O King, there arose a terrible time when fierce serpents, with venomous fangs, began to bite the weak among humans, reducing them to ashes in an instant. So deadly were these serpents that even the mere sight of them caused people to perish. Day after day, destruction swept the earth, and everywhere, people witnessed the ruin of their own kind—until, one by one, all living beings perished. In desperation, all creatures—humans, animals, birds, and every being—sought refuge with the Supreme Lord, Brahmā. Gathering together, they approached the ancient, lotus-born creator and addressed him with reverence: “O Lord of gods, Supreme One, progenitor of all the worlds, protect us from these great serpents with their sharp fangs. Every day, we, your wretched creation, are seized by terrible fear. Humans, cattle, birds—your entire creation is being destroyed by these serpents. O Grandfather, knowing this, please do what is right.” Moved by their plea, Brahmā assured them, “I will provide protection for you all, without doubt. Return to your homes, free from illness and fear.” Comforted by the words of the Unmanifest One, the beings praised Brahmā and joyfully returned to their abodes. Once they had departed, Brahmā summoned the serpents, led by Vāsuki. Filled with righteous anger, he cursed them: “Day after day, you wicked serpents devour creatures. Humans and cattle bitten by you perish swiftly. By my power, you have brought endless destruction to mankind. Therefore, in this very age, because of my terrible wrath, a dreadful calamity will befall your race during the era of Vaivasvata. In that time, a king of the lunar dynasty, Janamejaya, will burn you in the serpent-sacrifice, consuming you in blazing fire. Garuḍa, the mighty Suparṇa, will devour your sons and maternal uncles. Thus, destruction will come upon all of you with evil intent.” Brahmā’s curse was severe; he decreed that a thousand serpent clans would perish, leaving only one. The foremost serpents, trembling with fear, fell at his feet and pleaded, “O Lord who brings forth beings, our nature is crooked—yet it is you who made us full of poison, cruel, and with biting fangs. Why then do you curse us for what you yourself have ordained?” Brahmā replied, “Even if I created you with crooked intent, so be it. Continue to devour as destined, without fear.” The serpents then beseeched him, “O Lord of gods, establish clear boundaries and separate places for humans and for us; make an agreement, O Lord. The curse you have laid upon us—that Janamejaya will destroy us in the serpent-sacrifice—will bring our utter ruin.” Brahmā, the Grandsire, responded, “One renowned as Jaratkaru, foremost knower of Brahman, will be born among humans. Give the maiden Jaratkaru to him in marriage; from her, a son will be born. That Brāhmaṇa, purifier of your lineage, will protect you. Thus, I establish an agreement between the Nāgas and humans. Therefore, listen attentively: Sutala, Vitala, and Talātala—these three abodes have been given to you. There you shall go, and by my command, enjoy many kinds of pleasures. Remain there until the seventh period of time; then, at the dawn of Vaivasvata’s era, a descendant of Kaśyapa, Suparṇa, the devourer of serpents, will arise. At that time, the offspring of the serpents will be consumed by the radiant one. This will certainly come to pass—there can be no doubt. All serpents who are cruel and unruly will meet their end. Devour as ordained by time, and when humans harm you. But those humans who are protected by mantras, medicines, Garuḍa charms, and bindings—you must live in fear of them. Do not act otherwise, or destruction will befall you.” Thus instructed, the serpents departed for Sutala. There, they remained, delighting in many pleasures, playfully established in Rasātala. Having received both curse and favor from the Four-Faced One, they dwelt in the abode of Pātāla, inwardly content. Yet, as time passed, the serpents reflected, “A king named Bharata, of the Pāṇḍava line and great fame, will arise. By some divine arrangement, he will bring about our destruction. How is it that the Lord of the three worlds, Grandsire of all, creator of beings, worshipped by the universe, has cursed us so?” Realizing their peril, they saw that apart from the god Viśvacina, there was no other refuge. Residing in the splendid mansion of Vairāja, that god was then performing a sacrifice at Puṣkara. The Nāgas resolved, “Let us go and propitiate him; if pleased, he will grant us a boon.” So, all the Nāgas journeyed to Puṣkara. Upon reaching the mountain of sacrifice, they took shelter at a rocky slope, exhausted from their journey. Seeing their plight, cool streams of water sprang forth, flowing northward and bringing comfort to all. From this, O best of the Bharatas, the sacred Nāga-tīrtha arose on earth—some called it Nāga-kuṇḍa, others spoke of it as a river. That holy place, sanctified by all sacred waters, destroys the poison of serpents. Those mortals who bathe there on the fifth day of the bright fortnight are forever protected—their lineage will never suffer from serpents. And those who perform ancestral rites for their forefathers there on earth bring lasting peace to their line.