Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.1986

c8.1986

4) *Takṣaka gets ready.* As soon as the messenger Gauramukha departed from the palace -Parīkṣit called the ministers to his side and conferred with them to find a way to escape from the cobra Takṣaka. They built a building on a huge pillar and gave all protections to the building. Brahmins well-versed in all the mantras and Viṣavaidyas (physicians in the treatment of snake-poisoning) of fame were asked to sit around the pillar and the place was well-guarded. The King sat in a room tightly closed. Six days went by. On the seventh day the celebrated Viṣavaidya Kaśyapamaharṣi was on his way to the palace at the summons of the king. Takṣaka was also on his way to the palace in the guise of a brahmin. They met on the way and though Kaśyapa did not know him first Takṣaka introduced himself when he knew that Kaśyapa was going to the palace to treat the king if anything happened. He said “Oh Kaśyapa, I am Takṣaka and none of your wits would be able to fight against the effects of my poison. If you want to know it we shall make a trial.” Saying so Takṣaka went and bit a big banyan tree standing nearby, and lo! the whole tree was burnt to ashes by the strength of the poison. Kaśyapa smilingly recited the Viṣahāri mantra and sprinkled some water on the ashes and lo! the tree stood in its place again with not a single mutilation anywhere. Takṣaka was astounded. He then bribed Kaśyapa. He said he would give him more than what could be expected of the king and requested him to return home. Kaśyapa returned and Takṣaka went to the palace.