Even as the years weighed heavily upon him, the teacher did not dismiss his devoted disciple. Despite his age, the disciple remained steadfast—accomplished in knowledge and fully engaged in his duties. One day, gathering many necessary items, he journeyed to the supreme hermitage. Upon arrival, he beheld a peculiar sight: a single white matted lock attached to a piece of wood. Disturbed, he lamented, “Alas, my life is lost! How can such a thing happen to one so committed to duty? My negligence and faulty mind threaten the very destruction of my lineage.” His sorrow did not go unnoticed; it was soon reported to Gautama, his revered teacher. Gautama addressed him gently, “Child, go home and perform the rituals, such as the agnihotra.” Thus instructed, the disciple replied with humility, “Through this alone, I have attained completeness; there is no doubt about it.” Uttanka, recognizing the fulfillment of his service, said to his master, “There is something to be received by you, master; my satisfaction arises.” Yet he added, “I do not desire wealth from you; go happily to your home.” Following his teacher’s words, Uttanka approached his mother. Madayanti, his beloved and virtuous wife, renowned for her purity, was also present. The teacher’s wife instructed Uttanka, “Bring the earrings quickly, child, from Madayanti.” Thus prompted, Uttanka set out swiftly to fulfill this task. Arriving, Uttanka encountered a Brahmin who had come seeking food. Madayanti addressed him, “Give me the earrings, dear; after receiving them, I will return them to the guru.” She advised, “Approach her with effort, O Brahmin, for the sake of your life. Ask her on my behalf; she will give you the earrings.” Uttanka then requested, “Give me the earrings, lady; Saudasa has instructed you.” He was told, “Bring the token of recognition and show it to the king, O Brahmin.” Without delay, Uttanka went to the king and requested the token. The king instructed him, “Go and speak thus to that virtuous lady, O best of Brahmins, conveying my words.” Uttanka did as told, and soon received the earrings: “Take these earrings, O Brahmin,” the king said. But a warning followed—Takshaka, the foremost of serpents, always desired these earrings. Driven by curiosity, Uttanka returned to the king and said, “O king, when the radiant earrings arrived, I recognized them by their signs. Out of curiosity, tell me, O king, and about your own affairs as they stand.” The king explained, “Those who are dissatisfied and bring misfortune became so for me at once, just as before. This much is the curse upon me from the great-souled Vasiṣṭha. Soon you will be freed from fault, without doubt; attaining the sattvic realm, go, O Brahmin. My respects to you.” As Uttanka departed, greatly afflicted by hunger, he spotted bilva fruits. He tied them in a black antelope skin and, for a moment, placed the earrings on the ground. At that very instant, Takṣaka, the foremost of serpents, appeared. Uttanka, gathering the fruits, descended to the earth, but Takṣaka saw him approach and came near. Uttanka reached a hole and entered, enveloped in darkness. Seeing Uttanka thus distressed, suffering greatly in the pursuit of his teacher’s task, he quickly tore open the surface of the earth. There, Uttanka beheld a horse, all white and endowed with virtues.