, “O foremost of Brahmins, take as much wealth as you wish from the king; I will give it to you. Go home; I am satisfied.” Hearing these words, Kaśyapa, who knew the supreme truth, began to ponder deeply: “What should I do?” He thought, “If I accept the wealth and return home, my fame will be lost in the world due to greed. But if I save the excellent king’s life, my fame will be unshakable; I will gain much wealth, and I will earn great merit by saving a life. Fame must be protected at all costs; cursed is wealth without fame. Formerly, Raghu gave away everything to a Brahmin for the sake of fame. Hariścandra and Karṇa, too, gave away much for the sake of fame. How could I ignore a king burning with the fire of poison? If I save the king’s life today, there will be happiness for all people; without a king, the destruction of the people is certain. If the king dies, the sin of the people’s destruction will be mine, and infamy will come to me in the world because of greed for wealth.” Thus thinking, Kaśyapa, wise and discerning, meditated and realized that the king’s life was, indeed, at its destined end.