Freed from all faults and doubt, Uttanka was blessed to attain the sattvic realm. The brahmin, having received respectful farewells, set forth, but was greatly afflicted by hunger along the way. As he traveled, he came upon some bilva fruits. Gathering them, Uttanka tied the fruits securely in a black antelope skin and, for a moment, placed the precious earrings on the ground. At that very instant, Takṣaka, the foremost among serpents, appeared. Uttanka, intent on his task, collected the fruits and descended to the earth. As he drew near, Takṣaka saw him approaching directly. Uttanka reached the serpent’s hole and entered, finding himself enveloped in darkness. Takṣaka saw Uttanka suffering greatly, distressed by the burden of his teacher’s task. Moved by compassion, Takṣaka quickly tore open the surface of the earth. Within, Uttanka beheld a horse, shining white and endowed with virtues. Acting swiftly, Uttanka’s actions caused smoke to arise. The serpents, now agitated, rushed forward. They returned the earrings to Uttanka, bowing respectfully before departing for their homes. The one whom Uttanka had previously worshipped at his teacher’s instruction, knowing Uttanka’s distress and full of compassion, came to his aid. “I will take you to the Guru, the abode of all virtues,” he said. At that very moment, Uttanka arrived at Gautama’s dwelling. Having bathed, Gautama’s virtuous wife approached her husband and spoke: “When I observed that Uttanka had become negligent in his duties to the Guru, he appeared cheerful, delighted, and adorned with earrings.” Seeing this, the virtuous woman immediately placed the earrings on her own ears. Reflecting constantly, she said, “It is for the sake of the cow that the pit must be filled. Therefore, you must quickly fill it; no one else is capable of this task.” Uttanka began to ponder deeply how he might accomplish the filling of the pit. After much consideration, the best of mountains spoke to the sage. He recalled that their wings had been cut off long ago by Indra and others. Vasiṣṭha then spoke: “There is indeed a way for the mountains to be taken there, O great mountain. Among them is Arbuda, a dear friend from childhood. He will ascend quickly and bring it here in a moment, without doubt. Give him the command, and do not cause him suffering.” Overwhelmed by sorrow, the mountain reflected: “Maināka, our son, has entered the ocean out of fear; what should we do now, and how will our welfare be secured? Here there is intense fear of a curse, and also the suffering caused by our son.” Resolving himself, the mountain spoke to Nandivardhana: “There is a dreadful chasm there—fill it quickly. Fill it with branches of palāśa, khadira, dhava, and śālmalī trees. It is filled with fierce men, beasts, and various kinds of Bhillas. O best of mountains, I am not fit to go there in any way.” Then Vasiṣṭha spoke to the frightened Nandivardhana: “My dwelling will always be upon your head there. There are trees of various forms, adorned with leaves, flowers, and fruits. I myself will bring Maheśvara here for your sake.” Thus, through compassion, wisdom, and the guidance of sages and mountains, the tasks were set in motion, each step leading Uttanka and those who aided him closer to fulfilling their duties and attaining virtue.