As Vasiṣṭha pondered deeply, his thoughts returned again and again to the task at hand—the pit must be filled, and it was all for the sake of the sacred cow. He realized with certainty that there was no one else capable of accomplishing this task; it had to be done quickly, and it had to be done now. With this resolve, Vasiṣṭha began to consider how the pit could be filled. He spent a long while in contemplation, weighing every possibility. At last, the greatest among the mountains spoke to the sage, recalling a sorrowful past: “Long ago, Indra and the other gods cut off the wings of the mountains, leaving us unable to move.” But Vasiṣṭha replied with gentle assurance, “There is indeed a way for the mountains to be brought there, O noble mountain. Among them is Arbuda, a dear friend from your childhood. He will ascend swiftly and, without doubt, bring the mountain here in a moment. Simply give him the command, and do not cause him suffering.” Yet the mountain, overcome by sorrow, reflected on his troubles. “Our son Maināka has entered the ocean out of fear. What shall we do now? How will our welfare be secured? Here we are plagued by the fear of a curse and the suffering brought on by our son.” Having made up his mind, the mountain addressed Nandivardhana: “There is a dreadful chasm there; fill it quickly. Use branches of palāśa, khadira, dhava, and śālmalī trees to do so. But that place is filled with fierce men, wild beasts, and many kinds of Bhillas. O best of mountains, I am not fit to go there in any way.” Seeing Nandivardhana’s fear, Vasiṣṭha spoke to him with reassurance, “My dwelling will always be upon your head there. The place is adorned with trees of every form, bearing leaves, flowers, and fruits. For your sake, I myself will bring Maheśvara here.” Turning then to Arbuda, the serpent, Vasiṣṭha spoke kindly: “May you prosper there today, my friend, endowed with humility. I will remain with you there, without doubt. But, out of affection, brother, let me say something—listen to my words. Let fame come by my name; I desire nothing else.” Arbuda, after bowing to his parents, set out together with the sage. They journeyed to a land rich with divine, auspicious trees, rivers, and waterfalls. There, by the sage’s words, Arbuda was released from the chasm, freed by the great-souled Arbuda himself. In gratitude, Vasiṣṭha addressed Arbuda, the serpent: “Choose a boon, O steadfast one.” Arbuda replied, “If you are pleased to grant me something, then listen, O best of the twice-born. Let this pure stream of water, which flows upon this very peak, remain here. Out of friendship and affection, I will always reside here, O sage. And let it be that even a barren woman who bathes here shall obtain a son endowed with all auspicious marks. On the bright fifth day of the lunar fortnight, those who worship here with fruits, those who bathe here with devotion, and those who perform śrāddha here on that day with concentration—they shall all be blessed.” Then, approaching Nandivardhana, Vasiṣṭha spoke: “Choose a boon, child; I am pleased with you, O sinless one.” Nandivardhana replied with devotion, “May your presence always remain here, without fail.” Thus, by the grace of the sage and the devotion of the mountains and Arbuda, the pit was filled, blessings were bestowed, and sanctity was established in that sacred place for all time.