He acted swiftly, and at once smoke began to rise. Sensing this, all the serpents, alarmed and agitated, surged forward. They offered themselves to Uttanka, bowed respectfully, and then returned to their homes. The one whom you had formerly worshipped, following your teacher’s guidance, was aware of your arrival and your distress. Filled with compassion, he came to you. “Let me take you to him,” he said, “to the Guru, who is the very abode of all virtues.” And so, at that very moment, Uttanka arrived at the dwelling of Gautama. There, Gautama’s virtuous wife, having completed her bath, approached her husband and spoke: “When I noticed that he had grown negligent in his duties to the Guru, he nonetheless appeared cheerful and delighted, adorned with beautiful earrings. Seeing this, I immediately placed those earrings upon my own ears. As I ponder continually, it is for the sake of the cow that the pit must be filled. Therefore, you must fill it at once; no one else is capable of this task.” Uttanka began to ponder deeply how he might accomplish the filling of the pit. After much thought, the greatest of mountains addressed the sage: “Long ago, Indra and others cut off the wings of the mountains. But,” said Vasiṣṭha, “there is a way for the mountains to be brought there, O mighty one. Among them is Arbuda, a dear friend from my childhood. He will swiftly ascend and bring what is needed here without delay. Command him, but do not cause him any suffering.” The mountain, overwhelmed by sorrow, began to reflect: “Our son Maināka has entered the ocean out of fear. What should we do now? How will we secure our welfare? Here we are threatened by a dreadful curse, and also suffer due to our son.” Resolving what must be done, he spoke to Nandivardhana: “There is a terrible chasm there—fill it quickly. Use branches from the palāśa, khadira, dhava, and śālmalī trees.” He continued, “That place is filled with fierce men, wild beasts, and many kinds of Bhillas. O best of mountains, I am in no way fit to go there.” Then Vasiṣṭha reassured the frightened Nandivardhana: “My dwelling will always be upon your head there. The area is rich with trees of many forms, adorned with leaves, flowers, and fruits. I myself will bring Maheśvara here for your sake.” Approaching Arbuda, the serpent, Vasiṣṭha spoke: “May you prosper there today, my humble friend. I will remain with you there, without doubt. Yet, out of affection, brother, let me say this—listen well: let fame come by my name; I desire nothing else.” Bowing to his parents, Arbuda set out together with the sage. They journeyed to a land abundant with divine, auspicious trees, flowing rivers, and cascading waterfalls. There, by the sage’s words, Arbuda released Uttanka from the chasm. Freed from that dreadful place by the great-souled Arbuda, Uttanka turned to him and said, “Choose a boon, O steadfast one.