Uttanka, having completed his studies, approached his revered teacher and said with humility, “Master, there is something you are to receive from me; my heart finds satisfaction in serving you.” But his teacher replied kindly, “I do not seek wealth from you, dear Uttanka. Go home content and in peace.” Taking these words to heart, Uttanka went to his teacher’s wife to offer his respects, as was the custom. She was Madayanti, celebrated for her virtue and beloved by all. She addressed Uttanka, “Child, quickly bring me the earrings from Madayanti.” Thus instructed by his guru’s wife, Uttanka set out without delay. Arriving at Madayanti’s abode, Uttanka found her, and at that very moment, she saw the Brahmin who had come seeking food. Uttanka spoke to her, “Dear lady, please give me the earrings. After receiving them, I shall return them to my guru as requested.” Madayanti replied, “O Brahmin, approach her with care and effort, for this task is crucial for your well-being. Ask her on my behalf, and she will surely give you the earrings.” Uttanka then said to the lady, “Please give me the earrings; Saudasa has instructed you to do so.” She responded, “Bring the token of recognition and show it to the king, O Brahmin, so that he may know your purpose.” Uttanka hastened to the king and respectfully requested the token of recognition. The king instructed him, “Go to that virtuous lady and convey my words, O best of Brahmins.” When Uttanka did so, the lady gave him the earrings, saying, “Take these earrings, O Brahmin.” She also warned him, “Takshaka, the mighty serpent, has always desired these earrings. Be cautious.” Curious about the significance of the earrings, Uttanka returned to the king and said, “O King, when the radiant earrings came into my hands, I recognized them by their marks. Out of curiosity, tell me about them, and also share your own circumstances.” The king replied, “Those who are dissatisfied and bring misfortune have affected me, as before. This is the curse upon me from the great sage Vasiṣṭha. But now, you will be freed from any fault; without doubt, you will attain a pure realm. Go, O Brahmin, and accept my respects.” As Uttanka journeyed onward, greatly afflicted by hunger, he came upon some bilva fruits. He gathered them, tied them in a black antelope skin, and set the earrings on the ground for a moment. In that instant, Takṣaka, the foremost among serpents, appeared. Uttanka, gathering the fruits, descended to the earth, but Takṣaka saw him and came directly toward him. Uttanka reached a hole in the ground and entered, finding himself enveloped in darkness. Distressed and suffering from the weight of his teacher’s task, Uttanka was seen in this state. Suddenly, he tore open the earth’s surface and beheld a radiant, all-white horse endowed with noble virtues. Acting swiftly, Uttanka caused smoke to rise, and all the serpents, agitated, rushed forward. They returned the earrings to Uttanka, bowed to him, and departed for their home. The one whom Uttanka had previously worshipped at his teacher’s instruction, knowing that Uttanka had arrived distressed, came to him full of compassion. He said, “I will take you where your Guru, the abode of all virtues, resides.” At that very moment, Uttanka found himself at the dwelling of Gautama, his revered teacher. Having bathed, the virtuous wife of Gautama approached her husband and spoke: “When I observed that Uttanka had become negligent in his duties to the Guru, he soon appeared cheerful, delighted, and adorned with the earrings.” Seeing this, the virtuous woman immediately placed the earrings upon her own ears, thus completing the sacred task.