The foremost sage was approached and respectfully asked, “O revered one, please speak what is to be done—even if it concerns your own life.” At that time, Nandinī, the excellent and divine cow, had fallen into a deep pit. With great effort, she was pulled out, for fear had arisen from her sudden fall. Because of this incident, it was said, “O lord of peaks, send a distinguished mountain there to fill the void.” The reply came, “I will consider and send a suitable mountain, measuring its worth.” Yet, in the depths below, there was no count or reckoning, O best of mountains. This aroused great curiosity in him, and he wished to know everything in detail. Now, Ahilyā, the beloved and illustrious wife of the sage, was devoted to righteousness and virtue. At that time, the sage was surrounded by hundreds of disciples, whom he diligently taught. Among these disciples, there was one who was especially devoted to his teacher, never leaving his side even as the weight of old age pressed upon him. Though advanced in knowledge and always engaged in his duties, he remained steadfast. Carrying many offerings, this devoted disciple made his way to the supreme hermitage. There, he saw a single white matted lock of hair attached to a piece of wood. Overcome with dismay, he cried, “Alas, my life is lost! How could this happen to one who is so engaged in duty? Through my negligence and faulty mind, the lineage itself is threatened with destruction.” His sorrow was quickly conveyed to the sage Gautama. Gautama addressed him kindly, “Child, go home and perform the sacred rituals, such as the agnihotra.” Thus instructed by his teacher, the disciple replied, “By this alone, I have attained completeness; there is no doubt.” Then Uttanka spoke: “Master, there is something to be received by you, and my satisfaction arises from that. I do not desire wealth; please go happily to your home.” So instructed, the disciple approached his teacher’s wife. She was Madayanti, his beloved and virtuous wife, renowned for her righteousness. She said, “Bring the earrings quickly, child, from Madayanti.” Thus instructed by the guru’s wife, he set out swiftly. Upon arrival, he saw Madayanti, who, seeing the Brahmin who had come for food, spoke at that moment, “Give me the earrings, dear; after receiving them, I will return them to the guru.” She urged, “Approach her with effort, O Brahmin, for the sake of your life. Ask her on my behalf; she will give you the earrings.” He then said, “Give me the earrings, lady; Saudasa has instructed you.” She replied, “Bring the token of recognition and show it to the king, O Brahmin.” Obeying her words, he went quickly to the king and requested the token of recognition. The king instructed him, “Go and speak thus to that virtuous lady, O best of Brahmins, conveying my words.” After this, the earrings were given to him, with the words, “Take these earrings, O Brahmin.” But Takshaka, the serpent king, always desired these earrings. Out of curiosity, Uttanka returned and spoke to the king, “O king, when the radiant earrings arrived, I recognized them by their signs. Out of curiosity, tell me, O king, and also about your own affairs as they stand.” He continued, “Those who are dissatisfied and bring misfortune have become so for me at once, just as before. This much is the curse upon me from the great-souled Vasiṣṭha.